HOMESCAPES: Water & Energy Saving Solutions

HOMESCAPES

1 Water & Energy Saving Solutions

Water Saving and Energy-Efficient Solutions for Your Home

By Ray Hunter

1 Hansgrohe “Raindance” Showerheads are equipped with AirPower. In this case, air is drawn in through the spray disc over a large surface and used to enrich the water. The bobbling rain shower creates a great feeling of well-being and reduces water consumption at the same time. Photo courtesy of Hansgrohe at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

Homeowners who want to reduce energy bills and do their part to help save the environment are choosing to add some high-efficiency upgrades to their homes.

“There are many small ways to save energy and water around your home or building that won’t break the bank,” said Lorelei Schweickert, Outside Builder Sales of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “Homeowners and contractors are savvier when it comes to selecting kitchen, bath, and lighting products that save water and energy.”

Ferguson is the largest wholesale distributor of commercial and residential plumbing supplies in the United States. “When customers ask about sustainable products, such as an environmentally friendly shower option, they want to know about product performance. There is still the perception that for water savings, you must give up the water pressure,” Schweickert said. “However, design innovations have become so sophisticated today. Most customers are pleasantly surprised to learn that you can still have a luxurious showering experience while saving natural resources.”

There are several ways to make the most out of your water delivery systems. Some eco-friendly options that ensure pressure and performance in the shower are air-infused and multi-functional showerheads. “Air-infused showerheads mix water with air to give you the feel of a heavier spray. It delivers air-enriched drops that are fuller, lighter, and softer,” Schweickert said. “The result is an invigorating, high-performance spray. A great example of this is the Hansgrohe “Raindance” Showerhead.”

Schweickert said the multi-functional showerheads incorporate a more concentrated spray pattern and help you get the most out of your water pressure. She also suggests a two-in-one shower column which gives you the best of both worlds with a showerhead and hand shower.

“With the steam shower, the homeowner can combine showering—part of their normal routine—with the spa experience of lounging in a sauna in the comforts and privacy of their own home,” Schweickert said. “All steam shower options from ThermaSol feature generators that produce steam in seconds, not minutes, and systems are 100% digital including Bluetooth technology and a mobile app that controls water temperature, light and music devices.”

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“Finally, digital showering allows homeowners the ability to conserve water by choosing the perfect water temperature before they ever step inside or pause the flow whenever desired,” she said. “U by Moen Digital Shower lets users operate their shower three ways: by voice, phone, and controller.”

There are other surprising sustainable options for homeowners to consider. “After the toilet paper shortage early in the pandemic, bidets had a moment and continue to increase in popularity,” Schweickert said.

Environmental advocates are adopting the bidet because it decreases the dependency on toilet paper. “Most homeowners report a minimal increase in costs associated with owning a bidet,” Schweickert said. “A rise in water and power utility bills is usually only in cents.”

Schweickert said it is extremely important to prioritize sustainable solutions in plumbing to effectively minimize or reduce the environmental impact. Water-efficient plumbing preserves the availability of a basic human resource, especially under limited-access scenarios.

“Most people take running water for granted. However, more than 1.6 million Americans don’t have running water, a bathtub or shower, or a working flush toilet. Millions more don’t have safe drinking water,” Schweickert said. “I’m proud to work for Ferguson because we help American communities lacking resources to build and manage low-cost water systems, bringing safe water into homes, schools, and community centers.”

There are so many ways to introduce sustainable living into your home, and you don’t have to sacrifice style or performance. “Ferguson has a wide range of products like low-flow toilets and lavatory faucets, beautiful LED and Dark-Sky rated lighting, and smart-home Energy Star appliances,” Schweickert said. “Find one place to start where it makes sense for your lifestyle and the lifecycle of your current products.”

By implementing some of these simple changes, you can do your part in using less water and energy. In turn, you’ll save money and help save the planet for future generations.

2 Thermasol Steam Shower Systems turn your ordinary shower into a steam room creating a new daily ritual and enhancing well-being and relaxation. It combines the functionality of a standard steam room with many additional features including a shower, FM radio and hydrotherapy. They are available in a variety of materials, including tile, acrylic, fiberglass, glass, stone, and wood. Photo courtesy of Thermasol at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

3 The Moen x INLY Aromatherapy hand shower is low-flow, and it is a simple indulgence that homeowners can quickly integrate into their home. Available in chrome and spot resist stainless steel finishes, it comes with customizable settings that can infuse the shower with essential oils and spa-inspired fragrances when desired. Photo courtesy of Moen at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. The name INLY is derived from the word ‘inwardly,” which refers to the idea of introspection and prioritizing your inner self. Users insert an INLY aromatherapy shower capsule and lock it in place on the back of the hand shower before or during the shower. Photo courtesy of Moen at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

4 A leader in comfort and water conservation, the Carraway One-Piece Elongated Toilet is a stylish and efficient addition to any bathroom. Boasting a sleek and fluid design, this fixture features a concealed trap way, making it easy to clean. Photo courtesy of Signature-Hardware at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.