The Lowdown on Water-saving Shower heads
30th October 2024
Save on your hot water costs – by switching from an inefficient shower head to a low-flow shower head.
Did you know that simply by replacing an old, inefficient shower head with a 3-star water-efficient model, a family of four could save 70 kl of water per year. Given that most of us shower in hot water – which consumes energy to heat it up – this simple change can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. In fact, it is estimated that by using water-efficient products around the home, Australians could save up to $175 per household on their utility bills each year.
In this guide, we take a look at why low-flow shower heads get such good press and do the math on how many litres of hot water you could save by switching to a water efficient mode
How water-saving shower heads work
Water-saving shower heads, also called low-flow shower heads, reduce water flow without compromising on water pressure. So you won’t feel like you’re standing under just a trickle of water. Available in a range of styles and sizes to complement any bathroom aesthetic, these shower heads offer efficient water usage without sacrificing your shower experience.
Depending on the design of the model you choose (generally, a wider head will douse you more effectively), you may not even notice the difference between a low-flow shower head and an older, less efficient one.
Understanding the WELS rating for shower heads
The national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is like the star rating scheme for electrical appliances – yet, in this case, it tells you how water-efficient a product is. Understanding this rating system is essential when choosing a shower head, especially if you’re aiming to reduce water consumption and lower utility bills.
Compulsory on all shower heads sold in Australia, the WELS label makes it easier for you to compare the efficiency of different products. Each label provides details on the water flow rate in litres per minute alongside a star rating. Opting for a shower head with a minimum 3-star rating, which uses 9 litres or less per minute, is generally recommended.
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Why more people are switching to water-efficient shower heads
Here’s why water efficient shower heads are so popular:
- They reduce your overall water consumption – which, in the shower, is generally hot water that costs money to heat.
- They reduce the amount of waste water generated by homes.
- With less energy needed to heat water, they can also help reduce carbon emissions.
- They help save on energy bills by reducing the amount of hot water needed for showers, resulting in lower energy consumption and decreased utility costs.
Given these benefits, many local water companies offer rebates to assist with purchasing water-efficient shower heads. Additionally, some companies provide exchange programs where inefficient shower heads can be swapped for water-efficient ones. Check with your local water authority to see if any incentives or rebates are available in your area.
How much water does a low-flow shower head save?
The WELS label on new shower heads makes it easy for you to do the maths on how much hot water you could use every time you have a shower. But how can you compare it to your old shower head, which doesn’t have a WELS star rating?
To determine your existing showers’ water usage, simply place a bucket under the shower, turn it on, and measure the water collected in one minute (warning: you might need a big bucket, or quick emptying reflexes!). If it’s a conventional shower head, you could expect to catch between 20 and 25 litres in one minute.
Flow rates for showers are indicated on the water rating label in litres per minute (L/min).
Every 1 L/min difference will save a family of 4 nearly 12 kilolitres (kL) of water and $35 each year (based on an 8-minute shower per person per day with water at $2.99 per kL).
For a family of 4, replacing a shower that flows at 15 L/min with:
- a 3-star shower at 9 L/min will save 70 kL each year on water bills.
- a 5-star shower at 6 L/min will save 105 kL each year on water bills.
Additionally, you can expect to see savings on the cost of your energy bills because less water will need to be heated.
Shower heads with 4 and 5-star ratings must now pass tests for spray force and coverage, ensuring a comfortable shower experience while conserving water. Making the switch to more water-efficient models could save you tens of thousands of litres of water and significant dollars off your bills each year.
The final word
Taking a shower can consume a lot of hot water. Switching to a water-saving shower head is a great way to reduce your hot water consumption – which in turn will help to reduce your energy bills each year.
Looking for more ways to save on your energy bills? Check out our article on easy electricity saving tips for around the home.
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