Did you know that a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a conventional toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, a standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water a minute, and a standard bathroom sink has a flow of 2.2 gallons of water per minute. To help conserve water usage and make your bathroom more eco-friendly, look for a low-flow showerhead and opt for a dual flush toilet. You may also choose to add an aerator to your faucet or install a modern motion-sensing system that virtually eliminates water waste!

Even though your water heater isn’t technically part of your bathroom, about 18 percent of the energy used in your home can be attributed to heating water. Replacing your current water heater with a more efficient model can be the first step toward an eco-friendly bathroom remodel! Our team at Southwestern Remodeling, the choice for bathroom remodeling in Wichita, recommends searching for heaters with the EPA’s Energy Star logo, which will signify that the product has been certified. Some of the most energy-efficient options include a heat pump water heater, tankless water heater, condensing storage water heater, or solar water heater. Additionally, opt for exhaust fans that use less electricity, and install a skylight or solar tube to bring in natural light.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, your flooring should be picked based on more than aesthetics. For an eco-friendly remodel, you can install electric radiant flooring to heat a specific room from the ground up. Not only is this type of heating more efficient than old-fashioned baseboard heating, but it is also more efficient than forced air because no heat is lost from ducting. Once you have your floors heated, consider which flooring material best matches the rest of the room! Because vinyl is the opposite of eco-friendly, our team recommends choosing a high-quality tile or stone option that is water-resistant.

While many big-box stores offer vanities and cabinets at more affordable prices, they are often crafted from plywood, particleboard, and pressed wood and won’t last the test of time. When shopping for bathroom furniture, look for strong and durable materials made from woods, stones, or reclaimed materials that will last a lifetime and prevent you from replacing your old furniture every couple of years! Once your bathroom remodel is complete, furnish it with “green” cleaning supplies and home decor items to maintain your environmental consciousness. Consider organic cotton towels, bathmats, and washcloths, and search for natural and sustainable materials like bamboo for toothbrushes, soap dispensers, and toothbrush holders.

The most important thing about undertaking an eco-friendly bathroom remodeling project is finding a contractor with previous experience in eco-friendly renovations. At Southwestern Remodeling, our team knows how to expertly meet the many needs of a bathroom and can improve functionality while creating a luxurious, spa-like master bathroom to achieve your remodeling goals!