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Step 19D) Showerheads: Intro
It's well known that low-flow showerheads can save water and energy. But not only is it tricky to find one that you like the feel of--it's also tricky to find one that doesn't incur a hidden extra energy cost.
Low-flow showerheads typically aerate the water and deliver it in a fine spray. The fine droplets cool very quickly as they fly through the air. You might not notice this, because you can simply turn up the temperature, and still have the water be hot when it hits you. But turning up the temperature means extra energy to heat the water. The first person to note this effect was perhaps Alan Meier in a 1985 Home Energy Magazine article.
The worst in this regard is, ironically, the classic small-head low-flow showerhead often promoted in water and energy saving programs. Whether or not you like the prickly feel of the high-velocity fine spray it delivers, the cooling effect negates some of the energy savings the low flow provides.
Fortunately, a few manufacturers have noticed this problem and introduced showerheads specifically designed to deliver a forceful spray with larger droplet and no aeration to maintain the heat in the water. Or, knowing about this consideration, you can find simple, inexpensive showerheads that work well.
Low-flow showerheads typically aerate the water and deliver it in a fine spray. The fine droplets cool very quickly as they fly through the air. You might not notice this, because you can simply turn up the temperature, and still have the water be hot when it hits you. But turning up the temperature means extra energy to heat the water. The first person to note this effect was perhaps Alan Meier in a 1985 Home Energy Magazine article.
The worst in this regard is, ironically, the classic small-head low-flow showerhead often promoted in water and energy saving programs. Whether or not you like the prickly feel of the high-velocity fine spray it delivers, the cooling effect negates some of the energy savings the low flow provides.
Fortunately, a few manufacturers have noticed this problem and introduced showerheads specifically designed to deliver a forceful spray with larger droplet and no aeration to maintain the heat in the water. Or, knowing about this consideration, you can find simple, inexpensive showerheads that work well.
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Feb 6, 2009. 1:05 PMtravisbaucom
says:
My wife and I installed an Oxygenics low flow shower head in our shower. We are pleased with it the hot water lasts longer because we are using less water to take a shower. We got our's here: www.energyefficienttechnologies.net
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