If you’re sick of your bulky and slow working storage tank water system or you’re just looking for a way that you can access a continuous flow of hot water instantly, you might be curious about electric instant water heaters. However, the decision to install an instant water heater comes with a few important factors to think about, and while switching to an instant system provides a host of benefits, instant systems do have some limitations. This article will go over what an instant water heater is, how they work, and the benefits and limitations of making the switch to an instant system.
What is an Instant Water Heater?
As the name implies, electric instant water heaters are designed to deliver a continuous flow of hot water through the taps and water outlets of your home that can be accessed instantly. When a water outlet is being used, the instant water heater system heats the water by using electricity. As opposed to storage tank systems, instant electric water heaters don’t possess a tank or storage component. This means that instant systems only heat water as it is being used, rather than continually using energy to keep a tank of water heated.
The Benefits of Instant Water Heaters
Long-Term Cost Savings
Although electric instant water heaters can seem costly to buy and install upfront, switching to this system could save you money in the long term. As instant hot water heaters heat water only as it is being used, you’ll only pay for what you use. Plus because instant hot water heaters don’t have a storage or tank component, you also won’t have to worry about running out of hot water, which is especially beneficial if you enjoy taking long showers.
Longer Lasting
The components of electric instant water heaters tend to outlast those of their storage tank system counterparts. Storage tank water heaters simply have more moving parts, and as storage tanks are typically situated in an outdoor environment, they’re subjected to the elements which can make it more likely that damage and corrosion will occur. The savings from making the switch to an instant system are then twofold, as you’ll save money on your bills as well as on the long-term repair costs associated with a storage tank system.
The Limitations of Instant Water Heaters
Flow Rate May Not Be Adequate
One of the limitations of electric instant water heaters is the fact that the flow rate may simply not be high enough to cope with the demands of a large house and family. Hot water being used by multiple outlets at the same time can result in low water pressure. A way around this would be to communicate and schedule hot water use in your home so demand doesn’t exceed flow rate needs, however, coordinating this with your family in reality can be difficult or even impossible. Large families with large family homes may be better suited to sticking with an alternative system.