What is an energy-saving showerhead and how do they work?
How much water is dispensed through an energy-saving showerhead?
How much energy is saved?
Can I replace all my showerheads?
What showerhead styles are available?
How much do showerheads cost?
Can I get discounted prices on showerheads?
How do I install an energy-saving showerhead?
Once I've changed my showerhead, how do I dispose of the old one?
How can I learn more?

An energy-saving showerhead limits the amount of water flow from the showerhead, thereby reducing the amount of water used and decreasing the amount of energy needed to heat the water.

There are two main kinds of technology used in these showerheads: aeration and flow restriction. The aeration method incorporates air into the stream of water, either by drawing air in or forcing it into the water stream with compressed air. This process allows the showerhead to maintain consistent pressure, velocity and spray. Showerheads that use flow restriction emit a pulsed stream of water, maintaining the water temperature throughout use and providing for a strong water flow.

Another type of energy-saving showerhead incorporates a shut-off valve feature that allows the shower to be turned off while either soaping or shaving. This feature saves even more in energy costs by stopping the flow of heated water.

How much water is dispensed through an energy-saving showerhead?

Energy-saving showerheads dispense water at a rate of 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) or lower. 

How much energy is saved?

The energy saved is determined by the amount of gallons per minute (GPM) that flow from the showerhead. The less hot water that comes from the fixture, the less energy needed to heat the water. The following table illustrates the annual kilowatts per hour saved for each household when an energy-saving showerhead is installed in place of a standard fixture:

Can I replace all my showerheads?

Energy-saving showerheads can replace everything except ceiling-mounted showerheads.

What showerheads styles are available?

Energy-saving showerheads are now offered in a variety of brands, water flow types, styles and finishes. There are both wall mounted styles as well as handheld fixtures available. Some of the options for water flow include (but are not limited to): brisk, rainfall, mist, massaging and variable spray.

How much do energy-saving showerheads cost?

A typical energy-saving showerhead purchased from a retailer can range from about $7 to $50, depending on the type of fixture the consumer wants. Handheld fixtures are more expensive on average than their fixed, wall-mounted counterparts.

Can I get discounted prices on energy-saving showerheads?

Most Northwest utilities provide low-cost or no-cost options for their customers for a variety of energy efficient products. Go to our Utility Offers page to see the special offers from your utility or check our Find A Store page for the nearest retail location offering specially priced products.

How do I install an energy-saving showerhead?

Click here to view our easy-to-use showerhead installation instructions.

Once I’ve changed my showerhead, how do I dispose of the old one?

Showerheads contain no hazardous materials and can be disposed of in standard household garbage.

How can I learn more?

You can find out more by contacting your local utility provider or by visiting WaterSense an organization in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that has developed energy-saving showerhead standards based on energy efficiency, performance, functionality and safety.