Electric Showers Buying Guide

Selecting an electric shower involves more than just functionality. It's about enriching your daily shower routine while considering practicality, energy efficiency, and value. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or an experienced renovator, understanding the intricacies of electric showers is key to making an informed purchase.

Here's a thorough buying guide from Showers to You. It will help you navigate the complex world of electric showers, ensuring you find the ideal fit for your bathroom and lifestyle.

Understanding Electric Showers

An electric shower is an independent unit that heats water instantly. It functions independently from your home's hot water system, utilising electricity to heat the incoming cold water and providing an immediate hot shower. This autonomy from a central boiler presents benefits and potential drawbacks compared to conventional mixer showers.

The Advantages

Instant Hot Water: Experience the convenience of instant hot water, even when your boiler is switched off. With an electric shower, you don't have to wait for the boiler to heat up. The water is heated on demand, providing immediate comfort and saving valuable time.

Consistent Temperature: Enjoy consistent warmth, irrespective of other water usage in your home. No more sudden temperature drops when someone else turns on a tap or flushes the toilet. The electric shower maintains a steady heat output, always ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted bathing experience.

Straightforward to Install: Appreciate the simplicity of installation, particularly in bathrooms lacking existing hot water systems. Electric showers are designed with ease of installation in mind, making them a practical choice for new builds or renovations. Their independence from a central boiler system means they can be fitted in any bathroom, eliminating the need for extensive plumbing work.

The Disadvantages

Limited Flow Rates: Smaller electric showers may provide a different powerful water flow than larger models or traditional shower systems. This is crucial when choosing the right product for your needs, ensuring that functionality and comfort are not compromised.

Expensive to Operate: Consider the financial implications, as electric showers can be more costly than gas-heated systems. While the upfront cost might be attractive, it's essential to factor in the long-term running costs. Electric showers instantly consume electricity to heat water, which may lead to higher utility bills than gas-heated systems.

Dependent on the Electric Supply: Recognise the dependence on a stable electricity supply. Electric showers need power to function, so, during power outages, they may not be usable. This reliance on electricity is a key consideration, especially in areas prone to frequent power cuts.

Electric Shower Zones

Every electrical installation has safety zones; your electric shower is no different. These zones are designated in the bathroom to reduce the risk of electric shock around areas where water is present. Familiarising yourself with the zones is crucial to keeping your shower safe and compliant with regulations.

• Zone 0: Directly in the shower area (where the shower head is used).
• Zone 1: The space is up to 2.25m above the base of the shower.
• Zone 2: The area beyond Zone 1 extends 0.6m horizontally from Zone 1.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Shower

Water Pressure Compatibility

The type of water pressure in your home is critical when selecting an electric shower. Whether you have a low-pressure gravity-fed system or a high-pressure mains water supply will impact which electric shower will work best for you. Some showers come with built-in pumps to boost the flow in low-pressure situations.

Power Rating and Flow Rate

The power of an electric shower is measured in kilowatts, with higher ratings generally meaning faster heating and a higher flow rate, providing a more stimulating shower experience but potentially using more electricity.

7.5kw Showers, such as the Mira Jump Multi-Fit 7.5kW Electric Shower, are perfect for households with smaller water tanks or lower water pressure.

8.5kW Showers are suitable for low-to-normal water pressure and provide a gentle flow.

9.5kW Showers offer a bit more speed and are ideal for most homes.

10.5kW Showers are great for high-powered systems and offer the highest flow rates.

Electric Showers vs Mixer Showers

When it comes to choosing between electric showers and mixer showers, there are several factors to consider. Electric showers are favoured for their ability to provide hot water instantly. They heat the water as it passes through the unit, eliminating the need for a separate hot water tank. This makes them an excellent choice for households with limited hot water supply or high demand.

On the other hand, mixer showers blend hot and cold water to reach your desired temperature. They generally deliver a more powerful flow than electric showers, offering a sense of luxury. However, the water temperature can fluctuate when other taps or appliances are used unless you opt for a thermostatic mixer shower.

While electric showers can sometimes be more expensive to run due to higher electricity costs compared to gas, the actual cost will depend on usage and local energy prices. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

Choosing the Right Size and Style

Matching to Your Bathroom Size

Larger bathrooms can accommodate showers with bigger control units and possibly offer more placement freedom. Smaller bathrooms require showers with compact designs that will not overpower the space.

Design and Finishing

Your electric shower should not only function well but also contribute to the aesthetics of your bathroom. Choose from various finishes to match your style, from sleek polished chrome to minimalist white.

Additional Features and Accessories

Are Electric Showers Safe?

Electric showers today are engineered with various safety features to enhance user experience. Thermostatic Electric Showers prevent scalding, while pressure relief devices protect against pipe damage. Aqualisa eMotion Electric Showers take it a step further. They offer a phased shut-down feature that flushes hot water out when the shower is off, prolonging the unit's lifespan.

Additionally, they include an over-temperature stop system that shuts the shower down if the water temperature exceeds a safe limit. These features, standard in models like the Aqualisa eMotion, underscore the commitment of modern electric showers to safety and user satisfaction.

Customising Your Shower Experience

The showerhead is where your personal touch comes in. Select from different spray patterns, sizes, and materials to create the perfect flow. Consider water-saving options like aerating showerheads for a more eco-friendly experience.

Maintenance Made Easy

Electric showers are designed with user convenience in mind, which also extends to their maintenance. They are crafted to be easy to use and maintain, ensuring that you can enjoy a hassle-free showering experience for years to come.

One such example is the Mira Advance range of electric showers. This range is equipped with state-of-the-art built-in diagnostics. These smart systems are designed to alert you to common issues before they escalate into larger problems. Whether it's a blockage, a temperature issue, or a pressure problem, the Mira Advance range can identify it, allowing you to address it promptly.

Installation and Maintenance

Do I need a plumber or an electrician to install an electric shower?

When installing an electric shower, choosing between a plumber and an electrician is more complex than one might think. Both professionals have the skills necessary to carry out the task, but there are specific regulations and safety considerations that need to be taken into account.

The installation of an electric shower involves two key components: the plumbing and the electrical wiring. While a plumber can handle the water supply and drainage, an electrician is required for the electrical installation to ensure safe and proper functioning.

Budget Considerations

Upfront Costs

Understanding the cost of electric showers can be a complex process as prices vary widely based on features, brands, and power ratings. For instance, an entry-level model such as the Redring Pure 7.5kW Instantaneous Electric Shower is attractively priced at just over £56, offering basic functionality and reliable performance.

On the other end of the spectrum are high-end models laden with advanced features. One example is the Aqualisa eMotion 10.5kW Electric Shower in Arctic White, which carries a price tag of nearly £300 on Showers to You. This model stands out for its superior performance, sleek design, and innovative features that enhance your showering experience.

While the initial cost is essential, it's equally crucial to consider the long-term savings and the value of additional features. The enhanced efficiency of a higher-end model could result in lower utility costs over time.

Are Electric Showers expensive to run?

Running an electric shower does come with a cost, though it's largely dependent on the power rating of your model. Showers with a higher power rating tend to use more electricity, resulting in a higher running cost.

To illustrate, an 8.5KW shower, when used for 8 minutes, could consume over 1KW/Hr of electricity. At current rates, this equates to roughly 29p per shower. However, it's crucial to note that electricity is only a fraction of the overall costs. The convenience and performance offered by electric showers often make these costs worthwhile.

Conclusion

Purchasing an electric shower can seem complex, with many aspects to consider. However, by breaking down the key factors and understanding the impact each has on your shower experience and home, you can confidently choose the best electric shower for your needs.

Investing time in research, exploring different models, and seeking expert advice will lead you to a shower that performs reliably and integrates seamlessly into your home's life and style. Remember that informed decisions create satisfying outcomes, ensuring every shower is enjoyable and refreshing.

Be sure to consider Redring's range of electric showers, known for their quality and innovation. A stalwart in the industry, Redring offers a range of power and design options to suit every household, focusing on safety, efficiency, and durability. Make your shower space shine with the perfect electric shower from Showers to You, a retailer dedicated to providing the best shower solutions backed by outstanding customer service. Browse our extensive collection – you're just a click away from your ideal shower experience.