The higher humidity and hotter temperatures, along with more outdoor activities, result in a need for frequent showering to feel cool and comfortable during the summer months. Regrettably, this leads to higher energy consumption and expensive utility bills. Luckily, you can take advantage of a few energy-efficient upgrades for your shower this summer that will help you save money.
Low-Flow Showerheads
A low-flow showerhead is one of the easiest ways to conserve water. They’re designed to provide you with the same level of water pressure you currently enjoy but with less water usage. A high-quality low-flow showerhead can use as little as 1.5 gallons of water per minute. This is a stark contrast to the 2.5 or more that rushes from a conventional model.
Since you’re using less water with these showerheads, your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard either. This further lowers your energy consumption. This results in lower electric or gas bills, especially since heating water is a large portion of your household’s energy usage.
Efficient Water Heating
Tankless water heaters add to efficiency. These on-demand systems reduce energy waste by heating the water only when you need it, and this eliminates wasteful storage and constant reheating of a tank.
Heat pump water heaters are another great option. They use electricity to move heat from one place to another. They don’t create heat. By removing heat from the air and transferring it to a water tank, you’re saving a lot of energy.
Smart Shower Systems
A smart shower system controls every aspect of your shower experience with the push of a button. You’ll be able to pre-set your shower preferences for the perfect shower every time without making any manual adjustments. These devices offer programmable temperature settings and a way to digitally control your water pressure. Most smart shower systems can be retrofitted to your current shower with just a few minor plumbing and wiring adjustments.
LED Lighting
If you replace your traditional bulbs with LEDs, you’ll enjoy up to 70% more efficiency. LEDs last four times longer than incandescent bulbs as their lifespan ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. They’re available in warm, cool, and daylight tones, which makes it easy to create your ideal ambiance in your shower. Installing Energy Star-certified light fixtures further reduces your use of electricity while still effectively providing light.
By making even one of these shower upgrades, you’ll notice a substantial difference in your energy usage. Best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable showers all summer long without any worries of draining your wallet. Call Charleston Bath Experts in Charleston, SC for more information on energy-efficient walk-in showers.
