With the rising costs of utilities in the UK, many homeowners and tenants are eager to find out how they can reduce their monthly bills. If your property uses an electric shower, then determining how much it costs to run can help you better understand your energy usage. With around 35% of homes in the UK having at least one electric shower, understanding its costs could potentially help you save money. In this article, we’ll delve into the costs associated with running an electric shower, the energy it consumes, and tips to keep these costs at bay.
Electric Shower Running Cost
Understanding the cost of running an electric shower largely depends on two variables: the power of your electric shower and how long you use it. So let’s go over these factors, as well as a few more that contribute to your electric shower running cost:
Power Rating Matters
Electric showers come in different power ratings, generally ranging from 7.5 kW to 10.5 kW. A more powerful shower will heat water more quickly, but it will also consume more electricity, leading to a higher running cost.
Duration of Usage
The length of your showers will directly impact your energy bill. If you're taking long, hot showers every day, expect to pay more. Reducing the duration of your showers can be an effective way to reduce costs.
Cost Per Unit of Electricity
Electricity costs can vary by region and provider, but in the UK, you can expect to pay, at most, 34 pence per kWh. Although the cost of generating 1 kWh is currently 54 pence, thanks to the Energy Price Guarantee you won’t pay more than 34 pence per kWh and in many cases you’ll pay less. Higher electricity rates will naturally result in a more expensive showering experience.
How Much Energy Does an Electric Shower Use?
An electric shower is generally considered to be an energy-efficient option because it heats only the water that is being used. The energy usage of an electric shower is directly tied to its power rating and the duration of its use. But what does that look like in practical terms?
Energy Rating and Time
The energy rating of your shower, typically measured in kilowatts (kW), indicates how much energy it consumes per hour. A 9 kW shower, for example, uses 9 kilowatt-hours of energy if run for a full hour. But of course, most people don't shower for an entire hour. If you typically shower for about 15 minutes, you're using roughly a quarter of that energy. In our 9 kW example, that would be approximately 2.25 kWh for a single 15-minute shower.
Monthly and Annual Impact
Over the course of a month, using our 9 kW shower for 15 minutes a day would result in an energy consumption of about 67.5 kWh. Over a year, you're looking at 810 kWh. These numbers can provide a more tangible understanding of how individual showers contribute to your overall energy consumption and ultimately, to your bills.
Tips for Reducing Your Shower Costs
If you’re looking to reduce the cost associated with your shower, take a look at the tips below to help keep your energy bills down:
Invest in More Efficient Shower Heads
Energy-efficient shower heads control the flow of water, reducing both water and energy costs. Look for models that have a low flow rate to maximise your savings.
Monitor Your Shower Usage
Being conscious of the time you spend in the shower can contribute to lower costs. Aim to keep your showers under 10 minutes, and you can cut down both water and electricity costs by up to a third. Shower timers are available in the market to help you monitor your shower duration.
Fix Leaks
A dripping shower head can waste more water and energy than you might think. A single drop every second can waste up to 13,000 litres per year! Make sure to promptly fix any leaks to avoid wastage.
Switch to Eco Mode
Some modern electric showers come with an eco-mode setting that uses less power to heat the water. Although it might take a bit longer to reach your preferred temperature, the reduced power usage could result in significant savings over time.
While electric showers are generally more energy-efficient compared to other types of showers, they can still consume a significant amount of electricity. By understanding your shower's energy consumption, you can make informed decisions that contribute to lower monthly bills.
