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The process of heating water in a boiler is not fast. For example, it will take at least two hours to heat 100 liters of water to 60 degrees, depending on the power of the heating element. However, the boiler allows you to use hot water from several faucets at the same time. Thanks to good thermal insulation, the water does not cool down for a long time, which allows you to quickly fill a bathtub or other containers.
However, the amount of hot water is limited by the capacity of the tank, so if one family member takes a shower or bath, the others will have to wait for a new portion of water to heat up. In addition, even in standby mode, the boiler continues to consume electricity, which makes it a not very economical option.
What is more profitable - a flow-through water heater or a boiler? If we compare weight and dimensions, a flow-through water heater wins, as it is compact and lightweight. There are small boilers, but their capacity is often not enough even for one person.
In terms of efficiency, the electricity consumption for heating one liter of water in the two models is approximately the same. But a flow-through water heater consumes energy only during operation, while a boiler constantly maintains the temperature of the water in the tank, which increases electricity consumption.
In terms of cost, boilers are usually two to three times more expensive than instantaneous water heaters. It all depends on the model you choose, but in general, an instantaneous water heater is a more affordable option. Installation is also easier with instantaneous water heaters: they can be connected to the water supply using a flexible hose. However, for models with a capacity of more than 5 kW, a three-phase connection may be required.
If you need to provide a small amount of hot water, for example at a summer cottage, a flow-through water heater will be an ideal choice. And if you need a large amount of hot water every day and there is space to install the device, it is better to choose a boiler.
Gas water heaters are also a good option, but they can only be installed in homes with gas supply. They require ventilation and flue gas, which entails additional costs.
