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How Do Instant Water Heaters Work?

It’s quite interesting how many options NZ homeowners have when it comes tot heating water. There are different types you can choose from. One of which, namely, the tankless or instant water heater is among the most popular types because they tend to be more energy-efficient than the heated water storage option. Are you considering switching to this option? If yes, knowing how the system works can help you understand why you should choose it as your new source of heated water. Check out our discussion below and learn more about how a tankless or instant water heating system work.

 

What is a Tankless Water Heating System?

Instant water heaters are not a novel option in many countries, especially in Japan and Europe. It has gained quite a lot of traction in recent years because it’s relatively more sustainable to operate than the heated water tank option. As the name suggests, this system doesn’t need to draw water inside a water tank. Instead, it instantaneously heats water as it passes through the heating chamber inside the appliance.

On average, your instant water heater can generate up to 5 gallons of heated water per minute, which is more than enough for bathing, washing dishes, and doing the laundry for a small household. 

 

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Essentially, an instant water heating system comprises of a few parts, including the heat exchanger, safety elements, water valves, temperature sensors, combustion elements, combustion chamber, control panel, and vent. Some, especially those powered by natural gas, include additional features like a gas valve and a burner.

The heating process is quite straightforward. Once you turn the faucet, the water starts getting drawn into the pipes. Then, the system’s water flow sensor activates, triggering the heating element to switch on. This process allows the flowing water to reach your preferred temperature. Once the flow sensor stops sensing water flow, it shuts off, effectively disabling the heating element.

Most models also come with a thermistor. Essentially, this component ensures that the temperature of the water flowing out of the taps does not exceed normal or safe levels. This prevents accidents and other untoward incidents while you use heated water.   

 

Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Instant Water Heaters

With the many options available, you might still have a few reservations about installing a water heater. To help you understand why it’s a worthy option, here are the key benefits of using a tankless water heating system:

  • No need to wait long before hot water is ready for use – Within a few seconds after switching on the tap or showerhead, the heated water will start flowing.
  • Save energy used to heat the water inside the storage tank – Imagine how much this would help you reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
  • More savings on your power bills – Consequently, you no longer have to spend as much money on your monthly electric bill because you don’t have to use up more energy to heat water.
  • More durable make and design –  Compared to other water heating options, tankless systems tend to last longer. If well maintained, your chosen instant heater can last for up to 10 years – a worth-it investment, especially for a small household.
  •  A smaller space requirement – This is quite a considerable advantage, especially if you don’t have enough space to spare for your water heating equipment.

There are, of course, some slight disadvantages that you need to know about before shopping for a tankless heater. For starters, the upfront costs may be expensive. Your average spending on the system would all depend on the model you choose and the average water consumption of your household.

Also, you will need to have a professional installer on board, especially if you’re using a high-powered heater or a model that utilizes natural gas. Such models usually need specialized vents and other additional requirements. If you don’t mind dealing with these disadvantages, then you might indeed find the instantaneous water heater a good fit for your home. 

 

I’m Ready to Make the Switch, Now What?

There are definitely a lot of reasons why it makes more sense for some households to use a tankless system. If you’re among these folks, check out the list of things you’ll need to consider when choosing what type of tankless water system you should use:

  • The water flow rate or the average amount of water you will need to heat for each use. Especially Auckland Hot Water Cylinders
  • The temperature difference between the groundwater and your preferred setting
  • The type of faucets you have in your kitchen and bath
  • The showerhead flow rate which you can calculate on your own or check with the manufacturer

Feel free to consult with our team if you have a hard time figuring out what you need for your home. Also, you can contact us any time you need help in installing a water heater. Contact us today at HWC NZ for your water heating needs in New Zealand.

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How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work?

It’s quite rare for people to worry about high water pressure. However, when it does happen, it could cause a lot of problems. If you fail to address the issue or protect your system using the right piece of equipment, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs or replacement. It could also result in damaged appliances such as laundry machine and dishwashers. 

Several things can cause high water pressure. For example, supplying companies have to ensure that all of their customers get enough water supply. Hence, they sometimes have to use high pressure to pump the water, especially in areas dotted with high-rise buildings. Another factor that could cause your problem is thermal expansion, a common issue triggered by water heater use. 

It’s not possible for the supplying company to reduce the water pressure, so your only option is to have it adjusted using a pressure reducing valve. 

What is a pressure reducing valve?

Essentially, a plumber installs a water pressure reducing valve near your water meter to control the hydraulic pressure coming from the main line. It’s crucial to double check the type of pressure reducing valve you will install to ensure that they work well with your system.Here are the main three types you can find in the market: 

  • Direct-acting – It’s the simplest and most economical type which works well with both convoluted bellows and a flat diaphragm. This type of PRV works best for low to moderate water flow. 
  • Externally piloted – This type of PRV comes with double diaphragms, which allows for higher capacity and increased sensitivity to water flow and pressure changes. It also offers you the flexibility to make use of different pilot valve types such as soleniod, air-loaded, pressure, temperature or combinations. 
  • Internally piloted – It incorporates a main and pilot valve and uses inlet pressure to open the valves. Compared to the direct-acting type, it has a higher capacity and accuracy. It also senses pressure internally, so you don’t need to add an externally installed sensing line. 

To know which among the three would best fit your system, you should consult with a professional plumber. They can provide you with the necessary details to help you decide.

How does a PRV work?

Now that you’re acquainted with what a pressure reducing valve is plus its three main types, let’s take a closer look at how it works. 

A typical PRV is designed to work even in the harshest environment. Regardless of pressure or upstream flow fluctuations, a PRV ensures a steady downstream pressure. It does this with the help of its major components such as the valve body, pilot regulator, and control filter. Here’s how each part works: 

  • Valve body – It stabilises the returning water flow while regulating the pressure.
  • Pilot regulator – Think of it as the “brain” of the valve body. Basically, it determines the water flow coming in and out of the chamber.
  • Control filter – Located inside the valve system, this filter helps you minimise damage because of accumulated debris coming in from the main line.

The system works by opening or closing the valves depending on the available upstream flow. So, for example, if the pressure in the upstream line is high, the pilot regulator drops the plunger, triggering the valve to gradually open. Consequently, if the upstream flow is low, the pilot slightly lifts the plunger, causing the valve to slightly close.

This all happens continuously, even if you don’t use water. It’s a straightforward process that happens quite fast. With the right pressure reducing valve in place, you can ensure that your household or commercial space gets enough water and protect your system from all kinds of pressure-induced mishaps. 

Shop for a Pressure Reducing Valve Today!

You’d be surprised by the usefulness of a tiny piece of item like a pressure reducing valve. With it in place, you can avoid nightmarish situations such as burst pipes, damaged water consumer lines and defective appliances. The best part is that they don’t cost a lot of money.     

If you live in an area here in New Zealand where the water pressure is too high such as Christchurch, you will definitely need a PRV installed. If you’re not certain about the water pressure of the supply line, you may find it useful to check it yourself using a water pressure gauge. You can also stay on the look out for common signs of high water pressure such as:

  • Banging noise in the pipes
  • Low water supply in your hot water cylinder
  • Unreasonably high water bill
  • Unexplained noise coming from your dishwashers or washing machine

Looking for a water pressure reducing valve for your plumbing system? Find the perfect one here at Hotwater Cylinders. You can choose from more than hundreds of items in our product catalogue. If you need more information about a product, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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Checking Water Quality – Its Role in Hot Water Cylinder Maintenance

Hot water cylinders are widely used in the country, especially in residential areas. The system is usually comprised of water pipes connected to a broiler. Heated water travels out from the tank to the kitchen tap, bathroom shower, or any other parts of the house that require water use. Then, as the hot water exits, the tank draws in cold water and heats it again. The cycle repeats every time you use up water. According to Smarter Homes, with proper cylinder maintenance, you will never run out of hot water in your household for about 20 to 40 years. 

Unfortunately, hot water cylinder maintenance is most likely the last thing you think of when you list your usual home maintenance tasks. If you want to ensure your cylinder’s optimum condition, be sure to schedule regular check-ups and maintenance. You can start your routine by testing the water quality. 

You can use chlorine and hard water testing kits to check your home’s water quality. Alternatively, you can call in a plumbing company to have the water checked, and the cylinder inspected for possible damage.

Why Checking the Water Quality Matters

Not too long ago, Stuff published a report on Michael Neilson, a homeowner in Christchurch, who complained about his hot water cylinder failing after adding chlorine to the water. Neilson holds the Christchurch council accountable and demanded them to shoulder the $2167 bill. He is the second person to challenge the board in the last few years after the chlorination of the city’s water supply. Both the plumber and insurer confirmed his claim explaining that the damage indeed resulted from too much chlorine. 

The council has confirmed in earlier reports that the chlorine content of Christchurch’s water is indeed high. And yet, they still haven’t paid for the bill of Mr. Neilson. 

It is an upsetting situation, but it’s also the perfect example to emphasize the importance of checking water quality. If chlorine or other chemicals in the water exceed normal levels, it could result in a disaster similar to Neilson’s water heater problem.

How to Test Water Quality and What to Do When the Quality is Poor

If your water contains excessive amounts of chlorine, it could corrode the cylinder. In a typical setting, stainless steel doesn’t rust. But, if it’s exposed to chemicals such as chlorine, the passive layer of the metal slowly breaks down. The best way to get around the issue is to use chlorine treatment and filters. Also, if you move to an area with high water’s chlorine level, it may be worth it to invest in a copper cylinder.

On one hand, if the problem is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium, your cylinder may suffer from pitting corrosion. The excess calcium or magnesium binds to free-floating chlorine. The process produces calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which can attack both stainless steel and copper cylinders’ molecules. If you detect high levels of such minerals, you can use a water softener or schedule regular cylinder flushing.   

With regular maintenance checks, it would be easier for you to spot potential problems. This way, you get to use basic solutions and prevent damages to your hot water cylinder. If you suspect damage on your cylinder due to high chlorine, calcium, or magnesium, it’s highly recommended to have it checked right away. 

Call for Help When Needed

Oftentimes, it’s intimidating to do maintenance checks for usual home equipment like hot water cylinders. It can be challenging for some to spot the first signs of problems. Fortunately, there are a lot of professionals who can help you with plumbing works and water heater-related concerns. All you need is to call their attention and book an appointment. If you have problems with your heater, don’t hesitate to call for help.