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It seems at the moment, that every time you switch on the television, listen to the radio or open a newspaper, you see articles about Carbon Saving, the credit crunch, and how expensive things are, especially household bills.
Gas prices and electricity prices have been going up an alarming rate over the last few months, and the electricity and gas providers have been 'encouraged' by the government to offer incentives and items to help reduce household bills such as energy saving light bulbs.
One of the things that some of the energy providers are doing, is providing for free is something called the Eaga Shower Smart.
This is a small gadget which measures approximately 5 cm in length and the manufacturers claim that it prevents the unnecessary waste of water from using your shower, giving you a good balance between your personal water needs and environmental demands.
If it says it is free, is simple to use, saves money and is also green, then I am interested, and to be quite honest, anybody that says they are not interested, then they need talking to.
HOW DOES IT WORK
The way it works is simple. Basically it creates a constant flow of 7.7 litres per minutes, giving a full even jet with less fluctuation in the speed of the water flow from your shower.
SAVING ENERGY
The makers indicate that a more efficient shower means that you will save energy.
For a two person household, they claim that by using this item, they will save more than 12,000 litres of water per year, which at current prices will mean a saving of roughly £20 each year on gas bills and (assuming your water is metered) a saving of £20 on your water bill per year.
This equates to over a tonne of carbon dioxide over products lifetime.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Obviously, if your shower is efficient already, then the gadget may not be for you. When the item is delivered, they include a measuring bag (which basically looks like an oversized money bag which you get from any bank). To see if your shower would benefit from using this item, simply put the showerhead into the bag, quickly turn on the shower for 5 seconds and then switch off the shower. If the water level in the bag is above the printed measuring line, then your shower unit is not efficient and you will benefit from installing the unit. If the water level is below the line, then you have an efficient shower and there is no need to install the unit.
IS IT SIMPLE TO INSTALL I must admit, I am not the best person to do a lot of DIY jobs around the house, but this is simplicity itself. Simply unscrew the shower hose, put in the red fibre washer between the unit and the taps, screw the unit onto the taps, and on the other end screw the shower hose on to the top of the unit. Job done, and it only took one or two minutes.
The makers indicate that the unit is not suitable with electric showers, showers with multiple jets or rainwater showers.
HOW DOES IT WORK AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST
As far as I can tell, it looks like the unit operates by having a mesh filter which can be cleaned if blocked, which generally restricts the flow of water if it is too much. It is made in The Netherlands and comes with a 15 year manufacturer's guarantee and is Kiwa and WRAS certified
HOW CAN YOU GET A UNIT
There are two ways that you can apply for a free unit.
You can claim one if you are over 70 or alternatively, if you are claiming one of the following benefits or credits:-
Income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, attendance allowance, disability allowance, industrial injuries disablement pension benefit, war disablement pension, pension credit, child tax credit, or working tax credits.
If you meet any of the above criteria, you can visit www.eaga.com/showersmart or ring free on 0800 953 0033 quoting reference ShowerSmart-RF to claim your free unit.
DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?
The unit is not obtrusive, and looks like it is part of your shower unit. The water flow remains strong and is sufficient for a good shower. With regards to saving money, to be quite honest, I cannot yet say as the makers indicate a gas saving of £20 per year and a water saving of £20 per year, but I have no reason to doubt the manufacturers.
MANUFACTURER / SUPPLIER DETAILS
WWW.EAGA.COM
Eaga plc Eaga House Archbold Terrace Jesmond NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE2 1DB
Tel 0800 408 2097
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