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Considerations for Energy Efficient Showers in Hot-Humid Climates
Abstract
Measurements have been conducted on
four low-flow showerheads currently
recommended by utilities. These
measurements were made to determine
expected cost savings in two prison
installations, based on water
savings, sewer savings, and energy
savings. Current shower flowrates
of 2.5 gpm were reduced to 1.95 gpm
without affecting shower quality.
Three heads tested will provide
total annual savings of $12,337 at
Prison 1 and $11,036 at Prison 2,
or over $35 per showerhead compared
with the showerheads currently
being used by the prisons. The
estimated payback is less than two
months.
The savings determined are about
one-third the estimate made before
testing, since the low flow heads
tested require that supply water
temperatures be approximately 10 F
higher than standard heads to
achieve comparable temperatures in
the spray pattern. This is because
of evaporative cooling by the
aerating shower nozzles. Further
study also indicated lower shower
water usage than initially
estimated due to shorter inmate
shower times. Over 80% of the
savings projected will be due to
reduced water and sewer costs.
Further testing to determine
whether very low flow heads exist
which do not require elevated
supply temperatures are
recommended.
Citation
Claridge, D. E.; Turner, W. D. (1989). Considerations for Energy Efficient Showers in Hot-Humid Climates. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6570.