There is a general misconception that all shower heads are the same. This is erroneous. Shower heads have developed into many different types. Technology has also impacted the way they operate and what many people do not realize is that the wrong head can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in energy and water costs.
Many shower heads perform dismally when it comes to energy and water conservation. This is because they use old technology and are therefore still very wasteful. We are all aware of the alarming fact that the world’s water supply is dimishing. This is the same case with energy as is evidenced by the skyrocketing price of gasoline at the pumps. Energy and water conservation has become a major priority for many nations. There is a way for regular homes to chip in when it comes to playing a part. One of the best ways is in buying the right kind of shower head.
Most homes have regular shower heads. While these have a semblance of doing a good job simply because when you enter the shower you come out clean, they are wasteful. However, the push-on mixer shower head which can now be purchased at any home improvement store is the most ideal for older homes whose plumbing does not run behind the wall.
Convenctional shower heads come pre-installed with multiple two faucets; one for hot water nd the other for cold water. These are usually not costly and are therefore installed routinely in most low-cost housing units. They usually come in a “Y” shape.
Then there is the manual mixer shower head. This one works more or less like a convenctional shower head except that it has its own faucets for hot both and cold water. In this type of shower, the shower hose and head are fixated to the wall. The water usually connects to a single system. This usually works well, although installation can be complex and costly because there modifications have to be made to the plumbing.
The thermostatic mixer shower head is a newer, more adjustable head. It is also among the next-generation shower heads. Not only can it control the temperature of the water but it can also maintain it throughout the shower. The hose and shower head also emanate from the wall much like the manual mixer does. They usually come with a built-in device that stabilizes the temperature of the water based on what has been selected. This head saves water because it regulates the flow and the overall temperatures. One downside of this head is that it is not cheap.
This technology can be quite complex while being simple at the same time. This is because water and energy conservation have to be considered. A wrong shower head can escalate ypour water and energy bills dramatically.
Regular standard shower heads can be wasteful as we have seen. The Internet pirovides an excellent place to conduct research before buying. It is also quite easy to do a price comparison. Research ensures that you hear reviews from others before making the decision to buy.