ARTICLES

WATER SAVING SHOWER HEADS: SAVE ON WATER AND ENERGY COSTS

SEP 14, 2016

Everyone likes to keep their hard-earned money in their pocket. What better way than to invest in something you daily. These inexpensive shower heads can save you hundreds of dollars yearly. But before you buy, check out our top five picks for the best water saving shower heads.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WATER SAVING SHOWER HEAD

Flow Rate: The flow rate of a shower head indicates the amount of water that is pushed from the shower head per minute. According to government standards, no shower head can have a flow rate greater than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Low-flow shower heads use even less than that, which translates to lower energy costs to the consumer.

Some shower heads even have an adjustable GPM to provide even more options for cost savings.

MEETSWATERSENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER SAVINGS:

Launched in 2006, WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency. According to the EPA’s website, “WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent, third–party testing and certification, and meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance. When you use these water–saving products in your home or business, you can expect exceptional performance, savings on your water bills, and assurance that you are saving water for future generations.”

Other factors to consider:

What kind of warranty is offered on the product?

What is the product made of?

Does the product come in the color that I like?

  1. Niagara N2915CH Shower Head

Features:

  • Three spray settings: 9-jet spray, shower, and combo.
  • Pressure compensating technology guarantees a consistent flow rate across a wide range of pressure.
  • Corrosion-resistant, high-impact ABS thermoplastic body with metal ball joint.
  • 10 year warranty.

Flow rate: 1.5 GPM

Finish: Chrome

Price: $8-$15

Savings: approximately $480 per year*

Water Sense: Yes

  1. Delta 75152 Adjustable Water-Amplifying Shower head

Features:

  • Dense spray pattern feels like a full-flow shower. Larger spray droplets feel warmer longer.
  • Uses 26% less water than standard shower heads.
  • Designed to be user-friendly, the H2OKinetics showerhead has a contemporary design with four large spray holes. Internal engineering guarantees that the spray holes will not clog up.

Flow rate: adjustable 1.85-2.5 GPM

Finish: Chrome

Price: $20-$25

Savings: approximately $312 per year*

Water Sense: Yes

3.High Sierra 1. 5 GPM Low Flow Shower Head

Features:

  • This showerhead is a Green Product, not only from the water and energy it saves, but also because of its compact design.
  • Features and exclusive FCS nozzle patented by High Sierra, so no other low flow showerhead on the market offers this technology.
  • Uses 40% less water than standard shower heads.

Flow rate: 1.5 GPM

Finish: Chrome

Price: $35-$45

Savings: approximately $480 per year*

Water Sense: Yes

  1. American Standard Flowise 3-Function Shower head 1660.717.002

Features:

  • Features turbine technology that works by first pressurizing the water in a small chamber and then spinning it with the turbine, which adds force to the flow as it is evenly dispersed among the spray nozzles
  • Up to 40% water savings compared to standard showerheads.
  • Covered by a lifetime warranty on function and finish.

Flow rate: 2.0 GPM

Finish: Chrome, Satin

Price: $30-$40

Savings: approximately $480 per year*

Water Sense: Yes

  1. American Standard Flowise Modern Shower head 1660.613.075

Features:

  • Up to 40% Water Savings.
  • Uses advanced turbine technology to deliver an invigorating shower. Experience
  • Made of durable brass with three spray settings: turbine, full spray, and combination.

Flow rate: 2.0 GPM

Finish: Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel

Price: $30- $50

Savings: approximately $480 per year*

Water Sense: Yes

*Savings estimation based on average water bill of $120 per month.

It’s a no brainer to spend between $8 and $50 to save hundreds each year in water alone when you buy a water saver shower head.  What’s more, the less water you use, the less water you heat, which means you’re saving on electricity as well. If you want to take the savings further, invest in an energy efficient water heater that heats quicker, and hotter, giving you hot water faster. No more waiting for hot water while cool water and hard-earned cash go down the drain. Visit Donley Service Center to find out more about energy efficient water heaters.