People often question whether an electric or power shower is better for their bathrooms. We want to be as efficient as possible, but not sacrifice the quality of our showering experience. With seemingly endless increases in energy bills, it is natural for us to question whether we should have an electric or power-powered shower. This article will help you decide which type of shower is best for you.
Showers: How they work
It is important to be familiar with the basic workings of showers to help you understand the differences between electric and power showers.
The hot and cold water pipes are used to draw water from your shower. The shower valve mixes hot and cold water and delivers it to the showerhead at the desired temperature.
The boiler type installed in a house will affect where water comes from and how it's heated. The hot water from a typical pump-assisted shower will have been heated by a traditional gas-powered boiler and stored in a hot-water tank/cylinder until it is needed. The pump ensures that the water flows in a smooth manner, and not in spurts.
Combi boilers can't be used with boiler pumps. This means power showers cannot fit in homes with combi boilers.
Electric showers don't heat water from a boiler but heat cold water when the shower is turned on.
Power showers
A hot water storage tank/cylinder supplies water to the power shower. This is usually installed in homes with low mains pressure. The pump will be added to increase the water flow from the storage tank. This will compensate for low mains pressure. A thermostatic shower valve is usually included with power showers. This allows for the delivery of water from the showerhead at the desired temperature. It also helps to ensure a powerful and high-quality showering experience.
Power showers cannot be used with combi boilers, as combi boilers draw water from the mains. There is no hot-water storage tank. The mains' water pressure will dictate the water pressure in the shower. Combination boilers are very efficient, and they will heat up the storage cylinder to provide hot water when needed. A combi boiler can provide a satisfying shower if there is good mains pressure.
Electric showers
Hot water can run out quickly if it is stored in a hot cylinder. Hot water cylinders can only be used in homes that have standard boilers.
An electric shower can be a great solution to this problem. An electric shower does not require water to be heated prior to reaching the showerhead or on a gas boiler. Each electric shower has a heating element which heats cold water as needed. Your shower will last for as long as you need it to. This is a great way to shower energy-efficiently as the water is not heated up excessively when it isn't being used.
A combi boiler will not require an electric shower. However, combi boilers can provide hot water at any time. If you have an ensuite or second bathroom, an electric shower can be installed that can be used separately from the central heating system. The electric shower will heat up the cold water supply, allowing both showers to operate simultaneously.
Cost differences
Electric showers are likely cheaper than power showers powered by standard boilers. (Combi boilers, in turn, are less efficient than electric showers. An electric shower uses less water than a power shower, so you will be using less water every time you take a shower.
Some homes that have electric showers might also have storage heaters. These heaters are often cheaper at night than during the day (Economy7 tariffs). Electricity bills can be very high if you take a lot of showers at the most expensive times of the day. To determine if the Economy 7 tariff is worth it, it's worth checking.
Which is the best?
There is no one right answer. It all depends on your priorities when it comes to taking a shower.
An electric shower might be the best option for you if you have a standard tariff.
You might be able to enjoy the luxury of a pump-powered power shower if you have a standard boiler.
A combi boiler with good mains pressure and a shower head that is powerful enough to run a standard shower will be a great option. You can also consider an electric shower for your second bathroom or en-suite.