Shower Water and Energy Use Calculator
January 6, 2009 · Filed Under Tools
( Updated 1/20/09 ) After making the various calculations for the Shower Saving Tips article, I realized that it would be helpful to have a water calculator that would not only calculate the amount of water used, but also energy. This calculator takes in various sets of inputs including:
Water Parameters
- Average Shower Time: Enter the amount of time you normally shower.
- Shower Head Water Usage: The number of gallons per minute your shower head uses. If you cannot find this value, many shower heads made today use 2.5 gallons per minute.
- Cost: The cost of water per 1000 gallons used. The national average is $2 per 1000 gallons.
Water Heater Parameters
- Energy Type: The type of energy you water heater uses. The typical water heater uses either gas or electric.
- Cost: The cost of one unit of the particular energy type your water heater uses. You can select the state you live in to get the average energy cost for the particular energy type your water heater uses.
- Efficiency: Is measured as an Energy Factor (EF), which is usually listed beside the EnergyGuide label. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the water heater. On average, an electric heater has an efficiency rating of .92 while a natural gas heater has a rating of .59.
- Water Temperature: The temperature of the ground water before being heated.
- Shower Temperature: The temperature at which the shower water is raised to. A temperature about 125 – 130 °F can be dangerous for use.
Hopefully this calculator helps you determine how much a shower really costs you and the amount you can save by reducing your shower time. Please share your findings with this calculator.
