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Instant Electric Hot Water System Installation & Repair
Instant Electric Hot Water Services
This innovative system heats water on-demand as it flows through the tap, eliminating the need for a storage tank and the standby energy loss that comes with it. Perfect for smaller households or those with limited space, instant electric hot water provides endless hot water without the wait. Just turn on the tap and enjoy a steaming flow for tasks like washing dishes, filling sinks, or taking invigorating showers.
Single Tap Installation:
This is the most common scenario, where a dedicated instant electric hot water tap is installed at a single point, like the kitchen sink. The plumber will connect the tap to the cold water line and the electrical circuit.
Multi-Tap Installation:
In some cases, you might want instant hot water at multiple locations, like the kitchen sink and bathroom basin. This would involve installing separate instant hot water taps at each location and ensuring the system can handle the combined hot water demand.
Point-of-Use Installation:
For specific tasks requiring very hot water, like in a laundry sink, a smaller point-of-use instant electric hot water system can be installed directly at that location.
While instant electric hot water systems avoid standby energy loss from storage tanks, their overall efficiency depends on usage patterns.
Since they heat water on-demand, they can be efficient for tasks requiring small amounts of hot water.
However, frequent use for tasks like long showers can increase your electricity consumption compared to a storage hot water system with good insulation.
Electric Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems
What are they?
Electric continuous flow hot water systems, also known as instant electric hot water heaters, are a great option for those who want hot water on demand without the need for a bulky storage tank.
Residential usage
Here’s why electric continuous flow hot water systems can be good for residential use, especially for certain households:
Space Saving:
- Traditional storage hot water heaters take up valuable floor space, often in garages or laundry rooms. Electric continuous flow systems are compact and wall-mounted, freeing up precious real estate in your home. This is especially beneficial for smaller homes, apartments, or studios.
Endless Hot Water (for frequent users):
- Unlike storage systems with a finite amount of hot water, continuous flow heaters provide a never-ending supply as long as the tap is running. This is ideal for households with frequent hot water needs, like large families or those who take long showers. No more running out of hot water in the middle of a shower!
Potential Energy Efficiency (with the right usage):
- Storage hot water systems constantly use energy to maintain the water temperature in the tank. Electric continuous flow systems only heat water when you need it, eliminating standby energy loss. This can translate to lower energy bills for frequent hot water users.
Quick and Easy Installation (generally):
- Compared to storage systems that might require plumbing modifications, electric continuous flow heaters are often easier and quicker to install. This can save you time and money on installation costs.
Commercial Usage
Electric continuous flow hot water systems, while having residential benefits, generally wouldn’t be the most suitable choice for commercial applications due to a few key differences in hot water demands:
Residential vs. Commercial Hot Water Needs:
- Water Volume: Businesses like restaurants, hotels, or gyms often have significantly higher hot water demands than a typical household. Continuous flow systems might struggle to keep up with peak hot water usage periods in these settings.
- Constant Hot Water: Many commercial settings require near-constant access to hot water, for tasks like dishwashing, cleaning, or showers in busy facilities. The standby energy consumption of continuous flow systems might negate their potential efficiency advantage in these scenarios.
Other Considerations for Commercial Use:
- Higher Flow Rates Needed: Commercial applications often require powerful showers, laundry facilities, or multiple hot water taps running simultaneously. Continuous flow systems generally have lower flow rates compared to storage tanks, which can be problematic.
- Maintenance: Depending on the water quality and usage, commercial systems might require more frequent maintenance than residential models.
Tankless Electric Hot Water Systems
Who are these good for?
- Small Households: Ideal for apartments, studios, or homes with low hot water demand.
- Frequent Hot Water Users: For those who constantly use hot water for showering, washing dishes, or laundry, they can be efficient.
Things to Consider Before Buying:
- Hot Water Needs: Assess your hot water usage patterns to see if a continuous flow system can meet your demand.
- Electrical Capacity: Ensure your electrical system can handle the unit’s power requirements.
Commercial Use:
Generally not ideal for commercial applications due to high hot water volume requirements and the need for near-constant hot water access. Larger capacity storage systems or gas continuous flow heaters (where applicable) would be better suited for commercial settings.
Best Electric Instantaneous Hot Water System
Stiebel Eltron:
Known for German engineering and a reputation for durability and reliability. Stiebel Eltron offers a range of models with varying power outputs to suit different hot water needs. They might be on the higher end of the price range.
Rinnai:
A trusted Japanese brand offering a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. Rinnai models are known for their user-friendly operation and efficient heating technology.
Zip Water:
An Australian brand popular for their innovative designs and focus on user experience. Zip offers features like filtered chilled and sparkling water alongside instant hot water, making them a multi-functional option. They tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Instant Electric Hot Water System Installation & Repair FAQ’s
Can you get instant hot water with electricity?
While there’s an initial investment, they can be energy-efficient for frequent users, especially compared to constantly reheating kettles.
Are electric instant hot water systems expensive to run?
The running cost of electric instant hot water systems depends on your usage. For frequent hot water users, they can be surprisingly cost-effective. Here’s why:
- Heat only what’s needed: Unlike kettles that heat a full pot, these taps heat just the amount dispensed, minimizing wasted energy.
- Smart insulation: The reservoir stays hot, but good insulation reduces energy use to maintain the temperature.
- Eco modes: Many taps have features that power down when not actively in use.
However, there’s a constant low energy draw to keep the water warm. So, if you rarely use hot water, a kettle might be more cost-effective.
Are instant hot water systems worth it?
Whether instant hot water systems are worth it depends on your hot water usage habits and priorities. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
- Convenience: Get near-boiling water instantly, perfect for tea, coffee, pasta, or speeding up meal prep. No more waiting for kettles to heat up.
- Energy Efficiency (for frequent users): Heat only the water you need, eliminating wasted energy compared to constantly reheating a full kettle.
- Space-Saving: They free up counter space compared to bulky kettles.
- Quick Installation (usually): Generally easier to install than storage hot water tanks.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: They can be more expensive upfront than a kettle.
- Lower Flow Rate: They may not deliver as much hot water per minute as storage systems, impacting powerful showers.
- Potential for Higher Electricity Bills (for infrequent users): The constant low energy draw to maintain hot water can be less efficient for occasional use.
- Hot Water Safety: Consider using cold tap water for drinking, as hot water heaters can harbour bacteria.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Hot Water Needs: Assess your hot water usage patterns. If you frequently need hot water, an instant system might be worthwhile.
- Budget: If minimising initial cost is a priority, a kettle might be better.
- Family Needs: If you have young children, safety features like childproof levers are important.
- Kitchen Space: Ensure you have enough space under the sink for the tap’s heating unit.
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