Introduction – Innovative Energy Saving and Water Heating
An electric heated shower head is an innovative device that combines high temperatures with water-saving features without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Traditionally hot water in a home is heated ahead of time either by a tankless water heater or an indirectly heated water tank connected to the furnace. Heating it on the fly obviates the water tank and heaters.
At the same time, the electric heated shower head is also a water-saving device. This is because it automatically shuts off the shower when no more hot water is available. As such, you do not need to worry about wasting water anymore. The best part about this shower head is that you can customize its temperature to meet your needs. Whether you want to enjoy a tepid bath or a very hot one, you can adjust the settings accordingly with this unit.
How Does An Electric Shower Heat Water So Quickly?
The answer lies in its heating element of the electric heated shower head. Unlike traditional gas or water heater systems, an electric shower heats the water as it passes through the shower head instead of storing it in a tank. Inside the shower, the unit is a metal coil called a heating element, which is connected to the home’s electricity supply. When the shower is turned on, electricity flows through this heating element and creates resistance, generating heat.
This heat is transferred directly to the passing water, allowing instant hot water without waiting. And because it doesn’t require storage tanks or additional plumbing, an electric shower can save valuable space in smaller bathrooms. So next time you turn on your electric shower and are instantly rewarded with hot water, remember that a hardworking heating element is doing all the work behind the scenes.
Efficiency Comparison Of An Electrically Heated Shower Head
Electric shower heads (essentially point-of-use electric tankless water heaters) bear similarities to whole-house electric tankless water heaters. We know that tankless water heaters are about 20% cheaper to operate compared to traditional tank water heaters. What about the electric shower heads? These factors are in consideration:
- Usage Patterns: An electric shower head heats water only when the shower is in use. A whole-house tankless water heater, on the other hand, heats water whenever any hot water tap in the house is turned on. If hot water usage in the home is largely limited to showers, an electric shower head might prove more cost-efficient because it’s only heating the water you’re actually using, instead of heating water for the entire house.
- Energy Losses: With an electric shower head, there are minimal energy losses as the water is heated directly at the point of use. With a whole-house tankless heater, there can be some energy loss as hot water travels through pipes to reach the point of use.
- Installation and Maintenance: Electric shower heads are generally cheaper and easier to install than whole-house tankless water heaters. However, the electrical requirements for these shower heads can be significant, potentially necessitating electrical system upgrades.
Given this information, we might speculate that an electric shower head could have an annual operating cost somewhere in the same ballpark as an electric tankless water heater, potentially somewhat less due to the reduced energy losses and more targeted heating. However, the actual cost would vary based on factors like the specific device, local electricity costs, and usage patterns.
As always, it’s a good idea to calculate potential costs based on your specific circumstances before making a decision. And remember, while electric models may be more efficient, the cost of electricity can make them more expensive to operate.
Why Choose An Electrically Heated Shower head?
You can use an electrically heated shower head to enjoy a hot bath anytime without waiting for the water to heat up. There are many benefits of choosing an electrically heated shower head, some of which include the following:
1. Energy Saving – Instant access to warm water:
Rather than preheat a large water tank, this shower head heats the water instantly at the point of use. This avoids needlessly maintaining a hot water reservoir on demand which in turn reduces energy costs. In addition, no one likes to wait for the water to warm up, so the shower head will provide hot water instantly. Additionally, since it heats the water constantly, you will never run out of hot water, even if several people are using the same shower simultaneously.
2. Water-Saving Features
Since this shower head automatically shuts off the flow when no more hot water is available, you can rest assured that you will not waste any precious water by accident. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on their energy bills and utility costs.
3. Adjustable Temperature Settings
You can adjust the temperature of the shower according to your needs. Whether you want to enjoy a tepid bath or a very hot one, you can easily set the preferred temperature with this unit. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants complete control over their bathing experience.
Are Electric Showers Safe?
The short answer is yes, as long as they are installed correctly and regularly maintained. They’re quite popular in countries, though less so in the US and the UK. However, like with any electrical appliance, there are certain precautions you should take. Before purchasing and installing an electric shower, ensure the model meets safety standards set by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It is actually quite tricky to install it because the electric shower head requires wiring to 110V or 220V hidden behind a wall or at least protected from the water.
Additionally, check that the power supply can handle the shower’s electrical load. It’s important to have a qualified electrician install your shower to ensure proper wiring and grounding. Finally, regularly inspect and maintain your electric shower, including checking the water temperature before each use and replacing faulty components immediately. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your electric shower’s safe enjoyment for many showers.
Things To Consider Before Choosing An Electric Shower Head:
1. Installation Requirements
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electric shower head is whether it is compatible with your current bathroom setup. Depending on your space and plumbing, you may need a certain type of electric shower that you can easily install in your home. Therefore, it’s important to research the different models available to find one that meets all your installation requirements.
2. Water Pressure
Another key consideration when choosing an electric shower head is water pressure – the pressure in your home and how much additional pressure this particular model requires. If there isn’t enough water flow or pressure, the hot water from the unit might not be fast enough for comfortable use. One way to overcome low pressure is to have adjustable nozzles.
3. Energy Efficiency
Another important consideration to keep in mind when choosing an electric shower head is energy efficiency. Many modern models are designed to use less electricity while still providing a powerful stream of hot water, so it’s important to compare their specifications and ratings before purchasing. Additionally, you may consider installing a smart thermostat or other energy-saving devices in your bathroom to further optimize your electric shower’s performance.
Ultimately, the best way to choose an electric shower head that meets all your needs is by doing a thorough research and consulting with experts or online reviews before making a purchase. With the right model, you can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience right in your home!
Well-Known Brands
There are several well-known brands that manufacture electric shower heads or electric showers. Here are 5:
- Lorenzetti Electric Shower Head: This Brazilian company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric shower heads. They offer a range of models with different features.
- Triton Kito 9.5 kW Chrome: A UK-based company, Triton, is a popular manufacturer of electric showers. Their products are well-known for their quality and reliability.
- Mira Showers: Another UK-based company, Mira Showers, offers a range of electric showers. They are known for their innovative designs and quality products.
- Bristan Electric Shower: Bristan is yet another UK-based company that manufactures a range of bathroom products, including electric showers.
These are just a few examples. The availability of specific brands and models may vary depending on your location. As with any appliance purchase, it’s a good idea to research and compare different models to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Always consider factors such as energy efficiency, safety features, warranty, and user reviews.
Conclusions
In conclusion, my verdict is that electric showers are safe to use if installed correctly and maintained regularly. Factors to consider include water pressure, energy efficiency, and installation requirements. It is important to research different models and their specifications thoroughly, consult with experts or read online reviews, and optimize performance using smart thermostats or other energy-saving devices to choose the right electric shower head for your home. With the right model and careful consideration of these factors, you can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience in your home.
