About Hot Water Space Heaters
Hot water space heaters have been used in Europe and the Far East for a long time, but have been in the United States for only about 30 years. Unlike storage tank water heaters that heat stored water, hot water space systems heat water only as needed. Hot water space heaters do not immediately heat the water--it takes time, no matter the size of the tank of water.
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Electric Space Heaters
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Electric hot water space heaters connect to a 220-volt circuit. Electric current travels through two electrical resistant heating components. One of the components is at the bottom of the tank; the other is in the middle. A thermostat regulates when power goes to the components to turn them on. You set the thermostat at the temperature you want the water heated generally, from 120 degrees to 140 degrees.
When you turn on the hot water faucet, the cold water causes the thermostat to turn on the heating components. The components then heat the water as long as it is running. When you turn off the water and it ceases to run over the elements, the thermostat shuts them off.
Gas Space Heaters
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Similar to an electric hot water space heater, a thermostat controls the heat in a gas system. The thermostat causes a control valve to release gas to a burner on the bottom of the tank. The tank heats to the temperature set on the thermostat, then heats the water as long as it flows through the tank. The exhaust gas is expelled through the open center of the tan, or near the side of the tank. Gas systems are subject to more wear and tear because open burners heat them. Therefore, they generally don’t last as long as electric systems.
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Probable Energy Savings
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Chilli Pepper Appliances reported that at least 20 percent of your yearly utility cost is from heating water. A hot water space heater may save you $3 to $10 a month because it heats water only when you need it. A storage tank heater; though, keeps the water in its tank heated at the temperature the thermostat is set at all times. The money you spend for the energy to continually heat water you’re not using is wasted.
Where to Install
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It’s best to install hot water space heaters close to the source of water you want heated. You not only save installation costs because you need less water pipe, but you won't pay for the energy to heat the unused water left in any unneeded pipe.
Entire House Heaters
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A hot water system for the entire house is not efficient because of the installation cost. You’ll probably need stainless steel flues and gas pipes larger than what you have now. In addition, you’ll need electric controls, even if your system is gas, to assure you’ll have hot water if the power goes out. Even more, if you install an electric system you’re electric consumption will skyrocket, along with having to install more electric lines, and a circuit breaker.
Another Viewpoint
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An article in Consumer Reports said hot water space heaters are efficient, but not economical. A system will save you $70 to $80 a year, hte magazine said, but the initial cost is much more than a storage tank. The article said it takes 22 years to break even, and the system's life expectancy is 20 years. CR found electric systems in northern climates didn’t warm cold ground water fast enough to warrant changing systems. In addition, inconsistent water temperatures on both gas and electric models were a problem. Also, if you need a small amount of water, as in for shaving, the system didn’t warm the water.
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References
- Photo Credit showers for to cool people in a hot day image by bright from Fotolia.com
