Electricity Costs and Usage
The cost of running a sunbed depends on the type of sunbed and how long the device is on. For example, the Ultrasun Q14 Magnum Power uses 8.500W. So, it would cost around £2.82 to run for an hour.
- Commercial tanning bed: ranging from $2500 to $6500 with varying electricity needs, tanning time and efficiency. Average price= $3500.
- Residential tanning bed: ranging from $1500 to $3700.
A 40 tube 200 watt sunbed uses 9.6 kilowatts so would cost around 77p to run for an hour. A ‘unit’ of electricity is 1 kilowatt hour, i.e. equivalent to running a 1000 Watt appliance for 1 hour, and costs around 8p.
Sales are expected to grow 15% per year. Used sunbeds sell for around 40% of their cost when new.
Tanning Bed Safety and Costs
Tanning beds emit 3-6 times the amount of radiation given off by the sun. For most people, 5-10 minutes of unprotected sun 2-3 times a week is enough to help your skin make Vitamin D, which is essential for your health. Getting more sun won’t increase your Vitamin D level, but it will increase your risk of skin cancer.
The average cost of one monthly visit to a tanning salon can range from $20-$40, whereas the price of electricity to run your home tanning bed for one month is only around $10. So, if you use your tanning bed just 2-3 times per week, you’ll already be saving money within the first few months of ownership!
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.
Compared to other electrical appliances, sunbeds are relatively minor energy users. In the UK, the cost of electricity can vary depending on the region and the energy supplier. On average, the cost per kWh in the UK is between 14 to 20 pence.
Installation and Environmental Impact
Regular tanning bed use increases carbon emissions. A single bed uses 24-80, 100-200 watt lamps, up to 30 kilowatt hours weekly. This contributes to climate change.
Most 24 lamp, 220 volt beds need electrician installation. 110 volt beds plug into outlets and move easily. While 24 bulb beds light up, power resembles 16 bulb beds. Session length varies by model and skin type. Follow guidelines to avoid overexposure.
Proper electrical installation minimizes incident risks. Check tanning bed power needs and install proper wiring, outlets and breakers. Though beds have appliance-like power needs, impact is minimal. They don’t run as long or often as appliances.