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Taking a shower is a daily ritual for most of us, offering either an invigorating start or a relaxing end to the day. But have you ever considered how much money you could be saving in the shower? Ultimately, while we enjoy the soothing flow of warm water, we can’t deny the impact it has on our wallets and the environment.
Showers are a significant source of expenses when you start to consider the energy needed to heat the water and the water itself. So, if you are looking for smart ways to reduce your shower costs, this article is for you!
Invest in an energy-efficient hot water solution
When it comes to reducing shower-related costs, hot water systems are paramount. A traditional system can be energy-intensive, consuming substantial amounts of electricity to heat the water. However, there are efficient alternatives that can make a huge difference to your utility bills.
It is worth considering upgrading to an energy-efficient system, such as a tankless water heater or even a gas solution, which provides continuous flow. In the typical family home, systems that are designed to heat water on demand can eliminate the standby energy losses that occur with traditional water heaters. Besides, the switch to more modern heating appliances can also reduce your maintenance costs and your overall carbon footprint.
Turn down the thermostat
When it comes to heating your home in winter, every homeowner knows they could reduce their energy bills by turning down the central heating. The same principle can also apply to your shower. Indeed, you can adjust the thermostat on your water heater to reduce your shower-related expenses. Most water heaters come with a default temperature setting that tends to be higher than necessary. So, you can lower this thermostat without sacrificing your comfort.
It is also worth noting that keeping the thermostat a little lower can also extend the lifespan of your water heater and reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Typically, you can safely lower the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which remains suitable for showers and all water appliances, and can reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water system.
Take shorter showers
Granted, a long and luxurious shower is the best relaxing gift you can give your body after a long day. However, long showers can be costly when it comes to water and energy consumption. So, you want to reduce your shower time. As a rule of thumb, you should be aiming for 5 to 9 minutes, depending on your needs. It makes sense, for instance, that someone with longer hair may need to spend more time in the shower on hair wash days! Yet, shortening your shower by just a few minutes every day can result in noticeable savings on your utility bills over time.
How to keep your shower short? Set a timer to remind yourself to keep your showers brief. Make sure everything you need is easily accessible within the shower. The last thing you need is having to get out of the shower to grab washing products! Do not cut rinsing time off. But you can turn the tap off when you don’t need to stand underneath the shower head, such as for shampooing your hair for instance.
Hopefully, these few tips can help you reduce your shower costs and improve your energy bills without compromising on comfort.