12 November 2024

INSTANTANEOUS HOT WATER SYSTEM AND HOT WATER STORAGE

Hot water systems are a key element to every household. It allows us to keep up with various daily chores in the smoothest way possible.

Most houses are likely to come with a preinstalled hot water system. But, while revamping a house or building a space from scratch, the decision of picking the right hot water system lies with you. 

A traditional option to go with would be a gas-powered storage-based hot water system with enough capacity to sustain the needs of all family members.

However, the market has evolved, and we now have something known as the instantaneous or continuous system that never lets you run out of hot water. 

The various aspects of picking a hot water system can quickly get confusing, particularly for a first-time homeowner. So, we created this guide to lay down the key differences between instantaneous and storage hot water systems to make the process easier. 

Key Differences Between Instantaneous And Storage Hot Water Systems 

Working Mechanism 

Before moving forward, it’s important to know the basic mechanisms of both hot water systems. Most people are already well-acquainted with the traditional storage variant, where the hot water is stored in a tank. The heating in a storage system can be through solar, electric, or gas, depending on the availability of energy sources. 

Typically, the tank of a residential hot water system has a capacity between 135 to 170 litres. And the size of a storage tank is based on the number of members present in a family. Rather than just providing heating usage, the system needs to reheat the water as it loses heat over time. 

On the other hand, an instantaneous water heater system doesn’t use a tank and instead focuses on providing hot water continuously. That’s why picking this system often rests on the desired flow rate for a household. This system can also be powered by either gas or electricity. 

Its mechanism is pretty simple; the heating element starts working when a tap is turned open to provide a steady flow of hot water. Moreover, there is an electronic control unit to maintain the water temperature to prevent it from getting too hot. 

Both systems are available in single point and whole-house or multi-point units to provide an adequate hot water supply for the whole household. However, while choosing an instantaneous system, you should ensure that the flow rate isn’t drastically compromised when multiple taps are left open. 

Energy Consumption 

If you’re looking for a more energy efficient hot water system, the instantaneous option is the right choice. This is because only the heating element is required to work while the tap is turned on. In the case of storage systems, more energy is required to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank. 

You’ll find that the systems that receive the highest energy ratings (6/7) are instant. Which makes them known to run without wasting energy, and heightening energy bills.  On the other hand, most storage systems receive a much lower energy rating (4/5) which is not as optimal.

Needless to say, instantaneous gas hot water systems are thought to be an excellent option for any household due to their high energy efficiency.

They are also known to emit up to 75% less CO2 than storage-based units, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Size And Aesthetics

When it comes to size, you’ll find that the instantaneous hot water systems save much more space. Which then makes it ideal for small houses and apartments, where this is crucial. The total instant system is often enclosed in a wall-mounted box that won’t look out of place in your home or use too much space.

However, if you choose to opt for a storage system, you need to make enough space to fit a whopping 170 litre tank.

Lifespan 

One of the reasons people still gravitate towards the traditional storage hot water system is its long lifespan. The average is taken to be around 10-15 years, and most come with a warranty of 5-10 years. But, there’s no need to worry as instantaneous systems have matched it up, and the latest models can last up to 20 years. 

*Please note that the lifespan of a hot water system varies based on several factors. These range from the level of maintenance, the extent of use, and the quality of water. Both storage and instant variants need occasional cleaning, and upkeep to ensure a long lifespan.

Health And Safety 

A common concern with storage hot water systems is the growth of bacteria in the tanks. When cleaning isn’t done regularly, this can be a major health hazard to you. According to the World Health Organisation, it’s recommended to maintain a temperature of 60°C. This prevents bacteria growth causing illnesses, more notably Legionella pneumophila. 

As instantaneous systems don’t have these storage tanks, instead many opt for this to be on the safer side.  Also, it makes it simpler to set a comfortable temperature to avoid accidental scalding. 

Price 

When comparing the price, the upfront cost of installing an instant hot water system is more than getting one with a storage tank. But, the price may also depend on how advanced the system is, along with the desired flow rate and points of connection.

You should also note that systems with a higher energy efficiency rating often cost more than those with fewer stars. 

Reach Out to A Professional Plumber

That’s everything we had to tell you about the differences between instantaneous and storage hot water systems. We hope that this guide will help you choose a system that works best for your home. 

Whether you’re looking for an instantaneous or storage hot water system, reach out to a professional plumber. They’ve acquired the right expertise to advise on the most appropriate system, which is based on your needs.

You can also consult them to improve the efficiency of an existing hot water system. 

Also, when comparing the prices, don’t forget to consider the factor of recurrent energy and maintenance costs.

Contact Us Today

If you’re in search of a plumber specialising in hot water systems, look no further than us. At All Day Plumbing, we’re renowned for our professional approach. Which means that we’re committed to guaranteeing the safety of your plumbing, from beginning to end.

If you have any questions or concerns trust us to address these with transparent communication. Leaving you feeling completely informed throughout. We understand that deciding the right system can be tricky, reach out for a consultation.

Book with us today!