March 22nd is World Water Day! In a previous blog post, we spoke about the largest use of water in your house – toilets. This time, we will cover off the second largest use of water in your house, the shower, as well as the water heater.
Are you draining the lake with your shower?
While water use in showers is often less than baths, it really does depend on how long you are in the shower, whether you are using one showerhead or multiple ones, and how much water is used by your showerhead.
Standard showerheads use 9.5 to 13 litres of water per minute whereas water efficient models use 7.6 litres. It’s worth noting that water efficient showers not only save water but also reduce energy consumption. The less hot water you use during showers, the less energy is required to heat that water leading to additional savings on your energy bills.
Water efficient showerheads will still ensure a satisfying shower as the showerheads are designed to optimize water flow and pressure. You can choose from various spray patterns, adjustable flow rates, and even features such as pause buttons that allow you to temporarily stop the water flow while lathering or shampooing.
Even if you have efficient showerheads, be sure to check for leaks. If you detect one, you may want to contact a plumber for repairs.
Who used up the hot water?
Tankless (or on-demand) water heaters have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits, both financially and environmentally.
Traditional water heaters continuously heat and store water in a tank and may run out of hot water after extended use. Tankless models heat water on demand. This means you can enjoy hot showers and run multiple appliances at the same time without worrying about running out of hot water. The continuous flow of hot water ensures convenience and comfort for your household. Tankless water heaters also have a longer lifespan.
Traditional water heaters waste energy to keep stored water hot. With a tankless water heater, you only pay for the hot water you use. An on-demand water heater will also reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you install an electric option. For even more carbon savings, consider installing a heat pump water heater which is currently eligible for rebates under the Home Renovation Savings program.
Additional savings can be met by washing your laundry in cold water, running your dishwasher only when full, and reducing the length of your shower.
Take Action Burlington! We can all make the choice to conserve water use at home. Collectively we can make a difference.
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