Electric showers have grown in popularity as a bathroom improvement option among homeowners. However, it’s important to comprehend the function of boilers in this process before rushing to install an electric shower in your bathroom.
Knowledge of Electric Showers
Let’s first have a fundamental understanding of electric showers before moving on to boilers. Electric showers are stand-alone appliances that instantly heat water. Electric showers have their heating elements built-in, as opposed to conventional showers, which rely on a hot water tank. When an electric shower is turned on, cold water enters the device and is rapidly heated by the heating elements. After that, the hot water is sent to the showerhead, ensuring that you always have a supply of hot water.
Electric showers are renowned for being convenient and energy-efficient. They eliminate the need to continuously heat a big tank of water because they only heat the water you use. You may have a question do electric showers need a boiler?
The Function of Boilers in the Installation of Electric Showers
Despite having heating components, electric showers still need a source of cold water to function. Boilers have a role in this situation. The electric shower is supplied with cold water from boilers, which the shower unit then heats. Your preferred temperature is achieved by combining the hot water produced by the electric shower with the cold water from the boiler.
Types of Boilers
Here are the most common types:
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are the ideal choice for this configuration because they heat water on demand, just like electric showers. They save a lot of room because they don’t need a separate hot water tank.
The ability of combi boilers to deliver fast hot water whenever you need it is one of its main advantages. The flow rate can be restricted, especially when several taps or showers are being used at once, therefore they might not be suited for homes with high hot water demands.
System Boilers
Another choice for installing electric showers is a system heater. These boilers maintain a steady flow of hot water for your electric shower by storing it in a cylinder or tank. System boilers are the best choice for larger homes with higher hot water demands since they can manage many simultaneous showers and taps without lowering water pressure. Now you may get an answer about do electric showers need a boiler.
System boilers, however, need room for the hot water cylinder, which might be a drawback for households with little extra storage. You won’t get instant hot water like with combi boilers because they could take some time to heat the stored water.
Gas Boilers
These boilers, which frequently serve as a backup heating system or in smaller homes, heat water using electricity. Electric boilers may be deployed in small locations and are portable. They work well in dwellings with little need for hot water, like apartments or households with a single person.
Making the Best Boiler Selection for Your Electric Shower
The proper boiler must be chosen for your electric shower installation to guarantee a consistent and economical supply of hot water. Here are some things to think about before choosing:
Demand for Hot Water
Take into account how much hot water your home uses. A system boiler or ordinary boiler with a larger hot water cylinder may be a better option if you have a large family or plan to take many showers at once. A combi boiler or electric boiler might be adequate for smaller families with minimal hot water needs.
Accessibility of Space
Analyze the space you have in your home. Because they do not need a hot water cylinder, combi boilers are space-efficient. A combi boiler can be the most practical choice if space is at a premium. However, a system boiler with a larger cylinder may be appropriate if you have plenty of room and need a high-capacity boiler.
Efficiency of Energy
Think about your targets for energy efficiency. Due to its ability to only heat water when necessary, combi boilers are renowned for their energy efficiency.
Budget
Set a budget for the installation of the boiler. Because they require fewer components, combi boilers are frequently more cheap to install. Although the initial costs of installing an electric boiler may be lower, over time those prices may rise. Due to the hot water cylinder, system boilers and conventional boilers typically have greater installation costs.
Fuel Type
Think about the fuel options in your neighborhood. Although gas boilers are the most popular alternative, electric boilers can be used in places where gas is neither viable nor available. In the event of a disruption in the gas supply, electric boilers can also serve as a fallback option.
Conclusion
Electric showers are a popular option for contemporary bathrooms because of their ease, energy efficiency, and rapid hot water. But for them to work, you need a boiler system that is suitable and can produce the required amount of cold water. Considerations for choosing a boiler for your electric shower installation include hot water demand, space accessibility, desired levels of energy efficiency, spending limit, and fuel type.
Your boiler and electric shower must be installed and maintained correctly to last a long time and function effectively.
