Showerheads Can Lower Your Water Bill

Showerheads come in a lot of varieties, and some of them can save you money. Most Americans take about a 10 minute shower daily, without realizing how much water and money is going down the drain. Older showerhead models spray out water very quickly, allowing for more waste. However, new water-saver models spray out much less water, which can drastically reduce water and energy consumption, and increase monthly savings.

Showerhead Energy Savings

Although replacing a showerhead may seem like a small change, it can reduce your water heating and water consumption costs by as much as 50%. Since a family of three takes nearly 1,000 showers annually, this savings adds up quickly.

While a traditional showerhead uses about 4 gallons of water each minute, an energy efficient model only uses 2 gallons per minute. That’s a difference of 20,000 gallons each year, for individuals that take a ten minute shower daily.

Partnering with your Utility Company

If you’ve thrown away the advertising pieces that accompany your monthly utility bill, you might be missing out on savings. Many utility companies send out vouchers for free or low-cost showerheads for households to promote energy savings. Contact your local utility company to see if they offer this program. If they don’t, ask them if they have any rebates coming up in the future.

The Costs of Energy-Efficient Shower Heads

When purchasing energy-efficient showerheads, you can expect to spend $50-$100 per unit. The cost of the item will depend on the type of showerhead chosen and the brand. Watch your local home improvement store’s weekly ads, as they sometimes have coupons or special discounts that will drive down the prices.

Maximizing your Energy Savings

In addition to purchasing an energy-efficient showerhead, consider making other improvements that will save both energy and money. Installing an energy-efficient water heater can cut energy consumption even more. New water heater options include solar water heaters and tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand.

If your water heater is outdated, talk with a plumber about upgrading to one of these models. Often you’ll benefit from a tax credit, and the initial investment will pay for itself quickly. A licensed plumber can often recommend other energy saving improvements for your home. And if you’re in the process of refinancing or purchasing a new home, you may be able to roll these improvements into the loan.