Are you someone who enjoys long, soothing, and relaxing showers? While they can be incredibly relaxing, have you ever wondered about the cost of a shower at that length? Understanding water and heating costs go a long way to learning how much a shower costs from a gas or electricity-powered shower. Taking a long, hot shower for 30 minutes can result in a significant amount of water being used. The flow rate of your showerhead, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), plays a crucial role in determining water consumption.
Older showerheads typically have a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, while newer water-saving models can limit the flow to as low as 1.5 GPM. For a standard shower with a flow rate of 2.1 GPM, a 30-minute shower would consume approximately 63 gallons of water. However, it’s important to note that these figures can fluctuate depending on several factors, including your location, the efficiency of your showerhead, and personal shower habits.
In our guide, you can learn more about how the shapes and sizes of showers can use little or a huge amount of water. Having shows daily longer than the average shower length can affect water and energy bills. By the end, you’ll better understand more than the installation costs of showers. You’ll see how water temperature and lowering the duration still gives the comfort of a warm shower but at a lower cost. (Learn How To Tell How Long A Mouse Has Been Dead)
The Impact of Showers on Water Consumption
According to statistics, showers rank as the third largest consumer of water in a typical household, following toilets and washing machines. In some cases, showers even surpass washing machines regarding water usage. By shedding light on the costs associated with showering, we encourage individuals to be mindful of their water usage and consider more sustainable alternatives.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Shower Costs
To accurately estimate your shower costs, we require several pieces of information.
- Number of People in Your Household: This refers to the total number of individuals residing in your home who use the shower.
- Average Shower Duration: The average length of time each person spends in the shower.
- Number of Showers Per Person Per Day: The frequency at which each household member takes showers.
- Water Price: The cost of water in your location, typically measured in currency per cubic meter (m³).
- Energy Price: The price of energy, usually measured in currency per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Shower Flow Rate: The rate at which water flows through your shower head, measured in liters per minute (l/min).
The Role of Your Hot Shower On the Cost Of Showering
While shower duration undoubtedly affects the cost of hot showers, it’s not the sole factor determining your expenses. The hardware installed in your shower also plays a significant role. Different showerhead models have varying flow rates, indicating the water they release per minute. Energy-saving regulations dictate that new showerheads must have flow rates of less than 2.5 gallons per minute. However, older showerheads may have significantly higher flow rates, reaching as high as 5.5 gallons per minute.
If your showerhead has not been updated in some time, it could significantly contribute to your hot shower costs. Let’s revisit our earlier scenario, assuming average shower times and energy costs with a standard flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute. In this case, the annual cost for hot showers would remain below $195.
Assessing Your Showerhead’s Efficiency
Curious to determine the efficiency of your current showerhead?
- Place a bucket marked with gallon increments on the floor of your shower.
- Turn on your shower as you normally would for a regular shower.
- Start a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the bucket to fill up to the one-gallon mark.
During this test, the longer it takes for the bucket to reach one gallon, the more efficient your showerhead is. If the bucket fills up to one gallon in less than 20 seconds, it clearly indicates that it’s time for an upgrade.
How Much Water Does a Shower Use?
The average length of showers daily varies from person to person. The national average for shower time is around 8-12 minutes, but some individuals may take shorter showers, while others indulge in longer ones. To estimate the amount of water used during a shower, we can consider the flow rate and the duration of the shower.
For example, if you have a showerhead with a flow rate of 2.1 GPM and take a 10-minute long shower may use approximately 25 gallons of water. This calculation can give you an idea of the water consumption associated with your showers. It’s important to note that this is an average and may fluctuate depending on several factors, including personal preferences and shower habits. (Learn How Long Should Mud Bed Cure Before Tiling)
Understanding the Flow Rate and Hot Shower Time
Your showerhead’s flow rate plays a significant role in determining water usage. Lowering the flow rate can lead to substantial water savings over time on your combined water and sewage costs.
Calculating the Cost of Showering
To determine the cost of each shower, you need to consider the price of water and the cost of heating it. The cost of water varies based on your location and is typically measured in cubic feet or gallons. Additionally, heating the water requires energy, contributing to your overall shower expenses. The cost per gallon or cubic foot of water per shower and the energy costs associated with heating it can vary depending on your utility rates. A rate of 1.50 per 1000 gallons is the average in the US.
Role of Water and Electricity in Your Shower Costs
When it comes to shower expenses, both water, and electricity play vital roles. Water is necessary for showering, while electricity powers devices such as water heaters and pumps. The combined cost of water and electricity can significantly contribute to your overall expenses.
Heating water, in particular, can be a significant factor in your shower costs. If you have a gas water heater, the energy source is typically natural gas, and the costs are associated with gas usage.
How to Save Money on Showers FAQs
When you shower, you can reduce costs around this daily activity in several ways.
1. Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Installing water-saving fixtures in your bathroom is one of the first things to save money when you take a shower.
Consider replacing your old showerhead with a low-flow model, which can reduce water usage without compromising water pressure or the quality of your shower experience. These fixtures are designed to mix air with water, creating a satisfying shower using less water per minute.
2. Time Your Showers
Being mindful of the time you spend in the shower is another effective way to save money. Longer showers waste water and increase the energy required to heat the water. Consider setting a timer or using a waterproof clock in your bathroom to track your shower time. Aim to keep your shower to six minutes rather than the average of 12 minutes to minimize water and energy consumption. (Read Does A Shower Drain Need A Trap)
3. Optimize Water Temperature
Heating water accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill. By optimizing your shower temperature, you can save money without sacrificing your shower comfort. Start by reducing the temperature on your water heater thermostat to a reasonable level, typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) used to heat water. In addition, keep the door closed as you shower on colder weather.
4. Collect and Reuse Water
Save water for other purposes instead of letting it go down the drain at 12 litres per minute while you wait for it to warm. Place a bucket or a container in your shower to catch the initial cold water until it reaches the desired temperature. You can reuse it for activities like watering plants, cleaning, or flushing toilets. Repurposing this water reduces wastage and makes the most of your shower water.
5. Fix Leaks and Dripping Faucets
Leaky faucets and showerheads can waste a substantial amount of water over time. That constant drip may seem insignificant, but it can quickly increase your water bill.
6. Add a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless heaters are more cost effective, yet the installation cost is higher. When you have your daily shower, you don’t waste as when water heating as you only heat the water you use.
Conclusion
With these practical tips and techniques, you can save money on showers without compromising cleanliness or comfort. By installing water-saving fixtures, timing your showers, optimizing water temperature, collecting and reusing water, considering a shower timer or reminder, embracing cold showers (if possible), fixing leaks, and educating your family members, you can make a positive difference for both your wallet and the environment. (Learn How To Remove Silicone Caulk From Fiberglass Shower Stall)
One bonus of a tankless water heater is they can increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.
