CHANGING HOT WATER SYSTEM STYLE
WOULD A DIFFERENT TYPE OF HOT WATER SYSTEM WORK BETTER FOR YOUR HOME?
You don’t have to replace your existing hot water system with the same style of unit. When it’s time for a replacement, you may be able to change from instantaneous hot water to a storage tank—or replace a storage tank with a compact continuous-flow system. People make this change for many reasons, including water pressure, available space, reliability, running costs and the initial cost of installing the new system. Our hot water specialists can assess your current setup, explain the practical differences and help you choose a system that suits the way your household uses hot water.
WHY CHANGE TO A DIFFERENT STYLE OF SYSTEM?
Your current system may work, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best option for your property. You might consider changing styles because you want to:
Improve hot water pressure or flow
Stop running out of stored hot water
Free up space around your home
Replace an unreliable or temperamental system
Avoid hot and cold temperature fluctuations
Reduce the upfront cost of replacement
Improve energy efficiency and running costs
Choose a system better suited to your household size
Change from gas to electric, or electric to gas
Prepare for renovations or a change in how the property is used
Replace an older system with a more practical modern alternative
Every style of hot water system has advantages and limitations. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
CHANGING FROM INSTANTANEOUS TO STORAGE HOT WATER
An instantaneous system heats water as it passes through the unit. A storage system heats water and holds it in an insulated tank until it is needed. Changing to a storage tank can be a good option for households experiencing poor hot water flow, inconsistent temperatures or repeated problems with an existing instantaneous unit.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A STORAGE SYSTEM
STRONGER HOT WATER FLOW
Some instantaneous systems restrict the flow of water to give the unit enough time and energy to heat it. This can make the hot water feel weaker, particularly when multiple taps or showers are being used at once. A correctly sized mains-pressure storage system can often provide stronger, more consistent flow. The final result will still depend on the property’s incoming water pressure, pipework and fixtures.
MORE STABLE WATER TEMPERATURE
An instantaneous system needs a minimum flow rate to switch on and remain operating. If the flow becomes too low—or demand changes elsewhere in the home—the unit may turn off or struggle to maintain a consistent temperature. This can result in water changing from hot to cold unexpectedly. A storage tank supplies water that has already been heated, which can provide a steadier and more predictable hot water experience.
A SIMPLER REPLACEMENT OPTION
In some homes, a storage system may offer a more straightforward or cost-effective solution than replacing or upgrading an instantaneous unit. However, installation costs depend on the available space and whether electrical, plumbing, drainage or structural work is required.
SUITABLE FOR HOMES WITH PROBLEM INSTANTANEOUS ELECTRIC UNITS
Some homeowners change from an instantaneous electric unit after experiencing repeated faults, inconsistent temperatures or water unexpectedly changing from hot to cold. These symptoms may be caused by the unit itself, insufficient electrical capacity, restricted flow, changing water demand or another installation issue. We can inspect the existing setup and determine whether replacement with a storage tank is likely to provide a more reliable solution.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING STORAGE
Storage systems hold a limited volume of heated water. If the tank is too small for the household, the stored hot water can be used faster than the system can reheat it. A storage system also requires enough physical space and may have some standing heat loss while keeping the stored water hot. Choosing the correct tank capacity and recovery rate is essential.
CHANGING FROM STORAGE TO INSTANTANEOUS HOT WATER
A continuous-flow or instantaneous system does not store a large volume of hot water. Instead, it heats the water when a hot tap is opened. This style of system can be an excellent option where space is limited or the household regularly empties its existing storage tank.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AN INSTANTANEOUS SYSTEM
(CONTINUOUS HOT WATER)
Unlike a storage tank, a correctly sized instantaneous system does not run out of stored hot water. It continues heating while water is flowing and the required energy supply is available. This can be helpful for larger households, consecutive showers or homes with unpredictable hot water usage.
MORE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME
Instantaneous systems are generally mounted on a wall and take up much less ground space than a storage tank.
Removing a large tank may help:
Clear a walkway down the side of the house
Create more usable backyard space
Make room for landscaping, storage or future renovations
Improve access around the property
Remove an old tank from a visually prominent area
NO NEED TO KEEP A TANK OF WATER HEATED
Because water is heated when required, there is no large tank continually storing hot water. Depending on the system, energy source, household usage and energy tariffs, this may reduce wasted energy and improve running efficiency.
A COMPACT MODERN SOLUTION
A wall-mounted instantaneous system can provide a neat and compact installation. It may be particularly useful for smaller properties, units and homes where outdoor space is valuable.
Electrical switchboard or circuit upgrades
Gas pipe upgrades
New valves or plumbing alterations
A compliant installation position
Drainage or condensate provisions, depending on the system
Changes to existing hot and cold water pipework
These requirements can affect the total cost of changing system styles.
STORAGE OR INSTANTANEOUS: WHICH IS BETTER?
Neither option is automatically better for every home.
CHANGING FROM INSTANTANEOUS TO STORAGE HOT WATER
An instantaneous system heats water as it passes through the unit. A storage system heats water and holds it in an insulated tank until it is needed. Changing to a storage tank can be a good option for households experiencing poor hot water flow, inconsistent temperatures or repeated problems with an existing instantaneous unit.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A STORAGE SYSTEM
STRONGER HOT WATER FLOW
Some instantaneous systems restrict the flow of water to give the unit enough time and energy to heat it. This can make the hot water feel weaker, particularly when multiple taps or showers are being used at once. A correctly sized mains-pressure storage system can often provide stronger, more consistent flow. The final result will still depend on the property’s incoming water pressure, pipework and fixtures.
MORE STABLE WATER TEMPERATURE
An instantaneous system needs a minimum flow rate to switch on and remain operating. If the flow becomes too low—or demand changes elsewhere in the home—the unit may turn off or struggle to maintain a consistent temperature. This can result in water changing from hot to cold unexpectedly. A storage tank supplies water that has already been heated, which can provide a steadier and more predictable hot water experience.
A SIMPLER REPLACEMENT OPTION
In some homes, a storage system may offer a more straightforward or cost-effective solution than replacing or upgrading an instantaneous unit. However, installation costs depend on the available space and whether electrical, plumbing, drainage or structural work is required.
SUITABLE FOR HOMES WITH PROBLEM INSTANTANEOUS ELECTRIC UNITS
Some homeowners change from an instantaneous electric unit after experiencing repeated faults, inconsistent temperatures or water unexpectedly changing from hot to cold. These symptoms may be caused by the unit itself, insufficient electrical capacity, restricted flow, changing water demand or another installation issue. We can inspect the existing setup and determine whether replacement with a storage tank is likely to provide a more reliable solution.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING STORAGE
Storage systems hold a limited volume of heated water. If the tank is too small for the household, the stored hot water can be used faster than the system can reheat it. A storage system also requires enough physical space and may have some standing heat loss while keeping the stored water hot. Choosing the correct tank capacity and recovery rate is essential.
CHANGING FROM STORAGE TO INSTANTANEOUS HOT WATER
A continuous-flow or instantaneous system does not store a large volume of hot water. Instead, it heats the water when a hot tap is opened. This style of system can be an excellent option where space is limited or the household regularly empties its existing storage tank.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AN INSTANTANEOUS SYSTEM
(CONTINUOUS HOT WATER)
Unlike a storage tank, a correctly sized instantaneous system does not run out of stored hot water. It continues heating while water is flowing and the required energy supply is available. This can be helpful for larger households, consecutive showers or homes with unpredictable hot water usage.
MORE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME
Instantaneous systems are generally mounted on a wall and take up much less ground space than a storage tank.
Removing a large tank may help:
Clear a walkway down the side of the house
Create more usable backyard space
Make room for landscaping, storage or future renovations
Improve access around the property
Remove an old tank from a visually prominent area
NO NEED TO KEEP A TANK OF WATER HEATED
Because water is heated when required, there is no large tank continually storing hot water. Depending on the system, energy source, household usage and energy tariffs, this may reduce wasted energy and improve running efficiency.
A COMPACT MODERN SOLUTION
A wall-mounted instantaneous system can provide a neat and compact installation. It may be particularly useful for smaller properties, units and homes where outdoor space is valuable.
Electrical switchboard or circuit upgrades
Gas pipe upgrades
New valves or plumbing alterations
A compliant installation position
Drainage or condensate provisions, depending on the system
Changes to existing hot and cold water pipework
These requirements can affect the total cost of changing system styles.
STORAGE OR INSTANTANEOUS: WHICH IS BETTER?
Neither option is automatically better for every home.