Jan 17 2008
A Showerhead With Brains
A few months ago we wrote about low-flow fixtures that save considerable amounts of water while you’re in the shower. But what about the habit that I’m betting most of you have?
Before hopping in the shower, how many of you run the water until its warm enough? Guilty. Anyone do anything else while you wait? Maybe use the toilet, brush your teeth, or even shave? By the time you’re done you’ve likely sent down the drain several gallons of the hot water for which you were waiting.
A company called ShowerStart has a solution to this habit: Its Evolve line of showerheads features the ShowerStart technology, a sensor that actually turns the shower stream to a trickle once it has warmed up to 95 degrees. When you’re ready to hop in, a simple flick of the switch resumes the full flow water. Its that simple.
For those of you unwilling to either replace your current showerhead or drop the cash for one of their premium models, they’ve thought of something for you too…its called the Ladybug. It’s a device that you affix in line between your showerhead and shower arm that easily brings the ShowerStart technology into your bathroom.
Unfortunately its low-flow offering could be improved (currently its RoadRunner model is the lone showerhead in that category). But even the devices offering the “maximum flow rate allowable by law” still save the homeowner an estimated $75 and 2,700 gallons of water while the Roadrunner saves $230 and 7665 gallons.
The company has received some criticism for offering a product that encourages people to let technology solve efficiency problems, especially when slight modifications in behavior would suffice. Point taken, BUT, for the vast majority of people who won’t change, this is a great solution.
Now, let me see if I can’t get my hands on one of these nifty devices to try out…
Green homes can look modern and sleek, but what if you want a more traditional looking home? Like a craftsmen or a cape. Holistic Homes is building four green and energy efficient craftsman style homes in Woodstown, New Jersey that are big on style and luxury and small on cost and energy.
Changing out your old water fixtures for low-flow ones is easy and fairly inexpensive. But if you have been avoiding this task because you are afraid of losing precious water pressure, don’t worry, low-flow fixtures have come a long way.
Planning to build a green home can be confusing.
When shopping for an energy efficient washer and dryer, you might find that most washers are front loading (also know as vertical-axis washers).