A Walk-In Tub-Shower Combo: 5 Energy-Saving Benefits to Cut Costs

If you're looking for a perfect blend of cost savings, comfort, and style, one of the best upgrades you can make is switching to a walk-in tub-shower combo. Putting in a new shower-tub combo can upgrade your bathroom’s overall aesthetics and functionality and, at the same time, reduce annual energy and maintenance costs. 

A single-family home in Alabama pays up to $2,100 per year (Source: FindEnergy) in electricity costs, depending on the size of the house, energy usage habits, and the efficiency of appliances. 

Although heating and cooling are typically considered the most significant energy drainers, smaller areas of the home, like the bathroom, also play an essential role in overall consumption, especially where inefficient appliances and outdated water heater systems are involved. 

So, to help you save more without sacrificing comfort, here are 5 reasons why we believe you should upgrade to a combo.

The Energy-Saving Benefits of a Walk-In Tub-Shower Combo

1. Water-Saving Shower Options 

Using more water doesn’t mean better results. Modern walk-in tubs and showers are designed to do more with less, making water and energy savings easier without giving up convenience.:

• Less Water Volume: Most walk-in tubs use just 40 to 60 gallons per fill, far less than a standard 80-gallon bathtub. That means less water to heat and less time spent filling and draining.

• Efficient Showerheads: Combo models often include low-flow or aerating rain showerheads. These maintain satisfying pressure while cutting water flow using air infusion technology.

• Targeted Spray: Most modern combo-unit showerheads have adjustable spray modes, such as mist, pulse, and massage, allowing users to control water flow where required. 

According to the EPA, outdated showerheads can use up to 5 gallons per minute. WaterSense-certified models lower that to 2.0 gallons or less, saving up to 2,700 gallons per year per household.

2. Insulation and Optimal Design

Warming hot water is one of the most considerable sneaky costs in daily personal hygiene. Standard water heaters must frequently warm 50–80 gallons for a bath, which can increase your energy consumption and, subsequently, your energy costs. 

• Improved Insulation: Most walk-in bathtubs have insulation material installed in the walls and base, which allows the water temperature to last longer. As a result, heat is retained, and reheating is less often required. 

• Dual-Purpose Design: The integrated tub-and-shower system reduces the need for separate fixtures. Switching between a quick rinse and a deep soak is easy—all in one compact space.

• Energy and Heat Savings: Less water used means less energy needed to heat it. Features like glass shower doors help retain warmth, reducing further energy demands.

According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of overall energy costs. Switching to energy-efficient shower and tub designs can save water and reduce the energy required to heat it. 

3. Reduced Maintenance and Leak Prevention

Leaky faucets are silent utility bill guzzlers. Over time, even minor leaks will contribute to your water bill and cause undue strain on your water heater. Bathroom renovation is ideal for checking and replacing outdated plumbing fixtures to promote water efficiency and prevent future waste. 

• Sealed Doors & Grab Bars: Splash-resistant design keeps water in, preventing messes, and additional grab bars add safety and support, especially for people with mobility issues.

• New Plumbing: Replacing the plumbing system when installing walk-in tubs prevents secret leaks or old, energy-wasting pipes that can cause future issues.

• Fewer Grout Lines: The streamlined design minimizes grout lines, which significantly reduces the likelihood of water leakage between crevices and the possibility of mold.

According to USGS Drip Calculator, a leaky faucet losing one drop per second loses more than 3,000 gallons of water in a year. 

4. Shorter Shower Times and Smarter Usage

Bathing is more efficient when the surroundings are designed for convenience. With a small bathroom, amenities such as easy accessibility, comfortable seating, and handheld showerheads save time bathing, particularly for older people.

• Quick Access to Bath: There is no need to climb over a high tub wall—you simply open the door, recline, and use the handheld shower, bathing more safely, quickly, and conveniently.

• Quicker Routine = Less Water: Finishing your bath routine in a fraction of the time saves time and hot water, lowering energy usage and your utility bills for a noticeable difference in monthly bills. 

• Easy Accessibility: Walk-in baths provide easy access with reduced stepping and ergonomically designed seating, which is ideal for users with mobility challenges. Easy access and a safer bathing experience reduce both water waste and the time spent in the bath, enabling efficient use of resources.

According to the EPA, showering consumes 17% of residential indoor water, and efficient showerheads can conserve enough energy to heat a home for 11 days.

5. Long-Term Durability and Smart Investment

A walk-in shower and tub combo is more than a fixture—they're smart investments that will add value to your home, enhance daily bathing comfort, improve accessibility, and support long-term energy and water savings.

• Energy-Efficient Materials: The majority of walk-in bathrooms have insulated walls that retain heat for longer, reducing mid-bath water reheating and overall energy usage by a significant amount.

• Low Maintenance: Their slim, contoured design reduces mold-prone surfaces and crevices to almost zero, enhancing air quality and reducing long-term expenses on HVAC over-use and bathroom humidity problems.

• Durability: Unlike regular bathtubs, walk-in combos are more durable, require minimal repairs following years of overuse, and keep their form and shape for over a decade. 

Long-term reliability means fewer unexpected costs, and fewer replacements mean easier home and utilities management.

The Wrap-Up: How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost

Installing a new shower can be expensive. However, by upgrading to a walk-in tub-shower combo, you’ll not only enhance comfort and accessibility, but also make a wise, energy-conscious decision.

This choice reduces overall water and hot water usage while also preventing leaks with sealed plumbing, shortening bathing time with efficient showerheads, and lowering long-term maintenance costs. So, whether upgrading your bathroom for comfort or savings or just looking for a revamp, a bath-shower combo can make a massive difference to your life and your wallet.

Want to save on energy bills? Contact us and we'll help you choose a shower style, give estimates for walk-in shower cost, and recommend water-efficient fixtures.

For shower inspiration, explore our bathroom remodel photos featuring stunning designs from Huntsville homes.

Not sure how to get started with a shower remodel that saves money, check out our bathroom renovation services for pricing.