Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
Have you heard of the latest innovation is energy efficiency, Air-Powered showers? Here, UK-based company Kelda tells us all about their unique range of showers and how they can contribute to your Appendix Q goals.
Here at Buildpass, we love nothing more than hearing from energy-innovators bringing boundaries in the industry. So, when we saw that Kelda had developed Air-Powered™ shower technology that not only ticked the energy efficiency box, but were also Appendix Q approved, we had to hear more.
Read on for the latest in our Guest Post Series all about how Air-Powered showers should be next on your sustainable construction agenda.
When it comes to making buildings more sustainable, we often think about solar panels, energy-efficient windows, or insulation upgrades. But what if one of the biggest improvements we could make lies in our showers? Kelda, a UK-based innovator, has developed Air-Powered™ shower technology that transforms the way we use water. It’s a bold step forward, helping to save resources without compromising on experience.
What makes Kelda showers different?
Let’s break it down: what makes Kelda’s showers different, how they work, and why they might just be the future of sustainable living.
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of Kelda’s tech, let’s talk about Appendix Q. If you’re not familiar, it’s a UK standard used to evaluate energy-efficient and innovative systems in homes. Essentially, SAP Appendix Q assesses how technologies can help meet sustainability targets, giving developers and homeowners a clear way to choose smarter solutions.
Kelda’s Air-Powered showers are Appendix Q approved, meaning they’re officially recognised as a sustainable innovation that works. For anyone trying to hit environmental targets, that’s a big deal.
What is an Air-Powered shower?
At first glance, the idea of an “Air-Powered shower” might sound a bit sci-fi, but the concept is surprisingly simple and incredibly effective.
Conventional ‘aerating’ showers use the Venturi principle to restrict flow and draw atmospheric air into the water through a small hole in the shower head.
In contrast, Air-Powered showers use the principles of fuel injection technology.
Each shower features an advanced microprocessor and digital fan which controls the delivery of water and air to the showerhead. Within the showerhead, water is injected into a high-velocity air stream where it is broken up into 100s of droplets that are 2.5X the size of a standard shower. Larger droplets yield larger momenta providing the sensation of more spray force, making less water feel like more.
Why are Air-Powered showers more energy efficient?
The innovative technology behind Air-Powered showers means that a 3-bed house using a gas boiler for its heating system can reduce its Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) and Dwelling Primary Energy Rating (DPER) by 10% by replacing a standard mixer shower for an Air-Powered one. This means that 2 fewer PV panels are required.
For a 1-bed flat with electric panel heaters and a heat pump for water, DER can be reduced by 10%, whilst DPER can be reduced by 10.9%. Increasing the EPC rating from a C to a B.
Who is Kelda?
Kelda didn’t just appear out of nowhere – they’ve been on a mission for years to make showers smarter, greener, and better. Based in the UK, the company has poured time, energy, and expertise into developing their patented Air-Powered system. Their goal? To invent sustainable shower experiences that allow for guilt free indulgence.
From the outset, Kelda focused on two things: cutting water and energy use while still delivering a luxurious showering experience. The inclusion within Appendix Q and positive feedback from users show they’re onto something big.
