Efficient Comfort: Choosing the Best Instant Gas Hot Water System for Your Home
Are you considering continuous flow gas hot water for your home? Instantaneous or tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand without the bulk of a storage tank, offering energy cost savings and a continuous supply of hot water. This article covers how they work, their types, benefits, installation, cost considerations, and more to help you decide if they are a suitable choice for your household.
Key Takeaways
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A gas continuous flow hot water system will provide hot water on demand without the need for storage tanks, offering greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional tank water heaters.
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While the upfront costs of tankless water heaters can be higher, including installation fees and potential home modifications, the long-term energy savings and low operational costs can make them a cost-effective option over time.
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Proper maintenance, including regular check-ups and timely part replacements, is essential to maximize the longevity and performance of instantaneous hot water systems, while financing options are available to help manage the initial investment.
Understanding Instant Gas Hot Water Systems
Picture this: you turn on the hot water tap and immediately get a continuous flow of perfectly heated water. That’s the magic of continuous flow hot water systems. Unlike traditional water heaters, which store and continually heat a large volume of water, instantaneous systems, also known as tankless water heaters, heat water directly without the need for a storage tank. They activate only when a hot water tap is turned on and deactivate when the tap is shut off, saving energy that would otherwise be used to keep water hot in a tank.
There are two main types of instantaneous systems: electric and instant gas hot water systems. Electric models use electric resistance coils, while gas models burn natural gas or propane. Electric hot water systems are wonderfully energy efficient as they only heat the water that is needed at the moment, reducing energy waste associated with heating large volumes of stored water. However, they may have a larger carbon footprint compared to other alternatives like solar or gas-powered systems if the electricity they use comes from fossil fuels. Nevertheless, their energy efficiency is undeniable, an aspect we’ll delve into more in the following sections.
How Do They Work?
In the heart of any instantaneous hot water system is a fascinating process that provides you with hot water in an instant. When a hot water tap is opened, the following process occurs:
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Cold water travels through a pipe into the unit.
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The water is heated by either a gas burner or electric elements.
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The water is instantly heated as it passes through a heat exchanger in a gas-fueled system or by electric elements in an electric system.
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The temperature of the water is controlled by a flow sensor and modulating gas valve in gas models or by modulating power to the electric elements in electric models.
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This precise control ensures that the water reaching your tap is at the perfect temperature for your needs.
Benefits of Going Tankless
Going tankless offers several compelling reasons worth considering. One of the primary advantages is that tankless water heaters exhibit greater energy efficiency than their traditional tank counterparts. They don’t require constant energy to maintain a heated water supply and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with gas models producing up to 75% fewer emissions than electric storage water heaters. This energy efficiency can translate into significant savings on your utility bills, a benefit we’ll explore further in the cost section.
Aside from energy efficiency, the design of tankless water heaters offers practical advantages. Some of these advantages include:
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Compact size, saving considerable space in your home
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Continuous supply of hot water on demand, providing an endless flow as long as the capacity isn’t exceeded
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Impressive lifespan, often lasting more than 20 years, resulting in long-term savings for homeowners
These features make tankless water heaters, such as the Rinnai Infinity, a great option for homes with limited space and high hot water usage.
Is an Instantaneous System Right for You?
While we’ve delved into the functionality and advantages of gas continuous flow water heaters, determining whether such a system is a suitable fit for your home is equally important. The answer to this question hinges on several factors:
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Larger families with more occupants typically require a system that can meet a higher hot water demand.
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In homes with high hot water usage, you may need to consider installing multiple tankless water heaters to maintain a consistent water temperature when running multiple hot water outlets.
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The distance between the tankless water heater and the fixtures can impact the flow rate and performance, so tubing length should be factored into the decision.
Other important considerations include the local climate, which can affect the required system size and the type of unit best suited to your home. Also, you should consider the existing setup of your home, including the electrical system, gas lines, and water pipes, which may need modifications to accommodate a tankless water heater, potentially affecting the overall cost and feasibility of installation. By evaluating these factors and more, you can make an informed decision about whether an instantaneous hot water system is the right choice for you.
The Cost Factor: Investment and Running Costs
Having gained a basic understanding of instantaneous hot water systems and their benefits, let’s now turn our attention to the financial implications. While these systems offer numerous advantages, they also come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional tank systems. However, before you dismiss the idea of investing in one, it’s worth considering the potential savings in the long run.
Installation Expenses
The initial investment in an instantaneous hot water system includes not just the cost of the unit but also the installation expenses. A licensed plumber typically charges around $130 per hour for hot water system installation. However, if the new system is placed in the same location as the old one, the installation cost can be reduced to around $300 or slightly more.
While this might still seem like a significant expense, it’s important to consider the long-term savings that these systems can deliver.
Ongoing Energy Savings
The true financial beauty of an instantaneous hot water system lies in its potential energy savings. These systems offer:
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Heating water on demand, thereby reducing energy waste and operational costs
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24% to 34% more energy efficiency compared to storage tank water heaters for moderate use
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Maintaining higher efficiency even as usage increases
This means lower utility bills for you, as using less space can lead to reduced energy consumption.
In fact, switching from an electric storage unit to a natural gas instant system can save a household approximately $750 annually in running costs. Furthermore, upgrading to an instantaneous gas hot water system from a storage tank system can significantly reduce energy consumption due to the elimination of heat losses through storage cylinder walls. So, while the upfront cost of an instantaneous system may be higher, the long-term savings can make it a cost-effective choice.
Selecting Your Ideal Instant Gas Hot Water System
Having a clear understanding of instantaneous hot water systems and their cost implications, you might be considering investing in one. But how do you choose the right system for your home? There are various factors to consider, from the size and flow rate of the system to the brand and model.
Size and Flow Rate Considerations
The size and flow rate of the system are crucial factors to consider. The right size and flow rate depend on your household size and hot water usage. For households with varying sizes, certain flow rates are recommended. For instance, for a home with 1-3 persons and 1 outlet, a flow rate of 16 L/min is suitable.
For larger households with more outlets, a higher flow rate is necessary. Beyond the current needs of your household, you should also consider future growth or the addition of fixtures, which will necessitate a larger system to handle the increased demand.
Comparing Brands and Models
Once you have an idea of the size and flow rate you need, it’s time to compare brands and models. It’s essential to read reviews from various sources
