When we think of sunbeds, we usually think of traditional commercial tanning beds which have long been blasted by environmentalists for their outrageous energy usage. Typically using 200W lamps that use an estimated 1 Amp of electrical current, the average 40-tube commercial sunbed uses about 40 Amps, roughly equivalent to 9.6kW.
Our selection of home sunbeds are different for two reasons. Firstly, the average home sunbed will use a 100W lamp, rather than 200W. Secondly, home tanning beds are used intermittently. UK advice is currently a maximum of 3 sessions with at least 48 hours between sessions. A session will usually last between 3 minutes and 10 minutes depending on skin type.
With this intermittent usage, research undertaken by the UK Government has found that the average annual energy consumption of a home sunbed is just 0.2kWh. Compare this to everyday appliances that homeowners rarely think twice about using - a baby monitor at 8.8kWh, a hairdryer at 19.6kWh, a charger at 26kWh, a fan at 46.1kWh, or a doorbell at 52.4kWh - and it’s clear to see that home sunbeds aren’t the enemy here.
Selecting the Right Sunbed
Of course, not all home sunbeds were created equal, so it’s important to look for features that can help a sunbed fit in with a responsible, green lifestyle. Consider:
- Dedicated low energy models
- Dynamic electronic ballasts to limit current usage
- Energy efficient lighting
- Integrated energy-saving settings
Power consumption does vary considerably from sunbed to sunbed, but all relevant power and voltage information should be displayed to help you make a smart decision.
Added Benefits
Home sunbeds that use less energy come with an additional benefit that appeals to most of us making green changes in our homes: better energy bill management.
With the average cost of electricity in the UK currently standing at between 13.86p and 15.60p per kWh depending on location, a 24 tube, 100W lamp home sunbed in even the most expensive region costs just 37.44p per hour, or 0.624p per minute to run.
This equates to:
- 1.9 pence per 3 minute session
- 3.7 pence per 6 minute session
- 5.6 pence per 9 minute session
- 7.5 pence per 12 minute session
- 9.4 pence per 15 minute session
Green Tanning
Sunbed technology has advanced significantly over recent years, and the old commercial tanning booths we think of today aren’t the modern reality. When choosing the right home sunbed - one that’s designed to minimise energy consumption without compromising on safety, experience, or performance - it is evident sunbeds can be part of a green lifestyle. They’re no longer something eco warriors need to avoid.
