When it comes to upgrading your bathroom, installing an electric shower is a popular choice for many homeowners. Not only do electric showers provide instant hot water, but they also offer convenience, energy efficiency, and space-saving benefits Cost to install electric shower. However, before you make the decision to install one, it’s essential to understand the full costs involved. From purchasing the unit to installation fees, there are several factors to consider. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost to install an electric shower.
What Is an Electric Shower?
An electric shower is a type of shower unit that heats water directly as it flows through the unit, using electricity. Unlike traditional showers that rely on a hot water tank or boiler, electric showers offer an on-demand solution for heating water, making them highly energy-efficient. They are often installed in bathrooms where space is limited, or where a constant supply of hot water is needed without relying on a central heating system.
How Much Does an Electric Shower Unit Cost?
The cost of the electric shower unit itself can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features you choose. Prices generally range between £100 to £400 (or $130 to $500 USD) for the unit. The basic models, with simple features and lower power ratings (around 7 to 8.5 kW), will cost you at the lower end of the spectrum, while high-end units with multiple settings, advanced technology, and higher power ratings (up to 10.5 kW) can be significantly more expensive.
Factors That Influence the Cost of the Shower Unit:
- Power Rating: Electric showers are available in various power ratings. A higher power rating means more water flow and stronger water pressure, which is ideal if you have a larger household or want a more powerful shower experience. However, higher ratings tend to be more expensive.
- Features: Some electric showers come with advanced features like digital controls, thermostatic controls (to maintain a consistent water temperature), or anti-limescale settings. These additional features can increase the price of the unit.
- Brand: Well-known, reputable brands like Triton, Aqualisa, and Mira often command a higher price due to their reliability and warranties.
What Does Installation Cost?
In addition to the cost of the electric shower unit, you’ll need to factor in installation fees. Installing an electric shower is a job that requires professional expertise, particularly when it comes to ensuring proper wiring and plumbing. You should always hire a certified electrician and plumber to handle the installation.
The cost of installation can range from £150 to £500 ($200 to $650 USD) depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what affects the installation cost:
- Complexity of the Installation: If your bathroom is already equipped with the necessary electrical and water connections for an electric shower, installation will be relatively straightforward and cost less. However, if new wiring, plumbing, or modifications to your bathroom layout are required, installation will be more costly.
- Location of Your Bathroom: The cost of installation can also vary depending on the location of your home and the availability of local professionals. In urban areas with a higher cost of living, installation fees might be more expensive than in rural regions.
- Type of Shower Power Supply: If you’re upgrading from a gravity-fed or combi boiler shower system, you might need an electrical supply upgrade to support the electric shower. This could involve additional work and cost.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the cost of the unit and installation, there are a few other potential costs to keep in mind:
- Upgrading the Electrical Supply: If your current electrical setup cannot support the power requirements of the electric shower, you may need to upgrade your consumer unit (fuse box). This could add an additional £150 to £500 ($200 to $650 USD) to the total cost.
- Water Pressure Issues: Electric showers rely on adequate water pressure to function properly. If your water pressure is low, you may need to install a booster pump, which can cost between £100 and £300 ($130 to $390 USD).
- Maintenance and Repair Costs: Over time, electric showers can accumulate limescale or develop faults. Routine maintenance, including descaling, may be necessary to ensure optimal performance. Repair costs for a malfunctioning unit can range from £50 to £200 ($65 to $260 USD), depending on the issue.
Total Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer idea of the overall cost, here’s an estimated breakdown for a typical electric shower installation:
- Basic electric shower unit: £100 to £200 ($130 to $260 USD)
- Mid-range electric shower unit: £200 to £350 ($260 to $460 USD)
- High-end electric shower unit: £350 to £500 ($460 to $650 USD)
- Installation cost: £150 to £500 ($200 to $650 USD)
- Potential additional costs (electrical upgrades, water pressure solutions, etc.): £100 to £800 ($130 to $1,050 USD)
Total cost estimate: £250 to £1,800 ($320 to $2,300 USD)
Is an Electric Shower Worth the Investment?
While installing an electric shower involves an upfront cost, there are several benefits that can make it a worthwhile investment:
- Energy Efficiency: Since electric showers only heat water as needed, they can help reduce energy costs compared to a traditional hot water tank that continuously heats and stores water.
- Instant Hot Water: You won’t need to wait for the water to heat up, which makes electric showers particularly appealing for busy households.
- Space-Saving: Electric showers don’t require a bulky hot water cylinder, freeing up space in your bathroom.
- Easy to Install and Upgrade: If you already have an existing plumbing setup, installing an electric shower can be relatively straightforward.
Final Thoughts
The cost to install an electric shower can vary based on the type of unit you choose and the complexity of the installation. However, with the potential to save on energy bills and enjoy reliable hot water on demand, it can be a great addition to your home. Just be sure to consider both the unit’s cost and the professional installation fees, as well as any additional work that may be required. By planning ahead and working with trusted professionals, you can enjoy the benefits of an electric shower for years to come.