Has the time come to invest in a new shower? If so, you may be wondering “Is a power shower better than an electric shower?” After all, the inner workings of a shower can be complex, and it can be difficult to know which type is right for your needs. Fortunately, the team at Quality Bathrooms have expert knowledge of the different showers available and we are on hand to advise you of your options.
Power showers vs. electric showers
One issue that causes many people great confusion is the difference between electric showers and power showers. The trouble is that whilst all power showers are electric, not all electric showers are power showers. They look very similar, however, they work differently and produce unique showering experiences. To help you get the most of your shower, we’ve taken a closer look at these two types. Is a power shower better than an electric shower? Keep reading to find out.
Power shower units
A power shower combines water from the hot and cold water supplies. It achieves the desired temperature determined by thermostatic controls. This type of shower is generally installed in homes with low water pressure, with hot water made readily available in a storage cylinder.
With a power shower, there’s usually a pump installed inside a box in the wall. The pump forces water over the element to heat it, leading to a stronger flow of water from the showerhead. The water pressure is increased, delivering a more pleasurable and refreshing shower experience.
Electric shower units
An electric shower is commonly found in households where the boiler or storage cylinder’s hot water is in low supply. The reason for this is that electric showers have an internal heating element that allows them to take the water from the cold-water supply and then warm it up as you take a shower. Since the shower unit is separate from your normal hot water system, electric showers can be used in any home, whatever the plumbing system.
One of the biggest benefits of an electric shower is that you can still enjoy a hot shower if the hot water runs out or your boiler breaks down. This type of shower can also be useful if your existing plumbing system can’t reach particular areas of your home. When it comes to operating an electric shower, you will either trigger it using the master on/off switch by yanking a cord in the bathroom or flicking a switch before you enter.
Can I use a power shower with a combi boiler?
Unfortunately, if you have a combination boiler, you may not be able to fit a power shower in your home. A combi boiler doesn’t have a cylinder installed to enable the shower to run at water mains pressure through its internal pump, heating the water when you need it. A power shower requires tank-fed water flow, and combi boilers simply don’t have a tank. The combi boiler can only generate hot water at a fixed rate. Pumping won’t change that, no matter how hard it’s pumped.
If you did install a power shower, the difference in water pressure would be minimal. Indeed, if you were to use more than one outlet simultaneously, you may even notice a drop in water pressure. Electric showers often work well with combination boilers. An electric shower will continue working even if your boiler were to fail, due to the water being heated up by the shower system itself.
Is a power shower or electric shower right for me?
Whilst both power showers and electric showers come with benefits, the former may be more appropriate if you’re seeking a more pleasant and powerful showering experience. You can step into a power shower and instantly feel rejuvenated. A power shower can certainly be appealing if your electric shower is giving you drips instead of a strong and constant jet of water. On the other hand, electric showers are usually cheaper to run due to being more efficient and wasting less water. This may be the reason for their continued popularity, with around 40% of the nation having one.
Expert shower installations in Scunthorpe and Gainsborough
At Quality Bathrooms, we specialise in shower installations in Scunthorpe and Gainsborough. We offer an extensive range of showering options, with products to suit all needs and budgets. As well as power showers and electric showers, we also supply gravity fed showers, digital showers, exposed showers and concealed showers. The options are almost endless when it comes to choosing a new shower for your home. Once you’ve chosen your perfect shower, we can come out to your property to install it. We’ll ensure that your new shower doesn’t just look great, but that it functions flawlessly too.
Showers from the world’s leading brands
You’ll find high-quality showers from the world’s leading brands in our range, including Aqualisa, Abacus Elements and Lakes. Designed and manufactured to the highest possible standards using cutting-edge technology, the shower products we supply and deliver an enhanced showering experience. At Quality Bathrooms, we’re committed to bringing out customers the best quality showers from the biggest global brands.
Contact us
“Is a power shower better than an electric shower?” continues to be a very common question, with many people unsure exactly what makes these two shower types different from each other. If you require further information to help you select the right shower for your household, why not get in touch? Call us on 01724 375 019 to discuss your requirements with one of our team. You can also send us a message via our website if you prefer. At Quality Bathrooms, we can supply and install a wide range of showers in Scunthorpe and Gainsborough.
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