When comparing instant vs storage water heaters, the better option depends on the amount of hot water your household uses, how much installation space you have and whether hot water is needed at one or several outlets. Instant heaters warm water when it is needed, while storage heaters keep a quantity of heated water inside a tank ready for use.
There is no one water heater that will suit every household, so it helps to understand how both systems work before choosing one.
Reasons to consider an instant water heater
An instant water heater heats the water as you use it instead of keeping hot water stored inside a tank. This also means that the unit itself is generally more compact and can be useful in bathrooms where available space is limited.
When comparing instant vs storage water heaters, an instant model may suit you if you prefer:
- A more compact unit
- Hot water heated when required
- No storage tank taking up additional space
- A straightforward option for individual bathrooms
Bathroom Warehouse carries electric instant water heaters, including several Ariston Aures models designed for bathroom shower use.
Why choose a storage water heater?
A storage heater first heats water and keeps it warm inside an insulated tank until it is needed. Depending on the plumbing arrangement, one storage heater can also supply hot water to several outlets. Bathroom Warehouse notes that this can make storage units useful in homes with multiple bathrooms or larger households.
A storage model may be worth considering if you want:
- Stored hot water ready for use
- Hot water supplied to multiple outlets
- Different tank capacities to suit the household
- A system planned together with several bathroom fittings
The main difference when looking at instant vs storage water heaters is the tank. Storage heaters require more installation space, so the heater size and position should be planned early.
Which water heater should you choose?
If bathroom space is limited and you mainly need hot water for one shower, an instant heater may be more convenient. If several people or outlets need hot water, a storage heater may be worth considering.
HDB has electrical renovation guidelines covering both instantaneous and storage water heaters, while regulated water service plumbing works must follow PUB requirements.
Ultimately, instant vs storage water heaters should be compared according to your household size, bathroom layout, available installation space and normal hot-water usage.