Water-efficient Bathrooms: Showerheads and Faucets

A tried-and-true method of water conservation is to take shorter showers. But if you want to linger under the hot water in the dead of winter or after a long day, there are other ways to make sure you’re wasting as little water as possible. One of the best ways to conserve water at any time of year is to install eco-upgraded showerheads and faucets in your bathrooms.  

Conserve Water Without Sacrificing Spa Quality: Energy Efficient Showerheads 

Most people don’t think about how much water they’re using while showering: showers are not just where they get clean, but also where they ponder important questions, come up with their best ideas, and wash away the cares of the day. But it’s past time to ponder on the fact that standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM). You can reduce this quantity significantly by installing showerheads with the WaterSense label, which use no more than 2.0 GPM. 

 If you picture an energy efficient showerhead, you’re probably imagining an early low-flow version that puts out a weak dribble—and takes a week to rinse you off. Fortunately, the EPA is aware of this problem: consumers will take longer showers and ultimately waste more water if the water pressure isn’t up to snuff. That’s why showerheads with the WaterSense label feature water pressure rates of up to 80 pounds per square inch.  

Energy efficient showerheads are also designed with the following considerations in mind: 

  • Pressure compensation, or how well the unit maintains water flow at various pipeline water pressures (for example, upper-floor bathrooms in older houses sometimes have weaker pressure) 
  • Spray pattern, or different ways that the unit can distribute water (many have adjustable spray patterns) 
  • Spray intensity, or the ability of the flow to effectively blast away soap and lather 

Conserve Water and Keep Your Sink Clean Too: Energy Efficient Faucets 

Turning the water off when you brush your teeth is an excellent way to conserve significant quantities of water. But you can use even less water if you do that and install a sink faucet or aerator (the mesh or hole-punched surface inside the spout) with the WaterSense label. These products use a maximum of 1.5 GPM, which can be over 30 percent less than standard units.  

WaterSense-labeled units come in a wide variety of price points, so whether you’re looking for something basic or fancy, there’s an energy-efficient faucet that fits your budget. Either way, a new faucet or aerator is a great way to spruce up your bathroom in an eco-friendly way. In addition, WaterSense-labeled product partners sometimes offer rebates on purchases of these units—look to see if rebates are available in your area. 

Get Financing for Energy Efficient Upgrades to Your Home 

If you live in Michigan, you can get financing for new energy efficient bathroom fixtures and other energy-saving upgrades with Michigan Saves. 

Making your home more efficient can save you cash now and all year long. Our financing can help you quickly turn your house into a comfortable and energy efficient home by paying for virtually any energy upgrade you need.  

Get professional help from one of our authorized Michigan contractors in your area. Spring into energy savings with us today!