Design ideas for durable kitchens and bathrooms

Water and moisture wreak havoc on homes, affecting function, durability and our health. Given that kitchens and bathrooms are the main source of humidity, we need to put extra thought into designing these rooms so they consume less, last longer, and help us maintain healthier homes. Durable water resistant surfaces will prevent damage andprevent mold spores from forming and affecting indoor air quality．

• To avoid water damage, be sure splash areas are finished with moisture resistant materials and properly caulked. This should include caulking joints in cabinets around water (sink units for instance). Low VOC brands of caulking are available.
• Kitchen Counter Options for Sustainable Green Homeswould be those that are resistant to heat, moisture and cuts from knives.
• Moisture damage from improperly vented kitchens and bathrooms can lead to rot and mold, affecting air quality and forcing costly repairs. Venting kitchen fumes to the exterior will also reduce the amount of time spent cleaning, which few will complain about. In older homes it is worth a check tomake sure bathroom and kitchen fans aren't vented into the attic.

Home ventilation and contaminant removal:

• Ensureproper ventilation of both kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture, and that meansventing to the outside．经过过滤并排回家中的灶台，除了清除一定的气味外，并没有多大作用，直到它们被堵塞。
• Bathroom fans are best hooked up to your air exchanger．与水分产生的量，这是一个良好的排气进气的位置，因为你会发现。
• 厨房风机应直接向室外通风，且运行时间越短越好。不要让它通过你的空气交换器，那是一个昂贵的机器，小的空气通道，如果充满了厨房油脂，不会持续太久。
• Dryers need to be vented directly outdoors as well. Don't be tempted to keep the heat by venting directly into your basement. Humid air requires a lot more energy to heat, so despite how it might appear, you really won't save energy.

Water efficient fixtures:

By using approximately 350 litres of water per person, per day, in a world where a billion people survive on 5 litres per day, Canadians have earned the dubious distinction of being the highest per capita consumers of water on the planet. For that reason, the fixtures and appliances you choose can have enormous impact on your consumption, as well as your utility bills.

• Older toilets use up to 13 LPF (litres per flush).A dual flush toilet can use as little as 3 LPF．每天冲5次水，每年可以节省1.5万到2万升水，而且双冲马桶的成本也不会更高。所以我们只有储蓄。
• Standard showerheads use 14 LPM (litres per minute).Low flow showerheadsuse as little as 6 LPM, and you will still come out squeaky clean.
• Be sure you have efficient taps. If not, install aerators on them to reduce flow, at no loss of function.

Energy star appliances:

• Energy Starappliances such as washing machineswill not be the cheapest to purchase, but at 35% to 50% greater efficiency, they will definitely be the cheapest to operate. Depending on use, you could make up that added cost several times over with lower bills.
• Energy Star dishwasherswill save you money and energy as well. Modern dishwashers don't require pre-rinsing, simply scrape off excess food and they will do the rest. Keep in mind that despite what you might hear from manufacturers, it has been proven that as long as you don't leave water running, washing dishes by hand uses less water and energy.
• Refrigerators and freezers run almost continuously, so it's very important that they are efficient (Energy Star) and are operated efficientlyas well. They run best with room left for airflow around the sides and back, but also when they are nicely filled, as your food acts asthermal mass抱着冷。如果你没有足够的食物来填满你的冰箱，在里面放几壶水实际上会减少能源消耗。
• Try to keep freezers away from hot water heaters, furnaces, and any other heat source so they don't work harder for no reason.

Efficient cooking tips:

炉灶是家庭能源的主要消耗者。Here are some ways to reduce their consumption:

• 瓦罐和蒸锅比灶台烹饪消耗的能源更少。
• Putting lids on pots reduces home humidity and allows you to cook at lower temperatures.
• Pressure cookers are the most efficient stovetop vessel and they release virtually no humidity while cooking.
• Ovens use about 6 times the energy of toaster ovens. Keep that in mind for smaller items.
• An oven will stay warm for some time so shut it off a bit early and save some energy.
• Electric kettles are the most efficient way to boil water.
• Use heat from your stove anyway you can. For example, you can preheat items on the top by using the small rear oven vent element.
• Convection ovens are quite a bit more expensive, but they significantly reduce cooking times and energy consumption. A convection oven is simply an oven with a fan, and air circulation significantly increases the rate of heat transfer.