Electric Instantaneous Hot Water Systems
Electric instantaneous hot water systems are a popular choice for homes and businesses. They provide instantaneous hot water, are easy to maintain and can be positioned in smaller spaces.
They don’t have storage tanks and only use energy when needed. They have a few disadvantages but still come with great benefits.
1. No Storage Tank
Unlike storage tank systems, electric instantaneous hot water systems don’t need to maintain a large amount of stored water at a fixed temperature. Instead, they heat the water as it passes through them, which results in savings on energy costs and reduced maintenance requirements.
However, this also means that if there’s a power outage or you need to do routine maintenance, you won’t have any stored hot water. Plus, they’re not as efficient at off-peak electricity rates as systems with a tank.
Another potential disadvantage is that they may not be able to supply enough hot water for high demand instantaneous electric water heater situations, as they heat the water as it’s being used. This can result in fluctuating temperatures, which isn’t normally a problem with traditional tanks.
Gas systems, on the other hand, are able to supply more than one outlet at a time, as they heat the water continuously. However, they require access to gas piping or reticulation and usually have higher installation costs than electric systems. Plus, they need to be installed by a licensed plumber.
2. Instant Hot Water
With an electric instantaneous water heater, you will get hot water instantly whenever you turn on your tap. This is due to the heater only heating the water as it passes through it, rather than having to heat and maintain a large tank of stored hot water. This also means that your energy costs are lower than with storage systems, as you don’t pay for the electricity to keep the tank hot at all times.
Electric instantaneous water heaters have a smaller footprint than gas systems and don’t require ventilation or a safety tray, which makes them more flexible in where they can be installed. They are ideally suited to single outlet applications and are perfect for apartments and homes with low hot water demands.
The Stiebel Eltron DEL18 and DEL27 models are great options for this as they are suitable for one or two outlets and come in a compact size that fits neatly under the sink. They are easy to install and have a number of features that help you to regulate your water temperature.
3. Energy Efficient
Electric instantaneous hot water systems only use energy to heat your water when you need it. This means you will save money on electricity bills as well as reduce your carbon footprint.
When you turn on a hot water tap, the system’s flow sensor is activated and triggers an element to heat your water. The hot water is heated as it travels to your tap so it arrives piping hot and ready to use.
This is much more energy efficient than storage systems that constantly consume energy to keep a tank of water hot and can cost more to run over time. The running costs of an electric hot water system are based on how many kilowatt hours (kWh) it uses per day. The more water you use, the more kWh it will consume.
Despite being more efficient than storage systems, electric instantaneous hot water systems are not without their drawbacks. They are dependent on a constant supply of electricity so if your power goes out you will not have access to hot water.
4. Low Maintenance
Electric instantaneous hot water systems are affordable and easy to install, requiring no gas lines or complex plumbing. However, they are dependent on electricity and rely on an uninterrupted power supply. This may be an issue for households that experience frequent power outages or have a high electricity consumption.
They also heat the water on demand, eliminating standby heat loss and energy waste that is common in storage tank systems. This significantly reduces energy consumption, which translates to reduced utility bills and environmental conservation.
They also take up less space than storage electric boiler tank systems, which makes them a great option for small spaces. Furthermore, they can be installed in homes without the need for gas lines and require minimal maintenance. In addition, they are energy efficient and produce no greenhouse gases.
5. Suitable For Small Spaces
If you want to save energy, space and money then an electric instantaneous hot water system is perfect for you. These systems are compact, energy efficient and fit easily under sinks and in utility closets. They can be powered by electricity, gas, solar or geothermal, so you can choose the one that suits your home or business best.
They are also more environmentally friendly than storage tank systems as they do not consume energy to maintain a temperature of stored water. Instead, they heat the water on demand, thereby saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint.
To maximise the efficiency of your new electric instantaneous hot water system, it is important to understand your household’s hot water usage patterns. This can help you to avoid running out of hot water and to make the most of off-peak electricity rates. In addition, it is crucial to accurately assess the number of people in your household so that you get a hot water system that is suitable for your needs. By doing this, you will ensure that your hot water system is able to provide enough hot water for everyone in the household at any time.
