Benefits Of Electric Water Heaters

_{Around 16% of the average UK annual combined energy bill is from heating water}

Posted by HeatElectric Team
7 min read (994 words)
Last updated 02 Dec, 2022
Category: Hot Water

INTRODUCTION

Water usage accounts for 6% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions, and 89% of this comes from heating water in our homes. It’s no secret that having an efficient heating system running on a low carbon fuel is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your fuel bills and your carbon dioxide emissions. In order to reach the government’s carbon emissions target, we must reduce the carbon emissions from heating our homes by 95% by 2050.

HOW ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS WORK

There are four main types of residential water heater: tank type, tankless, hybrid and point of use. These all work in different ways:

Tank type water heaters
These are traditionally the most common home water heater. They have a large insulated storage tank, which holds hot water until it is needed.

Tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or on-demand water heaters, are usually compact units which heat cold water almost immediately after it enters the unit.

Hybrid water heaters
Hybrid water heaters are tank type heaters which are equipped with an electric heat pump. This pump is mounted on top of the water tank and uses a compressor and evaporator coil to capture heat from the air and transfer it to the water.

Point of use water heaters
Point of use water heaters are tankless. They deliver hot water almost instantly to just one specific location, such as a shower or kitchen sink.

Sunamp heat batteries are thermal stores. They contain a phase change material which absorbs and releases heat during a melting and freezing process, similar to the gel in a pocket handwarmer. A high powered heat exchanger or heating element immersed in this PCM rapidly charges the Thermino and heat is quickly extracted to provide fresh hot water at a constant temperature, only when it’s needed.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS

The main components of electric water heaters vary depending on the type of water heater. They usually include:

Heating element – Converts electricity into heat
Thermostat – A temperature activated switch
Cold water inlet – The pipe which delivers cold water to the unit
Hot water outlet – The pipe which moves hot water out of the unit

HOW LONG DO ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS LAST

Many factors can influence the lifespan of an electric water heater. Whether it receives regular maintenance, the level of usage and water quality can all affect the longevity of the water heater. Generally speaking, a traditional tank type water heater will last around 8-12 years. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, and hybrid water heaters usually last around 15 years. Point of use water heaters could last up to 25 years.

Sunamp is the only heat battery manufacturer in the world to be awarded A Grade RAL Certification, the only global standard for Phase Change Material (PCM) and PCM products. This award confirms performance with no noticeable degradation to 10,000 cycles, which is equivalent to over 13 years of daily use at two cycles per day of hot water application. Sunamp Thermino heat batteries come with a 10-year guarantee on the heating element and storage core.

HOW EFFICIENT ARE ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS

Compared to their gas counterparts, modern electric hot water heaters can be up to 100% efficient, as 100% of the electricity used is converted into heat. However, different types of electric water heaters have different efficiencies. Tank type water heaters are often less efficient than tankless versions, as some heat is lost from the water when it is stored in the tank.

Sunamp Thermino heat batteries can heat water whilst saving space and money, especially when combined with renewable energy sources or an off-peak tariff. Their unique phase change material stores up to four times more energy than water, which means Thermino heat batteries are up to four times smaller than the hot water cylinders they replace.

Sunamp heat batteries are non-toxic, non-flammable and every component is able to be fully reused or recycled at end-of-life. They are produced in a factory and offices heated and powered by carbon-free electricity.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATING WITH HEAT ELECTRIC

HeatElectric are specialists in ultra-modern and efficient electric heating. We’re proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader for our high standards of customer service, value and quality, and our NAPIT accredited installers work to a no mess, no fuss policy when fitting your stylish new heating system.

Traditional water heating systems just don’t cut it in today’s energy efficient world. Sunamp heat batteries are kind to the planet as well as your pocket. Our installation teams are approved Sunamp installers, so you can rest assured we will specify the correct domestic hot water system for your needs when visiting for your free home survey.

Sunamp isn’t just the perfect water heating system for the home. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or even require a commercial water heater, you can achieve greater control, reliability, security and heat storage with the Sunamp Thermino system, which can be specified to suit any requirement, no matter how big or small.

Home heating is evolving and moving away from fossil fuels; the days of gas and oil heating systems are numbered. Modern heating solutions are the future – it’s safe, quiet, clean, instantly warm and, most importantly, it’s sustainable in a modern world.