Advantages and Disadvantages of Instantaneous Hot Water Heater Systems

I remember forty plus years ago we had an instantaneous gas hot water system in our home.  They were a Pyrex heater, which in those days they were installed in the laundries. It wasn’t long before the powers to be decided that they were dangerous to the householders because if the pilot light went out people could die.  We could not work out why they could not put a cover over it and install it on the wall outside.

So we went to the great big 10 gal Storage tank.  We shifted several times through our lifetime.  Each house that we bought we installed a new hot water storage system.  I think that was six new heaters.

We wasted so much money every year, heating up 10 gallons of water.  Each time we used some hot water, on would go the gas and heat up the cold water refilling the tank.  What a waste of money and gas. On a cold day, the thermostat would need to come on and off to keep the temperature regulated to a certain temperature.

Instantaneous water heaters

Now we have reverted back to the instantaneous or demand water heater, only this time they are installed outside the home. These heat the water as we need it. If going away on holidays, then we need to turn them off, and relight them when we return.

Gas instant heaters are run with a pilot light.  When we turn on the hot tap the pilot light ignites the heater and heats our water as and when required only.  This way we have a constant supply of hot water for our household use the moment it is required.  There is no more waiting for the storage to heat up when we return from holidays.

Electric heaters use an element to heat the water in the same way.  Instantaneous water heaters provide more liters per minute although the gas heaters produce a higher flow of water than the electric ones.  When buying an instantaneous heater you need to consider how many people will be using it, and buy the correct size one for your family.  There are many choices of instant hot water heaters, some that use propane to heat the water similar to the traditional gas water heater.

Small heaters will not supply enough hot water for a shower and the washing machine to work at the same time.  You would need a bigger heater to run more demanding usage.

By using the instantaneous water heater we are saving money by not wasting the gas or electricity to continually heat up the storage unit when it starts to cool off or when hot water is used.

The disadvantages of Instantaneous

The cost of these heaters is more than the conventional storage heater. Although you will pay more to purchase the heater, you will definitely save on your electricity/gas and your water expenses. Therefore the advantages of an instantaneous heater far outweigh the storage heater and they are more energy efficient and easier to install.

Government rebates

Another reason to install an instantaneous water heater is that the government offers a rebate for you to change to this system.

By learning the advantages and disadvantages of Instant Hot Water Systems you will not only save money but be prewarned of what to expect before spending that hard earned money.