Results from an energy-efficient showerhead field study

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Abstract
In 1991 the Bonneville Power Administration (Bonneville) initiated research to determine the energy savings potential of energy-efficient showerheads, including a two-phase study by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). The PNL study focused on 154 homes monitored with end-use metering equipment. In the first phase of the study, PNL recruited participants from the homes, installed energy efficient showerheads, and collected occupant and site characteristics data. The second phase of the study is an analysis of the end-use load data to estimate energy use and savings from showerheads over a two-year period. This report presents the results from the first phase field study. Program results are based on the number of homes that participated in various aspects of the study. Among the 154 of homes selected for the study, 65% agreed to participate. Eighty-eight percent of these homes actually had their showerheads replaced. After 15 months, 94% of the homes where showerheads were installed still had at least one in place. Measure results are based on the number of showerheads that were installed. The 154 homes contained an estimated 240 showerheads that could have been replaced. Sixty-six percent of these showerheads were actually replaced. If only showers in participant homes are considered, 83%more » of the showerheads were replaced. Measure persistence at the end of 15 months was 94%. The water flow rate from existing showerheads averaged 3.2 gallons per minute (gpm) at participating sites. Average water pressure for city-supplied water was 66 pounds per square inch (psi). Water pressure at homes on wells was over 40% lower, which reduced savings potential. The energy-efficient showerheads had an average flow rate of 1.8 gpm. Observed water flow reductions of 1.4 gpm were obtained from retrofit of energy-efficient showerheads. In about 20% of the showers, water flows remained constant or actually increased after retrofit of energy-efficient showerheads.« less

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