Shower events often begin with a period of time in which a plug of cold water in the hot water pipe is flushed out, after which the temperature of the shower water increases to a comfortable level. Users may not begin showering until after this “structural waste” has been flushed out. Users may take even longer to begin showering if they are occupied with other activities while the structural waste is being flushed out; this additional water use – after the structural waste but before the user begins showering – is called “behavioral waste”.
Thermostatic shower restriction valves (TSRV) save energy by minimizing shower flow from the time that the shower reaches showering temperature until the time that the user enters the shower. This measure has both residential and health care/assisted living applications.
Savings from TSRV are highly dependent on user behavior. Pre/post, metered research is necessary to understand usage and savings. However, to date, this research has not been done. This measure is therefore categorized as Planning because of significant uncertainties in the savings. A Research Strategy is also provided, which describes the pre/post, end-use metered research necessary to develop a Proven measure.
