What is an electric shower?
An electric shower is one of the luxury items in modern bathroom designs. It uses a built-in heating element that raises the temperature of the incoming water current. It is not connected to the house’s main water heating system, so you can still take a hot shower when the building boiler stops working. Fitting an electric shower is an excellent idea for houses with more than a shower, especially for crowded families.
So how is a power shower different from an electric one?
The main points of contrast between the two options are the increased energy consumption and the difference in water drain. Power showers are power-hungry devices as they heat more significant volumes of water. The station must be connected to a valve of a different calibre compared to an electric shower as well. This means installing one would take extensive plumbing work, whereas electric shower installation is more straightforward and requires more minor adjustments to the bathroom.
Power showers are also more expensive than the less complex electric ones, but if you are simply looking for an aesthetic difference, the models aren’t much different above the covers.
What do I need to know before buying an electric shower?
You should find out if your current bathroom settings are compatible with the shower station requirements. The main issue may be water, as some residential buildings don’t have enough water pressure for fitting an electric shower.
Another issue is whether you can supply electricity to the shower. Suppose you don’t have a dedicated circuit box in the bathroom and only have electric outlets. In that case, you need extensive electric works before you can install a new electric shower in your bathroom. The new circuit box must be protected against the residual current and be insulated against water and humidity.
The combination of water and electricity in an appliance used in the bathroom increases electrocution risks if the electric shower installation is not safe. Make sure you hire the right electricians to carry out the installation process, or you risk endangering your life.
What are the different types of electric shower temperature control?
- Manual control – this is the base model, and it has fewer options considering another temp. Control method available in electric showers. The water temperature in this model is not regulated at all, and it’s up to you to find the optimal temperature.
- Thermostat temp. Control – a thermostatic shower temperature control module moderates the water temperature according to the specifications set by the user. This method allows for optimal water temperature no matter what.
- Digital temp. Control– the digital unit is the modern solution to bathroom temperature problems. It monitors the temperature and water flow and reminds you when the ideal bath experience is available. This option has eco-friendly features that help you conserve power and water. It’s the perfect choice for a bathroom upgrade.
The average cost of an electric shower and consumption rates
Personal usage patterns are the main factor in determining how much power and water you use in the bathroom every month. However, compared to other bathroom options, showers waste more water than a bath in the tub. But you can change this by buying an intelligent electric shower. Brilliant electric showers are paired with a cellphone app that notifies you about the consumption rates and other details about the electric shower.
How much electricity does an electric shower use?
Different shower models have various electrical consumption rates that you should check when buying a new shower. In general, an electric shower consumer 7.5 kilowatts of electricity in an hour. With the average charge of 12p per kilowatt, a 10 minutes’ shower will cost you fifteen pennies or so.
Do electric showers waste a lot of water?
As we mentioned, electric showers consume less water than power showers, and can be moderated to waste less water than conventional water showers. In general, an electric shower uses between six to ten litres of water every minute, which varies based on shower sizes and models. In most cases, installing an electric shower can reduce your water consumption because of its smart monitoring systems.
Visit Electric Works London for great offers on electric shower installation projects
So far, it seems like the electric shower is a more affordable option compared to a power shower, and its eco-friendly benefits should not be ignored. In contrast, the power shower offers more luxurious advantages, like a dedicated water pump and delivers higher water pressure.
It’s your choice whether you want to pay for a more luxurious bathroom and spend more money on power and electricity each month? Remember, installing the power shower has its issues, as most bathrooms need extensive plumbing to accommodate one.