Saving the Environment when you shower and save money!
Saving the Environment when you shower and money!
Showers are an area where the average homeowner can save a lot of water and energy for a relatively low cost. Showers use approximately 16.8% of you total indoor water usage. With the average shower consuming 17.2 gallons of water and lasting over 8 minutes at a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute, there is a big opportunity to save water and money when showering.
The most obvious way to save water is by replacing older showerheads with a low-flow showerhead. Older showerheads can use as much as 6.5 gallons per minute (gpm) compared to the 2.5 gpm or less of low-flow showerheads. Installing a low-flow showerhead could save as much as 70% on your water bill. This is especially important if you have multiple people living in your home. Perhaps the best part is that low-flow showerheads still provide a variety of features we have become accustomed to - adjustable spray, self-cleaning, pressure-balancing valves to keep temperature constant when water is being used elsewhere, etc. Some showerheads are even equipped with an on/off button or switch that can stop the flow of water entirely while applying soap and shampoo or shaving.
It is estimated that 73% of water used in the average shower is hot water. Reducing the amount of hot water you use can save on hot water heating. If you were to reduce the mixture of hot and cold water to 50:50, you would save approximately 3 gallons of hot water per minute. If you can’t picture yourself reducing the heat level of your shower, you can still save some money on hot water by reducing the time you spend showering. For the standard 2.5 gpm low-flow showerhead, you can save approximately 1.8 gallons of hot water for each minute you shave off your shower time.
Shower tips
Similarly to the way a low-flow faucet or aerator will save on water and water heating, so too will a low-flow showerhead. They come in a variety of styles and are equipped with all of the features that we have grown accustomed to.
Take shorter showers
A typical shower lasts 8 minutes and uses 17 gallons of water. Reducing shower times to the 3-4 minutes range would save nearly 10 gallons of water, not to mention energy used to heat the water. To help, purchase a shower timer to install in your shower.
Most of us enjoy hot showers. This increases hot water usage. Try taking a cold shower. Not only will it save on hot water spending, it will refresh you, wake you up and likely get you out of the shower a little quicker. If you can't get through an entire shower in cold water, try smaller bursts of cold water, like 10 or 20 seconds.
Turn off water when lathering
When showering, turn the water off when applying soap or shampoo. This saves both water and energy used to heat the water. Some showerheads are equipped with an "off" or "pause" button to do this for you without having to turn the taps off.
Shower less frequently
Although some people may think this to be a touch on the dirty side, skipping a day here and there isn't so bad. Water and energy savings can add up over time if you skip just one shower a week.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Federal regulations mandate that new showerhead flow rates can't exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). New faucet flow rates can't exceed 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. You can purchase some quality, low-flow fixtures for around $10 to $20 a piece and achieve water savings of 25%–60%.
Showerheads
For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to use a laminar-flow showerhead because it won't create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one.
Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. Therefore, if you have fixtures that pre-date 1992, you might want to replace them if you're not sure of their flow rates. Here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:
- Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
- Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
- Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.
If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow shower head.
U.S. Department of Energy Cost Calculator for Faucets and Showerheads
