Save Energy in your Bathroom
We’re all becoming more environmentally aware and cost conscious. I’m sure you’ll agree that making a ‘saving’ on your energy bill is appealing.
Let’s get slightly technical for a moment. Moisture laden air (we speak of this as ‘steam’) is only formed as a direct result of warm moist air from the shower head, mixing with the cooler air in the bathroom.
It’s only when these two air masses meet, that steam is formed. Warm water on its own doesn’t create steam.
If you don’t believe me – I challenge you to watch your kettle when it’s next boiling and observe carefully. There is no steam INSIDE the kettle. It’s only visible when it comes out the spout and mixes with the cooler air in the kitchen. This is in fact the entire scientific basis of how Showerdome was invented!
Let’s take a look at these Showerdome energy saving benefits in more detail
Fitting a dome on a shower makes the shower much hotter because you're not heating the whole room, just the shower cubicle - the hot water tap must be turned down to bring the temperature back to a comfortable level. Typical reduction is 4c.
Result - energy saving.
Extractor fans are not required. Turning a fan on while showering actually creates more moisture because it effectively draws more cool air into the bathroom - that’s what causes the steam. (Warm moist air mixing with cooler air). Fans should only be used to ventilate and dry the room after ablutions are complete. If the room is completely dry as a result of the dome - no fan required.
Result - energy saving.
Windows are often opened to ventilate damp bathrooms. Not required if the dome has stopped the steam being made in the first place. An open window quickly lets huge amounts of warm (expensively heated) air out of the home in winter. Keep windows and vents closed during cooler weather.
Result - energy saving.
As bathrooms tend to be cold damp rooms (because of vents, moisture, etc) people use heaters - usually heat lamps - in bathrooms. Of course this makes things worse - warm air holds more moisture (but it can't be seen) and when the room cools down after use there is even more condensed damp. With a dome there is no need for heaters.
Result - energy saving.
Many homes now have electrically heated mirrors. With a dome the mirror doesn't mist up (because there is no moisture in the room) therefore the heating elements are not required.
Result - energy saving.
Lots of people resort to dehumidifiers in the bathroom and in the home generally to rid dampness much of which is caused by shower steam. No steam - no dehumidifier.
Result - energy saving.
As the bathroom is a dry room, towels dry much quicker. We no longer run our heated towel rail. Result - energy saving.
Having a dome substantially reduces cleaning time and cleaning materials in the bathroom.
Result - ecologically better, less household expense, more leisure time.
Warm dry homes are much healthier. Moisture feed dust mites which are recognised as the cause of many health problems (eg. asthma in children, rheumatics in elderly).
Result - improved health.
Many modern homes have an ensuite off the bedrooms.
Moisture from the showers permeates the bedroom making carpets, drapes, bedding and cloths damper. The Showerdome shower top stops all shower generated steam.
Result - warmer moisture free bedrooms.
Tel (09) 835 9797 - showerdome.co.nz