QUESTION: I have three daughters who take long showers. I want to install some lower-flow showerheads to save hot water and lower my utility bills. What options do I have and are those new shower towers very effective?ANSWER: Heating water for showers is one of the major energy consumers in most homes. If your three daughters are taking long showers and you still have old high-flow showerheads, switching to lower-flow ones can easily save $100 per year or more on your utility bills.By law, new showerheads must be designed to flow no more than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) at a water pressure of 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Many older showerheads flow nearly twice this much water, so any model you install should cut your water heating costs by about half.The four basic design options you have are adjustable, rainshower, fixed, and shower tower. Adjustable showerheads are still the most popular. These allow you to adjust the water force from a heavy, slow shower to a more invigorating spray. The more expensive ones also often include a pulsating massage setting.When selecting an adjustable showerhead, pay attention to the adjustment method. With wet, soapy fingers, some can be difficult to adjust. Ones with levers are generally the easiest to operate. Hand-held adjustable showerheads are effective, particularly for rinsing hair. If a showerhead is more convenient to use, your daughters can take shorter showers.Rainshowers are becoming more popular. These are large round, usually nonadjustable, showerheads that extend further out from the wall. The water flows down over your head and body. They look stylish, but they do not provide an invigorating spray. They also make it difficult to shower without getting your hair wet.Inexpensive, super-low-flow fixed showerheads are available which use much less water. These often provide a needlelike spray which some people prefer.Many of them also have a push-button lather valve which allows you to stop the water flow while lathering for even more hot water savings.Shower towers have multiple showerheads built into a tall vertical fixture. These usually have a standard showerhead at the top with several body spray heads located beneath it. Each head is allowed to flow the 2.5 gpm maximum, so shower towers can use a lot of hot water very quickly. I don't recommend them for your children's showers.Do-it-yourself shower tower models require no additional plumbing behind the wall. Everything is housed in the add-on fixture that is attached to the wall. These range in price from about $70 to more than $1,000.If you are going to install one in your master bathroom, the more expensive models provide a more satisfying showering experience.Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

QUESTION: I have been working on the duct system to make my furnace and air conditioner more efficient. I sealed up many leaks with duct tape. Now there is a popping sound when the blower starts. What is causing this?ANSWER: Sealing up leaks in the ductwork can dramatically lower your utility bills and make your family more comfortable. If the popping sound occurs when either the furnace or air conditioner starts, it is likely just a panel in one of the main ducts buckling. Locate it and reinforce this panel.If it happens only when the furnace starts, it may be a serious problem with the heat exchanger. Have it inspected by a professional technician.