The instantaneous water heater is a practical solution for producing hot water on demand, without the need for storage. Compact and energy-efficient, they are ideal for small homes, secondary water points or installations where space is limited. However, installation must be carried out with care to ensure proper operation and durability.
Why choose an instantaneous water heater?
Unlike storage water heaters, the instantaneous model doesn’t store hot water, but heats it up in real time when a tap is turned on. This offers several advantages:
- Energy savings: no losses associated with maintaining the temperature of a storage tank.
- Space-saving: compact format, ideal for small spaces.
- Unlimited production: no risk of running out of hot water.
- Quick installation: no major work required, especially for electric models.
However, an instantaneous water heater may have a limited flow rate, making it less suitable for high hot water requirements, such as a large family.
Choosing the right model
There are two types of instantaneous water heaters:
- Electric: easy to install, it heats water with a resistor and is suitable for moderate needs.
- Gas: more powerful, it operates with a burner and offers better output, but requires connection to a flue gas evacuation system.
The choice depends on the number of water points to be supplied and the desired flow rate. For a simple washbasin or sink, a 3 to 5 kW model may be sufficient, while a shower will require a unit of at least 10 kW.
installation of an instantaneous water heater
Hydraulic connection
The unit should be installed close to the point of use to limit heat loss. It connects directly to the cold and hot water mains, using standard fittings. A pressure reducer may be required if the mains pressure is too high.
Electrical or gas installation
- For an electric water heater: connection to a dedicated line with a suitable circuit breaker is required to avoid any electrical overload.
- For gas-fired water heaters: a connection to a gas supply and flue or chimney evacuation are mandatory.
Commissioning and testing
Once the connections have been made, the unit must be vented before first use to prevent air from entering the circuit. A test can be carried out to check that the temperature has risen and that there are no leaks.
Care and maintenance
An instantaneous water heater requires little maintenance, but a few simple steps can extend its life:
- Regularly descale heating elements to prevent limescale build-up.
- Check connections for leaks.
- Maintain the gas exhaust system for combustion models to ensure proper flue gas evacuation.
Call on Leader Services
The installation of an instantaneous water heater must be carried out with care to guarantee an efficient and safe supply of hot water. Leader Services can help you choose and install your water heater in compliance with current standards.
- Discover our plumbing services: Leader Services – Plumbing
- Need a professional? Contact us here: Leader Services – Contact
Conclusion
The instantaneous water heater is a practical solution for producing hot water on demand, without wasting energy or taking up space. Choosing the right model and installing it correctly ensures optimum performance. To ensure safe, standard-compliant installation, we recommend you call in a professional.
