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When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water passes through the system, heating it before it enters the home. This provides the luxury of instant and constant hot water – which can be very nice on a cold morning, particularly when you are the last one in the household to have a shower! When the hot water tap is turned off, the system turns off automatically.
Are there different types of instant hot water systems?
Water heating systems are known as:
Instantaneous hot water systems
Instant hot water systems
Continuous flow systems
Tankless water heaters
There are 2 types of water heating systems – electric and gas (LPG or natural).
Electric instantaneous hot water systems:
Electric systems function by sending the cold water into an S bend pipe which is surrounded by elements – the water is then heated as it passes each element.
Gas instantaneous hot water systems:
Gas systems function by sending the cold water through a heat exchanger, of which is located above the burner.
Do instantaneous gas hot water systems need electricity to work?
The answer is yes for most systems. Thermann, Dux and Rheem instant hot water systems require electricity to power the temperature control sensor. During a rare power outage, these systems would not be able to be used.
What are the advantages of a continuous flow hot water system?
As there is no storage tank, bacterial growth (such as Legionella) is not an issue with an instant hot water system. Therefore, the temperature of the water can be set to as low as 50°C reducing the risk of burns and scalds.
Instantaneous hot water systems potentially can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance versus a traditional hot water system which may potentially only last 10 – 12 years.
Electrical and gas instant hot water systems are wall mounted and can be almost an 8th of the size of tank hot water systems – this is particularly beneficial if minimal space is an issue.
Instantaneous hot water systems are energy-efficient as they only heat water when it is needed – therefore avoiding continual running of a system to keep a large tank of water at a temperature where bacteria cannot grow.
What are the disadvantages of a continuous flow hot water system?
The water supply will be at a lower pressure than tank storage systems. This is because the water flow is slowed down to allow enough time for heating as it passes through the system. Depending on the model, flow rates per minute can vary between 10 litres and 30 litres.
Are instant hot water systems worth the price?
Initially, the outlay is larger to purchase an instantaneous hot water system. However, in the long term, you will save money in energy costs. Also, they will last longer than a conventional hot water tank system.
Do I need a plumber to install a continuous hot water system?
Most manufacturers won’t cover the terms of a products warranty if it isn’t installed by a professional plumber. There is a reason for this - a plumber is qualified, experienced and knows what they are doing, particularly when it comes to the safety aspects of a instant hot water system installation.
If you have any questions about the right instant hot water system for your home or would like to book us in to install a new system, please don't hesitate to contact us. Howzat Plumbing are based in Chermside, however our team of plumbers and gas fitters can complete jobs throughout the Brisbane northside and southside, the Moreton Bay and Samford Valley regions, along with Brisbane's East, Bayside, Western suburbs, CBD and inner-city.
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