Instantaneous Electric Water Heaters
Instantaneous Electric Water Heater
Instantaneous Electric Water Heaters (IEWHs), also known as tankless or demand-type water heaters, are often recognized as “green” water heaters due to their energy efficiency and water-saving benefits. Authorities in many countries, including Singapore, promote the use of IEWHs in households as part of their efforts to conserve water and energy resources and protect the environment.
IEWHs are divided into two main categories: Single Point (Open Outlet) and Multi-point (Closed Outlet). Both Single Point and Multi-point IEWHs offer advantages in terms of energy efficiency, as they only heat water when it is needed, eliminating the energy losses associated with storing hot water in a tank. They also promote electricity conservation by avoiding the need to continuously keep a tank of water heated. These factors contribute to reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
Single Point (Open Outlet)
Single Point IEWH (Open Outlet): As the name suggests, this type of IEWH is designed to supply hot water to a single point, typically used for showering. The outlet of the water heater must remain open and cannot be directly connected to a faucet. The water flow is controlled at the inlet of the IEWH by a stopcock. Single Point IEWH is specifically tailored for showering purpose, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for supplying hot water in shower.
Singapore’s authorities, like many others, encourage the adoption of IEWHs to save water and energy, recognizing that individual‘s actions can collectively make a positive impact on protecting the environment.
    
Multi-point (Closed Outlet)
Multi-point IEWH (Closed Outlet): This type of IEWH is capable of supplying hot water to multiple points or outlets. Unlike the Single Point IEWH, the outlets of a Multi-point IEWH can be connected directly to mixer faucets, providing hot water on demand at each point. The water flow and temperature are regulated by the mixer faucets and the temperature setting of the Multi-point IEWH.
Singapore’s authorities, like many others, encourage the adoption of IEWHs to save water and energy, recognizing that individual‘s actions can collectively make a positive impact on protecting the environment.
 COMPARING IEWHs TO STORAGE WATER HEATERS
When comparing Instantaneous Electric Water Heaters (IEWHs) to Storage Water Heaters, several advantages can be identified for IEWHs:
- Electricity Savings: IEWHs do not waste electricity in heating up a full storage tank of water that may not be fully utilized. Instead, they heat water on demand, resulting in energy efficiency and reduced electricity consumption.
- Water Conservation: IEWHs can save water because they are typically installed in the shower area, eliminating the need to discharge cold water in the pipes that may be present when using a storage water heater located some distance away. With IEWHs, hot water is available instantly, minimizing water wastage.
- Instant Hot Water: IEWHs provide immediate access to hot water without the need for preheating time. In contrast, storage water heaters may require 10 to 40 minutes to heat up the water depending on their capacity, wattage, and the season. Additionally, with storage water heaters, subsequent bathers may have to wait for the cold water in the storage tank to be reheated before they can shower.
- Easy Installation and Replacement: IEWHs are generally easier and cheaper to install compared to storage water heaters. They require less space and don’t need a large storage tank. Additionally, if a replacement is necessary, the process is typically simpler and less expensive for IEWHs.
- Lower Retail Cost: In general, IEWHs have a lower retail cost compared to storage water heaters. The absence of a storage tank contributes to their affordability.
- Compact and Elegant Design: IEWHs often feature a compact and elegant design, which can enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom. Their sleek appearance makes them a visually pleasing addition.
Overall, IEWHs offer benefits such as electricity savings, water conservation, instant hot water, easier installation and replacement, lower retail cost, and an attractive design. These advantages have contributed to the recognition of IEWHs as “green” water heaters by authorities in many countries, including Singapore.
COMPARING IEWHs TO GAS WATER HEATERS
When comparing Instantaneous Electric Water Heaters (IEWHs) to Gas Water Heaters, several advantages can be identified for IEWHs:
- Water Conservation: Gas water heaters take a longer time to heat up and much water is wasted till desired water temperature is achieved.
- Ventilation Requirements: Gas water heaters if installed in bathrooms require proper ventilation to ensure the safe release of combustion by-products, such as carbon monoxide. Adequate ventilation is necessary to maintain indoor air quality and prevent the accumulation of harmful gases especially during winter.
- Performance and Efficiency: Gas water heaters’ performance can be affected by wind, especially if they are installed in utility yards on higher floors. Heating efficiency can vary from 60% to 83% for gas water heaters, while IEWHs typically have an efficiency of 90% and above. IEWHs have higher energy efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
- Safety: IEWHs eliminate the risk of gas poisoning and gas odours that can be associated with gas water heaters. As IEWHs operate solely on electricity, there is no combustion process or gas supply involved.
- Temperature Control: Getting the desired shower temperature from a gas water heater can be challenging, particularly if the heater is installed outside the bathroom. Temperature fluctuations can occur due to factors such as variations in gas flow and pressure. In contrast, IEWHs offer precise temperature control, allowing users to easily achieve and maintain their preferred shower temperature.
- Installation and Replacement: IEWHs are generally easier and cheaper to install and replace compared to gas water heaters. They require less complex infrastructure, such as gas lines and ventilation systems, making the installation and termination processes simpler.
- Cost Considerations: The cost of electricity versus gas varies in different countries and regions. In certain areas where electricity rates are lower than gas rates, IEWHs may be a more cost-effective choice over gas water heaters.
- Dull and Unsightly Design: Unlike IEWHs, gas water heaters are bulky and unaesthetic, often do not blend with the surrounding.