Instant hot water heater systems function exactly as their name suggests. They provide or produce hot water instantly when switched on. They do not have storage tanks for holding heated water and hence start the heating process the moment they are turned on. Unlike conventional storage hot water systems, which feature hot water reservoirs for storing unused heated water, these tankless models heat water on demand and are hence also called instantaneous or demand-type water heaters. Conventional storage water heaters take time to fill up their tanks before supplying hot water whereas the instantaneous models produce water as soon as the heating element fires up. Hot water systems use all kinds of fuels including electricity, natural gas, and even solar to heat cold water. Before choosing a specific type of water heater, you should consider the size, flow rate, efficiency, fuel type, and fuel availability. If you wish to acquire a gas-powered hot water system, make sure to consult a San Diego plumbing specialist in gas pipe installation for gas appliance placement and connectivity. We will look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using instant hot water systems in this article.
Advantages Of Using Instant Hot Water Systems
Instant hot water systems are mainly popular because of their high energy efficiency. Compared to conventional storage water heaters, tankless models are far more efficient. The main reason why instant hot water systems are more efficient than conventional storage models is because the former does not incur any standby heat loss. As mentioned above, instantaneous water heaters do not store any hot water but rather heat water on demand. As such, the model does not stand to lose any heat energy on stored hot water like the conventional storage tank water heaters. Another major advantage of using instant hot water systems is that they last relatively long as compared to conventional storage models. They also cost less to maintain in that their spare parts are readily available, cheaper, and more long-lasting. Thirdly, tankless water heaters maintain a constant flow rate that lasts infinitely as long as they are switched on. Unlike their conventional storage counterparts, instant hot water systems do not run out of hot water when the reservoir dries out. They continue to heat and supply more water as long as there is demand. And last but not least, demand-type hot water systems take up less space than those with hot water reservoirs. They can be handled in almost any space in the house, hence they offer installation versatility.
Disadvantages Of Using Instant Hot Water Systems
The main drawback of using instant hot water systems is that they have a limited flow rate that is dependent on the output of the heating element. This means that these tankless models are incapable of furnishing all your hot water needs unless you implement them in a parallel supply system. You will have to install two or more instantaneous water heaters to handle all the hot water needs of your home. The other main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is that they cost more to buy and install. The good news here is that they end up costing less than conventional storage models because of their significantly low operation and plumbing maintenance costs.
