How Much Electricity Does a Sunbed Use?
Sunbeds are a hassle-free, easy, and safe solution for people seeking to tan without exposing their skin to potentially harmful sunlight. A sunbed has many advantages over sunlight when it comes to control and safety - but unlike the sun, they do not run for free! As with any electrical device, it is essential to understand the energy consumption and cost associated with purchasing and using a sunbed before diving in.
When considering the overall cost of sunbed sessions, it's essential to factor in both the per-minute rate and the duration of your sessions. Additionally, individuals looking to use sunbeds frequently should also take into account the long-term expenses, including any package deals or memberships offered by their preferred tanning salon.
In this article, we'll explore how much electricity a sunbed typically uses, the cost per minute of sunbed usage, and the overall expenses of a sunbed session.
How much electricity does a sunbed use?
The electricity consumption of a sunbed depends on several factors, including the size and power rating of the bed, the type of bulbs or lamps used, and the duration of the tanning session.
On average, commercial sunbeds may use between 1,500 and 2,000 watts – this is not all that much higher than the energy required to use a toaster. More modern and efficient models tend to fall within the lower end of this range. With a typical sunbed session lasting from 2 to 15 minutes, it's easy to see that a sunbed won't take quite as much power as many would expect!
Keep in mind that these figures can vary, so it is best to check the specific power rating of the sunbed you are using to get a more accurate estimate.
How much do sunbeds cost per minute?
Much like energy use, the cost of said energy is difficult to calculate accurately. As well as the variables mentioned above, such as the type of sunbed, considerations such as location and the rates charged by the energy provider play a role in the final cost of each session.
With energy prices hiking up over the last year, it follows that the price of running a sunbed, whether at a salon or at home, has increased - making it all the more difficult to give exact figures.
Overall, an average, modern commercial sunbed should cost around £3 to run for an hour; this works out to about 0.03p per minute. At-home sunbeds usually require less energy than commercial ones. To drive that cost down even further, standing cabin models require less energy than larger, traditional lay-on sunbeds.
How much do sunbeds cost?
The cost of purchasing a sunbed can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the bed. Home-use sunbeds are generally less expensive compared to commercial-grade models used in tanning salons. Prices can range from a few hundred pounds for basic home units to several thousand pounds for professional-grade models.
While purchasing a sunbed may seem like a one-time investment, it's crucial to consider the long-term costs, including maintenance, bulb replacement, and electricity consumption. Commercial tanning salon owners need to factor in additional expenses, such as renting space, insurance, and other overhead costs.
How much is a sunbed session in a salon?
The cost of a sunbed session at a tanning salon can vary depending on the location, duration of the session, and any special promotions or packages offered. On average, a tanning bed session could start at around £1 per minute. Longer sessions or premium sunbed options may cost more. Many salons offer package deals or memberships that can provide more cost-effective options for regular tanners.
Considering the running prices discussed above, this may seem like a steep price - but do keep in mind that a salon has to pay for the purchase of the sunbed as well as its maintenance and upkeep.
The choice as to whether to visit a salon or purchase a sunbed for home use comes down to a variety of factors, from the price of the sunbed to the cost of running it, as well as the maintenance costs. For habitual users, an at-home sunbed may be a worthwhile investment; for more casual users, visiting a salon likely remains the most cost-effective choice.