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By Kerry Hale

Electric Showers Q&A | Expert Answers

  • Friday 22 July 2022
  • 5 minute read

With so many electric showers available at Mira, it’s difficult to know which one to choose. Explore our handy Q&A to learn more about the benefits of electric showers, how they work, and which model is best for your bathroom design and lifestyle.

Your questions answered

These are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding electric showers. If you’re considering investing in an electric shower or wondering how to resolve an issue with your current model, our experts have the answers you need.

How many different electric showers do Mira Showers have?

Mira has over 14 different electric shower models, all of which are available with different power ratings to suit your home. Our most affordable options include the Mira Go and Mira Vie. The Mira Galena and Mira Azora offer a more luxurious showering experience thanks to their contemporary design features and thermostatic technology. Whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find the perfect electric shower in our range.

Is an electric shower the most economical?

Electric showers are one of the most energy-efficient choices, as they only use power and water whilst you’re showering. In addition, they have shorter pipe runs than other shower types and don’t store hot water in a tank, which prevents even more energy from being wasted.

How do I choose the kilowatt power rating for my electric shower?

The power rating of your electric shower is determined by the thickness of the cabling and the fuse capacity. If you’re replacing an existing unit, you’ll be governed by the wiring already in place. For new shower installations or refurbishments, you can install a 10mm cable to allow a maximum of 10.8 kW. However, every home’s electrical configuration is different, so it’s always best to consult an expert before going ahead.

What are the benefits of an electric shower?

  1. Instant hot water – With an electric shower, there’s no need to wait for stored water to heat up, and you don’t have to waste water while waiting for it to reach your desired temperature.
  2. Energy-efficient – Electric showers are one of the most economical choices for your home, saving you money on your bills and wasting less energy than other shower types.
  3. Separate water heater – Your electric shower has a built-in heating element, meaning you won’t run out of hot water from the mains system if someone turns a tap on elsewhere in your home. This is great for multi-bathroom properties or busy family homes.
  4. Economical water usage – Most electric showers use less than six litres of water per minute, making them an excellent choice for saving water at home..

How does an electric shower work?

Like a kettle, an electric heating element heats water as it flows through the unit. The temperature is controlled by varying the flow speed through the heater tank. The faster the flow, the less time it has to heat up and vice versa. Safety switches prevent water temperatures from reaching dangerous levels in the event of a blockage or malfunction.

What is a dual electric shower?

Mira Dual electric showers have two heads: an overhead deluge and a detachable handheld showerhead. You can switch between the two, depending on your preference. Deluge or rainfall showerheads can provide a more luxurious experience, whilst the handheld component is adjustable, allowing you to alter the height as required. The detachable showerhead is also useful for washing your pets or cleaning the shower enclosure.

How do you descale an electric shower unit?

Descaling your showerhead should be part of your regular cleaning routine to prevent limescale build-up. Our step-by-step guide has more information on how to descale your showerhead using everyday household products. If you live in an area with hard water, consider investing in a water softener, as this will help prevent limescale build-up within your pipework.

How do you increase water pressure on an electric shower?

If you’re experiencing low water pressure from your electric shower, this could be due to limescale build-up, so try cleaning the showerhead thoroughly first. Should the problem persist, you may need to install a pump. Our guide to increasing water pressure in your shower has more tips to help you resolve the issue. However, you should consult a plumber if you’re still unsure what’s causing the low pressure.

What is the average lifespan of an electric shower?

Mira’s electric showers are designed and tested to ensure they last many years. However, limescale can dramatically decrease the life of an electric shower, as it can build up on the heating element over time. Mira’s Clearscale technology helps reduce the build-up of limescale by up to 50%, prolonging the life of your shower.

Are you considering switching to an electric shower? Discover the full range of high-performance electric showers at Mira.

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