Although taking a chilly shower sounds horrible, it is actually quite good for a whole bunch of reasons, saving you time and money.
My arguments will compare to a daily 10 minute shower that uses 25 gallons of heated water. These numbers are for a single person, so if an entire family switches, multiply the results accordingly.
I get all my numbers from
this nifty website. They cite their numbers, and they seem accurate.
Reason 1.
Save Money on Heating
Depending on what temperature you can tolerate, a cold shower can reduce heating costs and save you a sizable amount of heating energy.Example:
Let's pretend you recently switched to daily cold showers. This will completely eliminate the daily 25 gallons of hot water you used to be using.
Saving you $87.72 annually, on heating alone.
Not only that, you will reduce your carbon footprint, regardless of how your water gets heated. Burning natural gas and oil for heat directly releases CO2, and even electric water heaters get most of their energy from fossil fuels.
Who knew fighting climate change could save money?
Reader Poll
Reason 2.
Use Less Water
Taking a cold shower will also dramatically shorten your showers. From experience, I would say that cold showers last about half as long as hot showers. This is fairly obvious, but the savings add up. And also, saving water is good for the environment.By taking cold showers that last half as long, you can
save 4,764 gallons of water per year,
which will
save you $14.40 annually.
Almost 5,000 gallons of freshwater per year. That's a medium sized swimming pool, in case you were curious.
Australia's Severe Drought Problems
Water Shortage Analysis from Celsias.com
One person's actions can make a difference, especially when such a valuable resource is at stake.
Reduce your water usage
Waterpik ECO 563 EcoFlow 5-Mode Water Saving Handheld Shower, Chrome
Amazon Price: $42.99 (as of 12/02/2008) 
Ultra Oxygenics Hand-Held Showerhead Increased Pressure
Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
Reason 3.
Save Time, Get Energy
Cold showers are the perfect natural energizer. A quick 5 minute rinse in chilly water will awaken your mind and body better than any cup of coffee could. With a sudden release chemicals, your circulation improves and you're ready to tackle anything. Anybody brave enough to switch?
Tell me what you think about them!
StephenC wrote...
I just thought of an alternative. You could just start the water and jump in and start washing. You would use the cold water first without it going down the drain. Then, use as little of the hot as soon as it comes in.
Interesting lens!
Squidoo Gas Saving Tips
StephenC
Posted March 14, 2008
