Given the cost of gas is only about 40% that of electricity, in theory, a mixer or power shower might be more cost efficient than an electric shower. However, electric showers usually use less water and therefore require less energy, so a lot depends on how long you are showering for.
Electricity is generally charged at about 12p per KWh, so for a 10-minute shower using a 7.5kw shower would cost 15p. Overall an electric shower seems to slightly reduce bills when compared to a power shower, because they use less energy and less water and even heat up more quickly.
Pumped electric showers take in and heat cold water just like a standard electric shower, however they also use an internal electric pump to increase water pressure leaving the shower head. To further increase pressure, a cold water accumulator can be installed.
But as a rule of thumb, a power shower costs around twice as much as an electric shower, an average electric shower in a typical home with a gas boiler at current rates would costs around 20p for a 10-minute shower, whereas the same 10-minute shower would cost around 40p for a power shower.
In terms of costs, there would be a difference between fuel types. Electricity is generally charged at about 12p per KWh, so for a 10 minute shower using a 7.5kw shower would cost 15p. A power shower could use around 15litres/min, so a 10 min shower would use 150litres of mains water, heated from around 8°C to 30°C.
A mains pressure combination boiler is suitable for electric, digital and mixer showers. If you've got a plentiful supply of hot water then you may prefer a mixer shower, it has a powerful flow and will give you more of a boost than an electric shower.
Can you have a power shower with a combi boiler? In short, no you can't. Power showers operate with an in-built pump that makes them incompatible with combi boilers, and they need to be connected to a hot water cylinder - which is a feature that combi boiler systems don't have.
Shower Installation Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost |
|---|
| Installation of New Power Shower | 6-8 hours | £150 |
| Replacing Existing Power Shower | 2-3 hours | £150 |
| Electric Shower Installation | 3-5 hours | £130 |
If you're having a new electric shower installed, you will need to hire a Part P certified plumber who can safely complete the shower installation ensuring all wiring is in the correct places. Replacing an electric shower still requires plumbing and electrical experience, as your new shower may have higher wattage.
Mira Electric Showers:
In the case of Mira Showers, it isn't as popular as the Triton because it is more expensive, but this electric shower is still more powerful and has a more modern look than the Triton. The showerhead in Mira Showers is larger than a lot of electric shower brands and it has four flow settings.It is essential that you get a Part P-certified plumber or a qualified electrician to undertake the installation process for you. While the cost of installing an electric shower can often be more than the shower itself, it's not worth putting yourself at risk to save a bit of money.
Most people associate a higher kW rate with a better shower. The higher power means a consistently greater flow of water at your selected temperature which can give a real luxury experience.
Based on my tests, research, and overall customer reviews, these are the five best pumped electric showers to get:
- The Simple and Efficient: Triton T80si Pumped Electric Shower.
- The Powerful and Easy Control: Triton T90xr Pumped Electric Shower.
- The Strong and Durable: Triton SPSGPE09WC T150Z Pumped Electric Shower.
A 10.8kw electric shower is the most powerful electric shower there is and it means that it will provide improved pressure and a higher water temperature. For the best performance, 10.8KW electric showers need a minimum of 1.5 bar water pressure with a flow rate of 11 litres a minute.
8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.5kW all exist because of another important aspect of showers, pressure. Higher powered electric showers have been introduced to combat this issue, so a higher power 10.5kW shower will be able to run at higher pressure at higher temperatures than 8.5kW electric showers.
When shopping for an electric shower, a common concern is finding one that is powerful enough. The key here is the kW rating of your shower. Generally, the higher the kW rating, the more powerful your shower will be - both in terms of pressure and temperature.
Buy a Quality Shower Tray
Ceramic trays are regarded as the best option, being strong and stable. However, enamelled steel and acrylic are also options, as are those made from stone and even water-resistant hardwoods.But as a rule of thumb, a power shower costs around twice as much as an electric shower, an average electric shower in a typical home with a gas boiler at current rates would costs around 20p for a 10-minute shower, whereas the same 10-minute shower would cost around 40p for a power shower.
Electricity is generally charged at about 12p per KWh, so for a 10-minute shower using a 7.5kw shower would cost 15p. A power shower could use around 15litres/min, so a 10-minute shower would use 150litres of mains water, heated from around 8°C to 30°C.
One of the most powerful electric showers out there is the GROHE Tempesta Cosmopolitan Shower System. It offers the excellent features that are high-pressure features from its shower head and system.
The answer to this question is yes, most modern electric showers are designed to work with a cold mains system with low pressure, however there are some exceptions to the rule, if you have a cold mains plumbing system with very low or fluctuating pressure you may want to consider a pumped electric shower.
Installing or replacing an electric shower can be a tricky job, especially as it concerns both water and electrics. If you're having a new electric shower installed, you will need to hire a Part P certified plumber who can safely complete the shower installation ensuring all wiring is in the correct places.
You can install an electric shower over your bath or in a separate cubicle. Before connecting your unit, turn on the water to flush any debris from the water inlet pipe, as any small particles could damage your new shower.
Electric shower: 8 hours for a new installation. 2 hours to replace a shower unit (like for like), once parts have been obtained. From 30 mins to replace a shower switch but typically allow 1 hr.
You can install an electric shower over your bath or in a separate cubicle. When you're deciding where to put it, make sure you leave enough room around it to remove the front cover, as it might need servicing in the future. Depending on the type of unit, the water supply pipe could enter from the top, bottom or rear.
Replacement of showers is not notifiable unless you are installing a new circuit.
