Low-flow Faucets and Showerheads: Save Water, Save Energy

Did you know that water heating is one of your home's biggest energy expenses? 

If you're looking for a simple, effective way to shrink your utility bills, upgrading to low-flow faucets and showerheads is an easy win. In this guide, we'll walk you through how these fixtures save you money and water without sacrificing the pressure or performance you expect.

What do low-flow faucets and showerheads do?

Low-flow faucets and showerheads have flow restriction devices that allow you to use less water while maintaining the water pressure you want from your bathroom and kitchen fixtures. 

Older faucets and showerheads have flow rates of 3.0-7.0 gallons per minute. Current government regulations cap new showerheads at 2.5 gallons per minute and new faucets at 2.2. Low-flow rates are 2.0 gallons per minute or less for showerheads and 1.5 or less for faucets. 

Old toilets had a GPF (gallon per flush) of 3.5-7.0. Current toilets have a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush and low-flow toilets only 1.28.

Low-flow faucets and showerheads save you money in two ways. You use less water, reducing your water bill; and you use less hot water, reducing your gas or electric bill. 

Changing an old showerhead to a WaterSense-approved showerhead can save about $70 a year in water and energy costs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, which certifies the most efficient low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. According to the EPA, “The average family spends more than $1,000 per year in water costs, but can save more than $380 annually from retrofitting with WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR certified appliances." 

What are the benefits of low-flow water fixtures?

Here are some of the many benefits of low-flow showerhead and faucets.

• Save money: Using less hot water is a double savings as you save on your water bill and on your energy bill (whether you have gas or electric water heating). Water heating accounts for about 19% of a home's energy consumption and is a home’s second-largest energy expense according to the US Energy Information Administration. 
• Save water: Conserving water and using less energy on water heating are contributions to a better environment. Using less gas or utility electricity means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Easy to install: Low-flow showerheads and faucets are typically easy to install without professional help, as well as a relatively inexpensive energy efficiency step. 
• Performance: Modern low-flow fixtures are engineered to give you the water pressure you want and expect. 
• Rebates: Some localities and utilities give rebates for low-flow water fixtures. The EPA’s WaterSense program is the best place to find fixtures eligible for rebates and certified to be the best low-flow faucets and showerheads. 

Saving water and saving money in your home

There are other steps to save money on water heating at home. One quick but impactful step can be turning your water heater’s temperature down to 120 F. Most of us won’t notice the difference. Your dishwasher will still work with hot water at that set temperature and lowering the temperature can reduce the risk of scalding, especially for older people and children.

Washing your laundry in cold water and checking regularly for leaking pipes or fixtures can also save energy, water, and money. 

You can find more ways to save energy and earn discounts on energy-saving devices with the new Palmetto app or Palmetto’s Savings Maximizer.

Frequently asked questions

How common are low-flow water fixtures in homes now?

Nearly all faucets and showerheads installed since 1994 and toilets since 1992 have had to meet federal regulations about lower water usage. A 2019 report by Plumbers Manufacturers International states 45.4% of new showerheads and 40.1% of new bathroom faucets meet EPA WaterSense low-flow standards.

How much does water heating cost in an average home?

Water heating totals about 18% of a home’s average energy consumption. Your actual cost will depend on factors such as energy rates, your water heater’s fuel type, your hot water temperature, and if you have a conventional tank or tankless water heater. Estimates broadly range from $75-$600 a year.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.