Energy Smart Design

Today hot water is so readily available that we conveniently reach for it at the slightest chance (perhaps, too conveniently).  Hot water makes up a huge portion of residential energy bills, up to 25% in more extreme cases.  Invariably, the single biggest contributor to hot water use is that innocent showers that we all enjoy from time to time.  Do you know that a quick 10 minute shower can squander 50 gallons of water using a conventional showerhead?  It is then imperative that we should start using low-flow, water saver shower heads to at least halve our water usage, while taking nothing away from that special ‘feel’ your shower.  There are a number of low flow saver shower heads, ranging from the real basic type to that exquisitely sophisticated model.

Low Flow Shower Head

The fine holes on this water saver shower head obstruct the smooth flow of water.  As a result, the 'squeezed-out' water gains acceleration and in the process create a spray pattern that is both fine and 'wet'.  Compared to conventional shower heads that average 4 to 5 gallons a minute, these low flow models use only 2 to 2.5 gallons every minute, with certain manufacturers claiming to use even less.  Most of these are fitted with a push button shut-off valve to stop the flow midway while shampooing, so even less water is used. Switching from a conventional type to water saver shower head is fairly straightforward and takes only minutes.  With the right adaptor, it can go right into almost all standard shower arms, even the swivel-type.

Sample Calculation

We start our calculation by taking on a household of 3 who would chalk up 1,100 showers annually, with each shower lasting 10 minutes.  On a conventional shower head delivering 5 gallons of water every minute, the yearly hot water used would work out to be 55,000 gallons.  If a water saver shower head is used instead, with discharge of 2.5 gallons every minute, the household would save 27,500 gallons every year.

 If the water heating is done via electricity, the annual saving on the electricity bills would be $848 .75*.

 If the water heating is done by means of natural gas, the annual saving on the gas bill would be about $254.93**.  Of course the household saves on the water bill as well.

*in case of a standard electrical water heater, adjusted 60° F. up and at a cost of 19½¢/kWh 

**in case of a suspended gas water heater, adjusted 60° F.  up and at a cost of $1.13/therm

Invest in a Low Flow Shower Head

Basic design: $8-$12 Including shut-off valve (option): $10-$15 More fanciful type: $15-$25++