Instant Hot Water Heaters -- Some Considerations Before You Install It
Having and using an instant hot water heater can be a great convenience, as well as a tremendous energy-saving device. While instant hot water heaters can be a distinct advantage over the other tank-type models, there are some issues that you should take time and think through before you purchase one --
The first issue with an instant hot water heater system is the issue of capacity. Remember that an instant hot water heater must heat your water to a suitable temperature before it can be released to the tap or spigot. Most instant hot water heater systems are rated in terms of how many hot-water using devices can be operated simultaneously (for example, a shower and two separate sink areas) -- and obviously you will pay more for an instant hot water heater system with a larger capacity.
On the other hand, you don't want to spend more then you absolutely have to on your new instant hot water heater. So make sure that you purchase a unit which is capable of handling your household's demand for hot water, but don't spend good money for a unit that provides you with excess capacity that you will never use.
Think through before you purchase an instant hot water heater where you want to locate it. In most cases you will need to have an open space on a nearby basement wall -- that's because instant hot water heaters typically mount on a wall rather than sit on the floor like tank-style models. You need to ask yourself if you have such an available area.
The third area is this: your existing water supply. Chances are the hot and cold water lines in your basement have been designed to fit right onto the top of your old-style tank-type water heater. Since you will be mounting your instant hot water heater on a nearby wall, it is almost certain that you will have to have some of those pipes relocated -- are you up to the task? If not, you'll have to pay someone to do it -- can you afford that? These are important questions to ask. If the cost would be prohibitive, then perhaps you should look into purchasing a replacement water heater like the one you already own.
A final concern has to do with the power supply. If your instant hot water heater is powered by electricity, then obviously the unit will need to be wired into your home's existing electrical circuitry. If you are using an instant hot water heater that is powered by natural gas or liquid propane, then you will need to make sure that a gas line is installed if necessary, and that fumes can be safely vented away (this will be necessary with the natural gas and liquid propane burning models).
