Bathroom

Please note that the actual energy usage of each individual appliance depends on their wattage (Understanding energy units), what we give here are estimates based on the average wattage these appliances are available in.

General measures to save energy and money:

• Turn off appliances completely or unplug when not in use. Up to 40% of the total energy usage of an appliance can happen in stand-by mode, especially TVs, game consoles and computers use a considerable amount of energy in stand-by, but also plugged in charging cables use energy.

• Choose appliances with a high energy rating (see 'Understanding appliance energy rating').

• Shop around: By switching your energy provider on a regular basis you can take advantage of the cheapest rates and best offers. However be aware of the terms and conditions of your current contract to avoid penalty payments.

Electric & power shower

8.5-10 per hour or 1.4-1.6 for a 10-minute shower

Measures to save energy and money:

• Reduce shower time.

• Use ECO setting if available (most electric showers have 2 heating elements and 3 settings: ‘low’ means no heating element is used, ‘ECO’ means one heating element is used and ‘high’ means both heating elements are used).

• Use lower temperature settings.

• Check the manual for energy saving information.

• Unless you have very low water pressure install an electric shower instead of a power showers (power showers have an integrated pump to increase water pressure and use more energy than electric showers).

Immersion heater

Around 3kWh per hour.

Measures to save energy and money:

• Only turn it on when you need hot water or install a timer.

• If possible set a maximum temperature of 65 degree, this is enough for all hot water needs.

• Insulate the tank and hot water pipes.

• In the colder months use your gas / oil burner to heat water.

• Take a shower instead of a bath - despite the high energy usage of an electric shower, overall having a (short) shower turns out cheaper.

Electric radiators

(See Heating)

Hairdryer

0.2 kWh per hour

Measures to save energy and money:

• Use on a cool setting

• Dry your hair as much as possible before using the hairdryer

Hair straightener, curling iron, electric shaver and similar appliances

Around 0.05 kWH