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by Lauren Busser The House Designers’ Contributing Writer
Updated bathroom fixtures can go a long way towards saving on your heat and energy bills. Since 1992, bathroom technology has come a long way in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. With everything from energy efficient rainshowers, to low-flow toilets, and smart fans with motion detection there are plenty of ways to make your bathroom more sustainable, whether it is a change of habit or an upgrade.
This past year has seen a lot of new technology being introduced. One notable advance is Kohler’s® introduction of the Numi® toilet. This new modern looking toilet features sleek styling coupled with the latest technology. Among the features of this toilet is a remote that lets you control every option at your fingertips and this toilet has many.
From a motion activated cover and seat to advanced bidet technology, integrated dryer, deodorizer and foot warmer, this toilet definitely brings luxury without compromising sustainability. In a single flush this WaterSense® toilet uses 0.6 gallons of water, with the dual flush it uses a mere 1.28 gallons.
If you don’t want to invest in a brand new toilet you could fit your toilet with a Toto® Washlet. In the pursuit of cleanliness, Toto® Washlets use water to cleanse and refresh, significantly reducing the consumption of toilet paper in the process. This amazing technology is cleverly disguised as a toilet seat that fits almost any standard toilet.
The Toto® Washlet extends an integrated wand at your command, releasing a warm soothing stream of aerated water. Unlike a conventional bidet, however, the wand self-washes and retracts after each use. Some models even include a feature called eWater+, a function that mists the bowl with electrolyzed water before and after each use to reduce the chemicals needed during each cleaning.
You don't have to focus solely on water and energy conservation either. Millwork by Fypon® will help you to create the ultimate humidity and moisture resistant environment. Since their urethane products are made with a closed cell structure, they resist humidity and moisture while adding sophistication and style to your bathroom. Fypon® millwork is ideal for creating an elegant bathroom on a budget without having to worry about the effect of steam and humidity on paint or wood.
If a big budget bathroom remodel isn’t in the immediate future, but you still want to try to lower your water and energy consumption you can do simple things like putting an aerator on your faucet. You can also change your habits by doing things like turning off the water when you brush your teeth or when you lather soap on your hands, and periodically checking your toilet and faucet for leaks to reduce water waste. As always, replacing your bathroom light bulbs with CFLs, and turning off the light or installing a motion detector switch for your light will also help you to make your bathroom greener.
Remember that greening your bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive venture. Whether you are installing a new high-efficiency toilet, faucet or showerhead, putting in an aerator, or simply making a pledge to change how you use water, it all helps to lower your bills and reduce your eco-footprint. So whether you are looking forward to fully upgrading your bathroom or will simply commit to pausing the shower while you lather, both the earth and your wallet will thank you.