Shower

Hair Dryer

Based on an average use of 5 minutes, the cost of using a hair dryer is less than 1 cent per use.

Low Flow Shower Heads

Energy Saving Tips:
Conventional shower heads consume more than 5 to 7 gallons of water every minute (GPM) during a shower and represent 21% of daily residential water usage. Install a low flow shower head, which saves 50% of the water used when showering and can save up to $50 per year in energy costs.

Operating Expense:
If you use a low-flow shower head, the energy needed for an 8-minute hot shower costs only about 28 cents.

Buying Tips:
There are two types of low-flow shower heads. Both types have a narrower stream than conventional shower heads, so more water streams directly onto your body, making the shower more efficient.

Aerating models add air into the water stream. This maintains the pressure of the flow and creates a "full" shower effect.

Non-aerating models don’t add air into the water stream; these are able to maintain water temperature more effectively.

Prices for low-flow shower heads range from $5 to $45 for fixed position models and from $11 to $58 for hand-held models. When purchasing a low-flow shower head, look for models that you can adjust on the side; it is usually more convenient if you don’t have to reach into the stream to adjust the water flow.

Some models offer a shut-off valve that keeps the water hot while the flow is stopped. This allows you to turn the water off while you’re applying soap. Generally, try to avoid models that are "over-designed."

Energy Usage Chart