With our environmental consciousness on the rise (not to mention the prices of fuel and electricity), many homeowners are choosing install instantaneous hot water systems in their homes as a replacement for the efficient ones that they currently use. Instead of filling a large tank with heated water, these systems will only heat it as needed. As well as ensuring that you never run out, it will ensure that your home only pays for fuel and electricity that you’re actually using, which will help you to save money.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are a number of common problems associated with these sorts of systems. We have outlined some of them in the article below so that you know what to expect:
- Inadequate Gas Pressure
Because there is a demand on these systems to produce water at a warm temperature almost immediately, a great deal of gas is used to ensure that this occurs. The gas supply must be kept at high pressure to maintain the effectiveness of the heater; if the pressure isn’t high enough, it may not be able to produce enough water for the whole house. Inadequate pressure will often present itself when trying to run two faucets at once, such as the kitchen sink and a shower. - Inadequate Heating Capacity
This problem is actually related to the one outlined above; sometimes, the heater’s capacity to heat enough water for even a single faucet (let alone two, or three, or four) will be greatly diminished. Sometimes this is due to the same issue of insufficient gas pressure (as outlined above), but it could also be due to improper installation (which often results in hot and cold water mixing within the heater) or specifications that do not match the requirements of the household. - Susceptibility to Rust
Sometimes your faucets will begin to flow with brownish or rust-coloured water. Even with all of the technological advancements of today, there are still components of your system that are susceptible to rust. Because of this, manufacturers will place ‘sacrificial’ rods within the heater, which will rust before any other part. When the corrosion on these rods grows too heavy, it will escape and enter the water, which is a definite sign that the rods need to be changed.
The presence of brownish or rust-coloured water could also be the sign of a more pressing problem, however, in that the rods may be corroding faster than they should be. This could be due to a leaky pipe or a system that has not been designed to divert condensation away.
Whilst it is true that your instantaneous hot water system could be subjected to any of the problems that we have outlined above, the good news is that they can be easily rectified. There are plenty of professionals out there who specialise in these sorts of repairs, so you can rest assured that your system will always be kept in tiptop condition and that your family can wash in peace. Are you still using an old and inefficient heater? Why not upgrade to an instantaneous model today and reap the benefits?
This article is sponsored by Stiebel Eltron an Australia’s leading suppliers of heat pump hot water systems, Under floor heating and room heaters.
Leave a Reply