Instant Hot Water heaters

Are you tired of running out of hot water during your morning shower? Maybe you want to replace that energy consuming hot water heater and if so you may be considering an instant hot water heater for the job. Instant hot water heaters can be a great solution to your hot water needs, especially if you have a fluctuating demand for hot water. Ofttimes these are referred to as tank-less hot water heaters, (or on demand instant hot water heaters, but lets just call them instant hot water heaters for simplicity  They are available in either gas or electric models and in sizes small enough to heat just a cup of tea up to units large enough to supply hot water to your entire home.While there are a lot of sales talk about these units there are some limitations and trade-offs you should consider before you decide if an instant hot water heater is for you. Correctly installed and properly used these appliances are absolutely great. Improperly used they are disappointing and expensive.A Word of Caution and Hope!It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified plumber before you make your decision. Give us a call at the number on the top of the page and we can advise you not only what is the best type and size of heater to use but if you might qualify for State or Federal  Government Rebates on your purchase.

How instant water heaters work

The instant water heater works by directly heating water on demand, as it is required. Unlike traditional hot water heaters using a storage tank, the instant units have no storage tank and thereby have no standby heat loss. Standby heat loss is the heat lost and energy wasted by heating water only to store it in a tank and is characteristic of traditional hot water heaters. Avoiding standby heat loss is primarily how instant water heaters make their claim of being energy efficient.Whether an instant water heater water heater is point-of-use (such as on your kitchen sink)or a whole-house unit, they work the same basic way. Cold water enters the unit and is heated by a heating element (heat exchanger) which is turned on by a flow activated switch. The heat exchanger can be electric resistance heating coils or a gas fired burner using natural gas or propane. (Gas units generally have more heating capacity and larger whole-house units are typically gas fired.)There are three variables that have to be considered in when selecting the size of the unit.

• The volume of water the unit is required to heat, measured as flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• The temperature of the cold water entering the unit
• The desired temperature of the hot water exiting the unit.

If you get these variables wrong and select a unit that is too small, it will not heat either enough water or it will not be hot enough. If you select a unit which is too large you will have spent more money than is necessary”