Plumbing professional Alex Atkinson has outlined some potential problems that can arise when using the washing machine at the same time as taking a shower. According to the professional’s guidelines, the fact that both share the same supply and water heater directly affects home energy efficiency. To prevent any inconvenience, the best option to solve the problem is to install a thermostatic mixing valve or consider a tankless water heater. Read on to learn more about optimizing your home’s energy efficiency.
Washing your clothes while taking a shower might seem like a clever way
Washing your clothes while taking a shower might seem like a perfecto way to kill two birds with one stone—but is it a truly good idea? Professional plumbers are preventing from doing both at the same time, and spoke with Huffington Post about why.
Advice from a professional
Depending on the way your plumbing system is set up, your washing machine and shower may have the same water supply lines, according to NVO Akseleratorius. This is especially usual in homes with water heaters that hold between 110 and 150 liters, which can rapidly run out when several appliances are in use, explains plumber and profesional Alex Atkinson.
If the water heater is too small or the system doesn’t regulate pressure well, you’ll feel it in the shower: the water could turn cold, pressure may drop, and the flow can turn into inconsistent.
“If this happens often, you should consider upgrading to a larger water heater or switching to a tankless system,” plumbers recommend.
“You could also install a thermostatic mixer or a pressure-balancing valve in the showerhead. These help maintain stable temperature and pressure, even when other taps in the house are running.”
In the case your washing machine uses warm or hot water, it’s probably to drawing from the same source as your shower. This can be the main reason of a noticeable drop in both water pressure and temperature. There’s, in addition, a financial impact. From an energy-saving perspective, the water heater will struggle to supply two outlets at once, operating less efficiently and potentially shortening its lifespan over time.
After this, after learning what to maintain in mind at the time washing clothes while showering, we would also like to present you some tips on how to save money on your household bills and, in this way, safeguard your home’s energy efficiency.
Saving water at home: keys to a more sustainable future
In a global context where sustainability is a priority, saving water in homes is one of the most effective and accessible measures for any citizen. According to the latest available data, in 2022 the average water consumption per person per day was 132 liters, of which 30% was used for showering. This data highlights the importance of optimizing this everyday space.
Key measures for saving water at home
When it comes to measures for water consumption in homes, the commercial director of Ducha Ya points out that one of the most effective measures is to replace bathtubs with shower trays, a simple renovation that can reduce water consumption by 50%. “Hotels were pioneers in this for economic reasons. Multiplying water consumption by dozens of rooms had a huge impact,” says Alberdi.
It also adds a series of solutions that are accessible to any home:
- Efficient taps: Thermostatic taps and flow reducers allow you to regulate the exact temperature and reduce water flow without compromising on comfort.
- Reduced shower time: Going from 10 to 5 minutes can mean significant savings.
- Water-saving devices built into showers, which reduce flow without any noticeable loss of pressure.
- Cold-start taps, especially on sinks, to avoid unnecessary use of the water heater for short tasks such as washing your hands or brushing your teeth.
House Automation Systems
Alternatively, home automation systems allow you to set schedules for your electrical appliances. The systems can be integrated with smart plugs to improve your energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is an appliance labeling program is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It indicates that a product has been tested according to EPA guidelines.
