Instantaneous Hot Water Systems
What is a Continuous/Instantaneous hot water system?
Nowadays we are seeing a shift away from traditional storage hot water systems towards instantaneous, or continuous, systems – also sometimes referred to as a tankless hot water heater.
A traditional storage hot water system stores a limited amount of hot water within the tank, as shown in figure 1.1 below. As this hot water is used, cold water then enters the storage tank to replace it. Reheating continues after the flow of hot water has ended. Storage systems take time to re-heat water, and can result in periods of cold water if you are using a large amount of hot water at a time (depending on the size of the storage tank). Often storage systems can be less expensive than an instantaneous hot water system, which is why some people choose to use these.
In contrast, figure 1.2 below shows how an instantaneous hot water system is used. The system is designed to heat water only at the time it is being used, rather than storing water for later use. When hot water is turned on ,for example when a tap is turned on in the home, and an instantaneous hot water system is in use, the water flow activates a valve or switch that causes gas or electricity (depending on the type of system installed) to flow to heat water as it passes through the instantaneous system. When a hot water tap is turned off, the flow of water ceases. As a result, hot water is continuous – so you have a more reliable hot water system for your home or office.
Figure 1.1: Storage Hot Water System
Image Source: http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/learn-about-tankless/how-tankless-works/
Figure 1.2: Instantaneous Hot Water System Image
Source: http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/learn-about-tankless/how-tankless-works/
Why choose an Instantaneous hot water system?
There are several reasons why an instantaneous hot water system might be the better choice for your home or office, instead of a storage hot water system. Firstly, the system is a continuous flow of hot water, so your system will be more reliable – and you can have hot water for longer. In addition to this, instantaneous systems will take up less room – whether installed internally or externally to your home or office. Storage systems tend to take up much more space as they require more room to store more hot water. Instantaneous systems are much more compact – and some brands such as Bosch and Vulcan even have a special range of instantaneous systems for even smaller spaces – their compact ranges.
What types of Continuous/Instantaneous hot water systems are available?
Instantaneous hot water systems are becoming more and more popular, and a number of leading brands are manufacturing these systems. Jim’s Plumbing recommends the following instantaneous hot water systems:
.....AND MORE! If you have a preferred hot water system brand that is not listed here – we can order and install it for you!
Information on this page is subject to change. Commercial hot water systems also available on enquiry.