Compare Instant Shower Heater, Storage Water Heater and Solar Water Heater
| Instant Water Heater | Storage Water Heater | Solar Water Heater |
|---|
| Time to Heat Up | Instantly | 5 - 30 mins depending on the tank size | Depending on the weather. Has electric back-up to heat up the water |
| Power | Electricity | Electricity | Solar + Electricity (Backup) |
| Energy Saving | Consume electricity when in use. More energy efficiency compared to Storage Water Heater. | Always heated up as long as it was turned on. | Approximately 50% - 80% of water heating cost. |
| Number of units required | 1 unit per bathroom | Multiple points. Shared by multiple bathrooms | Multiple points. Shared by multiple bathrooms |
| Running out of Hot Water? | No. Unlimited hot water as long as you switch on. | Depleted quicker for smaller tanks or when used by multiple people at once. | Less likely, but happens if too much usage at once. |
| Piping System | Normal Piping | Hot & Cold Piping System | Hot & Cold Piping System |
| Pump Needed? | Built-in pump activated when water pressure drops below the threshold. | Centralized pump. | Centralized pump. |
| Cost | From RM200/unit. Assuming 3 bathrooms, it costs RM600. | From RM450/unit. | From RM5000/unit |
| What People Afraid of? | - Potential electrical leakage if the unit is compromised.
- Weak water flow. | - Tank leakage due to corrosion or cracking.
- Slow water heats up. | - High initial investment.
- Corrosion due to exposure to the external environment. |
Editor's Comment: Instant Water Heater has more advantages in terms of performance and installation cost, hence it become a popular choice for most homeowners.
5 Tips To Consider Before Buying an Instant Water Heater
Tip 1: Is the Water Flow Rate sufficient to operate?
Minimum flow rate: 2 liter/minute, LPM
Best/Recommended water flow rate: 10 LPM
If the flow rate is below 5 LPM, a pump is required.
How do we measure flow rate?
Turn on the water to run at full. Then put a bucket with a volume mark and immediately start the timer. Remove the bucket from the water for exactly 1 minute. The amount of water collected is the flow rate in liters per minute.
Tip 2: Is the Water Flow Rate sufficient to operate?
Minimum water pressure: 3 psi
Best / Recommended water pressure: above 20psi
If you connect directly to the mains pipe, where the water pressure is higher, you do not need a pump.
If the water pressure is from the water tank installed in a 2 - 3 storeys high house, you will need a centralized domestic water pump.
How do we measure water pressure from an in-house water tank?
Calculate the distance between the tank and the water heater or hose.
Assuming a 2-storey house.
First Floor, 10ft: Pressure (psi) = 10ft / 2.3 = 3.5psi (very weak)
Ground Floor, 22ft: Pressure (psi) = 22ft / 2.3 = 9.7psi (weak)
Tip 3: Choose A DC pump over an AC pump
A DC is more energy-saving and produces less noise compared to an AC pump.
The higher the power rating of the pump, the more water it draws, however the more electrical energy it consumes, and the more noise it makes.
Tip 4: Accessories - Rainshower or Standad shower?
It's up to you. You have either one or both of them.
Tip 5: Color
Choose a design that suits your bathroom. The overall bathroom design looks aesthetic with suitable colors.
However, many are concerned about its safety.
Is Instant Water Heater Safe? Water Heater Safety Tips
All water heaters can bring safety hazards if installation is not done right or lack of maintenance.
Electrical leakage can lead to electrocution risk if the heating elements, wiring, or electrical components are not isolated from the water.
Overly hot water due to malfunction of the thermal sensor can cause scalding to the skin.
Here few water heater safety tips:
1. DO NOT attempt to install or replace a water heater yourself if you are not trained.
Although water heaters are electrical appliances that can be easily installed with an installation manual, but safety should always be the first. A simple mistake or improper installation can spell extremely dangerous disaster down the road.
2. Run the circuit breaker test by clicking the “Test” button once a month.
Make sure the water heater is turned on and hit the button. The circuit breaker should be tripped immediately and cut off the power.
3. Check if the water heater wiring and casing are properly sealed.
Ideally, all wiring should be concealed but some might have the plug exposed outside. Make sure they are not exposed to easy splash.
Make sure all casing are closed properly.
4. Avoid pointing the shower or bidet at the casing or cable.
All water heaters shall come with IP25 protection from water spray, but that doesn't mean you should shoot a water jet at it (by accident, cleaning it, or for fun).
