What is an Instantaneous Water Heater?
Some people believe that buying an instantaneous water heater means having only hot water and no cold water. However, this perception is incorrect. Compared to traditional gas water heaters, this type of water heater includes a heat recovery system to recycle cold water.
With a conventional gas water heater, due to the distance between the hot water pipe and the point of use, some water in the pipes cannot be heated. As a result, you need to wait for this water to be discharged before hot water can flow out. An instantaneous water heater can pump the water back into the heater to be reheated, ensuring that the water is hot as soon as you turn it on.
In reality, even after installing an instantaneous water heater, there is still a slight delay from when the water boils to when hot water comes out of the faucet, approximately 4-5 seconds. Additionally, the temperature of the initial outflow will be lower than that of the subsequent water. However, since this time lag is relatively short, most people won’t notice it.
Drawback 1: Limited Installation Options
One of the most important factors to consider when thinking about purchasing an instantaneous water heater is the installation requirements. For the heater to function efficiently, a recirculation pipe system is necessary. If your home lacks this pipe system, using an instantaneous water heater will be challenging. Although sellers may assure you that the absence of a recirculation pipe won’t affect the heater’s functionality, the truth is that its primary functions won’t be fully optimized.
Without a recirculation pipe, the cold water in the pipes will need to be discharged before hot water can be supplied. This not only wastes water but also reduces the heating efficiency of the heater. You’ll have to wait longer for hot water, which contradicts the very convenience that instantaneous water heaters aim to provide. Therefore, if you’re considering this type of heater, make sure your home already has a recirculation pipe system in place.
Drawback 2: High Costs
Instantaneous water heaters typically come with a price tag that’s significantly higher than that of traditional gas water heaters. While the initial cost may be a concern, there are other expenses that consumers should also consider. During installation, you’ll likely need additional accessories and supporting equipment, which can substantially increase the overall cost.
Moreover, if you need to replace parts or perform maintenance during the heater’s lifespan, these costs can also be higher compared to conventional gas water heaters. After installing the heater and going through a few component replacements, I started to regret my decision. The total cost of owning and maintaining an instantaneous water heater can easily exceed your initial budget.
Drawback 3: Electricity Consumption
One of the main reasons I decided to purchase an instantaneous water heater was to save electricity. However, the reality fell short of my expectations. After installing the heater, my monthly electricity bill skyrocketed, leaving me surprised and disappointed. Although instantaneous water heaters are marketed as providing instant hot water, their continuous operation to maintain the desired temperature results in increased gas consumption.
The “all-weather” mode that these heaters offer typically requires continuous gas combustion to produce hot water. This not only drives up your electricity bill but also increases emissions. In just one month, my electricity bill had doubled, which was the opposite of the energy-saving goal I had in mind when investing in this heater.
Drawback 4: Noise
While instantaneous water heaters operate without the need to turn on a circulation pump to heat the water, continuous operation of the pump will undoubtedly generate some noise. This noise can be bothersome for those sensitive to sound, especially during times when quiet is needed in the household, such as when sleeping or relaxing.
Beyond being annoying, noise from the water heater can impact your quality of life. A peaceful living environment is often sought after by many, and the noise from the heater can disrupt that tranquility. Having to live with the noise can cause stress and potentially affect your mental health.
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