To ensure a basic level of comfort in our living spaces, it is essential to have access to both water and a reliable source of electricity. With these two components in place, we can enjoy the added convenience of having hot water through the use of a water heater. However, it is important to consider the potential increase in electricity expenses that comes with enjoying this modern luxury. To avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes to our utility bills, it is wise to calculate in advance the power consumption of our water heater.
Power of flow and storage water heater kW – water heater how much electricity consumes

Household water heaters that operate using an electric heating element are commonly referred to as flow water heaters.
These water heaters, which are commonly used in homes, are divided into two main categories – flow and storage. This distinction has a significant impact on the amount of electricity that these devices consume, as well as their size and installation methods.
Both types of water heaters can be successfully installed in residential and commercial buildings. The specific model selected will depend on the desired demand for hot water, with storage-type water heaters being chosen based on the volume of the heating tank, the power of the heating element, and the shape of the housing location. Flow-type water heaters, on the other hand, are selected based on their energy consumption and capacity.

Boilers equipped with a heating tank serve the purpose of raising the temperature of the tank’s contents and maintaining the desired temperature level.
These boilers are able to heat the tank volume to the specified temperature and ensure that it remains at that temperature for an extended period, even when the heating element is deactivated. The tank’s capacity to hold a large volume of water allows for the inclusion of insulation material between the tank and the outer shell of the boiler. The energy consumption for heating can be manually adjusted or programmed through automation, with the ability to set a daily schedule for the device. One of the major benefits of this type of water heater is the continual availability of hot water, as the tank – whether it has a capacity of 50, 80, or even 100 liters – is always filled with hot water.
Flow-through water heaters heat water as it flows through the heating element. These heaters need to quickly raise the water temperature to a desired level, so they have high capacity. This is why they are equipped with more powerful heating elements.
Although the device’s manual specifies power and electricity consumption, the actual electricity usage may differ from the provided data. Several factors can contribute to this difference:
- The amount of hot water being used;
- The manner in which the water is being used;
- The temperature settings on the controls;
- The performance of the flow heater;
- The temperature of the cold water being supplied for heating.

When it comes to the bathroom interior, a boiler can be a practical addition. However, compared to a flow water heater, it does require more space.
One important factor to consider when choosing heating devices is their technical parameters. This ensures that the household’s hot water needs can be met effectively. The selection of technical characteristics depends on the specific tasks the devices will face. For example, an electric boiler is recommended based on the tank capacity:
- For a 50 liter appliance, it is suitable as the main source of hot water for dishwashing, hygiene procedures, and showering. It can comfortably accommodate a family of 2-3 people.
- An 80 liter boiler can cater to the basic needs of a family of 3-4 people, as long as the bathtub is used no more than once a week, with the shower being utilized on the other days.
- With a 100-liter capacity, a boiler can easily meet the hygienic needs of a small family consisting of 2-3 people.

An important characteristic of a flow heater is its flow capacity and productivity
When selecting a flow heater, it is important to consider not only the power consumption specified in the data sheet, but also the flow capacity and performance. The capacity of the device should be taken into account:
- A throughput capacity of 1.8-3 liters per minute with a power consumption of 2-2.4 kW is sufficient to provide hot water for washing dishes in the kitchen;
- A throughput of 3-4 liters per minute with a power consumption of 3-4 kW will allow for kitchen work and water usage for shaving;
- A throughput of 4-6 liters per minute with a power consumption of 7-9 kW will provide a comfortable shower experience;
- A throughput capacity of 6-10 liters per minute with a power consumption of 10-16 kW will fulfill all the hot water needs of the household.
To find the perfect flow water heater for your shower or bath, it is recommended to look for an electric heater with a power range of 10 to 16 kW and a flow capacity of 6-10 liters per minute.
How to save money on a water heater: how many kW consumes a water heater per month
When it comes to conserving electricity, it is necessary to perform calculations and create an estimated daily consumption schedule. For systems that store energy, the calculation includes:
- The capacity of the heating tank;
- The power consumption specifications of the heating element;
- The time it takes to heat to the desired temperature;
- The temperature of the water coming from the water supply system.

For contemporary boiler models, the power usage is indicated in the nameplate information.
For modern boiler models, the electricity consumption is specified in the device’s passport data, taking into consideration the set heating temperature. Additionally, manufacturers factor in the maximum daily hot water consumption.
In order to determine the overall energy consumption of instantaneous appliances, the following factors are considered:
- The appliance’s performance;
- The duration of operation within a daily cycle;
- The temperature of the heated water;
- The temperature of the cold water supply.
It is important to point out that modern models equipped with intelligent control systems are not only more energy-efficient compared to models from 5-7 years ago, but they also allow for optimal provision of hot water to meet household needs based on consumption patterns. This applies to both boilers with storage tanks and tankless water heaters.
To maximize electricity savings, it is essential to have a well-organized daily hot water consumption routine and to set the heating elements accordingly. Factors that contribute to reduced electricity consumption include:
- Utilizing the economy mode for daily use – it is advisable to develop the habit of washing hands with cold water, and activities such as shaving in the morning should be done with a cup or ladle instead of running water;
- It is advisable to wash dishes immediately after eating when food residues are easily removable. If this is not possible, soaking the dishes in cold water beforehand is recommended.
- When washing vegetables, it is best to use a pot and fill it with water instead of simply rinsing them under running water.
- When boiling water, it is more efficient to use only the necessary amount for one or two servings of tea or coffee instead of filling up a whole kettle.
- For daily water usage, it is more environmentally friendly to take a shower, which typically uses 30-40 liters of water, rather than filling up a full bath with 140-150 liters.

The recommended use of a flow water heater for household purposes, such as washing dishes, can help reduce electricity consumption.
As for the regulation of boiler and heater performance characteristics, the following measures are advised:
- Set the maximum temperature in the tank to 35-40 degrees;
- A flow heater only needs to heat up to 40 degrees for cooking and washing dishes;
- A temperature of 45-50 degrees is sufficient for showering or filling a bathtub;
- Set a daily timer for the storage appliance to turn off the heating function at night;
Determining the monthly electricity consumption of a boiler is not difficult. Simple calculations can be done using the following indicators:
- The electric heater’s power can be determined from the technical specifications of the instruction manual, denoted as W;
- The maximum capacity of the tank is V;
- The water is heated to a maximum temperature of 60 degrees, denoted as T2;
- The temperature of the water supply from the mains for heating is denoted as T1;
Calculation is done using the formula: T = 0.00116 * V (T2 – T1) / W.
First, calculate the time required to heat the full tank volume, and then determine the total energy consumption of the device.
To heat a 50-liter volume from 15 to 60 degrees with a 1.5 kW heater, the calculation is:
0.00116 * 50 (60 – 15) / 1.5 = 1.74 hours or 104 minutes
To find the amount of electricity consumed, multiply the device’s power by the heating time:
1.74 x 1.5 = 2.61 kW.

In order to calculate the consumption, it is necessary to determine the hot water requirements for the occupants of the house and the duration of heater usage.
Calculating the required capacity of a flow water heater in kW to ensure comfortable consumption and hot water supply for the house, as compared to the storage type, is relatively straightforward. All that is needed is to determine the hot water needs for each person living in the house and add up the total duration of heater usage.
Thus, the hot water consumption for one person during the day is as follows:
- Bathroom sink – 3-10 minutes, with a maximum water volume of 1.5-18 liters at a temperature of +35 degrees;
- Kitchen sink – up to 1 hour, with a consumption of up to 50 liters at a temperature of up to 45 degrees;
- Bath – up to 20 minutes temperature up to 40 degrees consumption volume of 120-140 liters.
Thus, the maximum daily water consumption for one adult family member is 230-245 liters, including a morning shower and an evening bath.
A 10 kW water heater with a flow rate of 6 liters per minute can meet the needs of one person for 40 minutes, which is equivalent to 0.6 hours, resulting in a daily power consumption of 6 kW. On average, in economy mode, the power consumption will be around 4-4.5 kW per person. A water heater with a capacity of 10 kW can accommodate such a mode.
For a storage type water heater with a volume of 50 liters and a capacity of 1.5 kW, the maximum consumption for a family of 3-4 people, consuming 200 liters, would be 8.4-9.2 kW.
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