8.5,9.5 or 10.5kw shower- is there much flow difference in winter?

dn852k4

We're looking to get a new shower as our old one has packed in and I was wondering is there much difference between 8.5, 9.5 and 10kw shower in the winter? Our old shower was 8.5 and the flow was very low during the winter months.

Do you think it would be more economical to run a higher wattage shower with a better flow during winter months? I'm thinking if the shower has a better flow, then the females in the house will spend less time washing their hair.

Would a 9.5 or 10.5kw offer a noticbly better flow over the 8.5kw shower thereby reducing the length of each shower?

penrhyn

Yes, but expecting the ladies to spend less time in the shower is about as likely as them buying fewer shoes.

DVardysShadow

dn852k4 wrote: »

We're looking to get a new shower as our old one has packed in and I was wondering is there much difference between 8.5, 9.5 and 10kw shower in the winter? Our old shower was 8.5 and the flow was very low during the winter months.

Do you think it would be more economical to run a higher wattage shower with a better flow during winter months? I'm thinking if the shower has a better flow, then the females in the house will spend less time washing their hair.

Would a 9.5 or 10.5kw offer a noticbly better flow over the 8.5kw shower thereby reducing the length of each shower?

Assuming the water comes out correct temp, in each case the flow is proportional to the power rating.

I doubt the result will be more economical, if the flow rate really is dictating the duration of the shower at best, it will cost little more, but the shower performance might be judged better.

jblack_2

Your shower flow is lower in the winter because the incoming mains water supply is colder therefore it takes longer for your shower to heat it to the required temp than it would in warmer weather.

The higher the kW the faster it will heat water, the better the flow. So if you get a 10kW shower it should be a noticeable improvement over your old 8.5kW one. Even in the summer you'll have a better shower.

One thing to remember is if you currently have an 8.5kW and want to fit a larger shower you may have to upgrade the electrical circuit back to the consumer unit with a larger cable. This can be costly.

HTH, J