Installing a new shower head is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to "go green". The great thing is that the benefits go beyond saving our environment, you will also be helping your wallet by lowering your monthly water and energy bills. Even though this is a simple way to reduce your consumption and expenses, it is recommended to do a bit of research before purchasing a low flow shower head.
Shower Head Flow Rate
Since 1992 federal regulations mandate that shower heads sold in the U.S. have been required to flow at no more than 2.5 gallons per minute when the water is at 80 pounds per square inch of pressure. In other words, for maximum efficency you should choose a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 and you will save money and energy. A shower head with a flow rate between 1.75 GPM - 1.50 GPM will save you approximately 30% to 40% in water and energy.
Shower Head Spray Strength
As we know, all shower heads are not alike. The spray strength of your shower head can make a big different in the comfort of the shower. The best quality shower heads will combine pressure and regular flow. Ideally you want a shower head that has a flow rate of 1.5 GPM with a pressure range of of 40-80 PSI.
There are two types of low flow shower heads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating shower heads mix air with water to form a misty spray which allows the water flow to be even and full. Laminar-flow show heads form individual streams of water which maintains the temperature and delivers a strong spray.
3 Popular Items On The Market Today
The Roadrunner shower head is equipped with ShowerStart™ technology that will help you water while you are showering. This shower head will save you about 8 gallons of water for every 5 minute shower. That is 8218 gallons a year and $246 yearly utility savings.
The Delta 75152 Water Amplifying Adjustable Shower head with H2OKINETIC Technology operates at 1.85 gallons per minute but feels like one that operates at 2.5 gallons per minute.You won't be sacrificing comfort, but you will be cutting down your water consumption. On average this shower head uses 26% less water than a typical 2.5 GPM shower head.
The American Standard 1660.717.002 FloWise 3 Function Water Saving Showerhead offers maximum comfort flow. It has three different spray settings. adjustable angle and a auto return feature. According to the manufacture, this shower head will produce a 40% water savings for you.
US $7.99
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The best 1.5 gpm shower head available is one manufactured by a little known company called High Sierra Showheards
. I use it everyday and highly recommend it.
Thanks for this informative post. Low flow shower heads are definitely a nice way to save fresh water. Especially at a time when fresh water levels in many parts of the world have dropped alarmingly, water saving devices prove to be very useful. Like you rightly said, while water and energy conservation is a great way to be eco friendly, they also help cut down on the utility bills and save money! Hope the tips were useful!
Saving money can be a great motivator. And low-flow showerheads is a great one. Aside from saving water, which is critical in some parts of the country, there is an even bigger savings that may be overlooked. That is the savings a low-flow showerhead can deliver when it comes time for a new water heater. Cutting back on that gallons per minute use can mean a tankless hot water heater that is $$$ of dollars cheaper because a smaller size heater will do the same job.