Should I consider a gas continuous flow water heater for my home?

Gas continuous flow water heaters, also known as “instantaneous” or “tankless”, are a popular option as they deliver hot water when you need it, for as long as you need it.

In this article, we will look at the key benefits, and which households are best suited to installing this system.

Why install a Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater?

1. Hot water that never runs out

In contrast to a storage system, a gas continuous flow doesn’t store water, but heats it on demand. This ensures you never run out of hot water.

Here’s how:

• Cold water enters the water heater.
• A smart electronics system monitors the flow of the water and adjusts the burner accordingly.
• High efficiency burner creates instantaneous heat.
• The incoming water is rapidly heated to the set temperature inside the heat exchanger.
• The heated water leaves the heat exchanger.
• Hot water exits the water heater.

2. Energy efficient

Gas continuous flow helps keep your energy consumption down thanks to a few key features:

• The water heater activates when a tap is turned on and switches off when the tap is turned off.
• Smart electronics system adjusts the burner according to the flow of water, so it doesn’t use more gas than required.
• Modern systems, such as the Rheem Ultra® Continuous Flow, have a 6 Star Energy Rating. Every star rating represents approximately 7% less gas usage, which can mean lower energy bills.¹

3. Can cater for high hot water demand

Because the system keeps heating water for as long as you need it, you can avoid the unwanted scenario of running out of hot water during a shower. This applies even to large households with back-to-back showers or high hot water usage.

4. Compact, space-saving design

A gas continuous flow unit takes up less space as it is mounted to wall. It is about the size of a typical carry on suitcase.

5. Durable and long-lasting

Known to run for many years in the right conditions, a gas continuous flow water heater can be an excellent long-term addition to your home.

Is a Gas Continuous Flow System Right for My Home?

Here are some of the household scenarios and applications a gas continuous flow water heater is suitable for.

1. Do you have multiple bathrooms?

A gas continuous flow ensures you won’t run out of hot water if your family often uses multiple showers, taps, or appliances at once. Also, Rheem Q Factor™ technology ensures there is no fluctuation or loss of water pressure when multiple taps are on.

2. Do you have high hot water usage now or anticipate your needs will grow in the future?

This system is a good solution if you have several people in your household using hot water at the same time of day (i.e. morning showers).

Another factor to consider is whether you have a growing family. Teenagers will use more hot water than young children, so a gas continuous flow water heater can future-proof your water heating needs.

Rheem Gas Continuous Flow water heaters come in different sizes, namely 12L, 16L, 20L, 26L and 28L. The size recovers to how many litres of hot water the system delivers per minute.

• 12L: Suitable for a one bathroom home and up to two people.
• 16L: Suitable for 1.5 bathrooms and up to three people.
• 20L: Suitable for at least 1.5 bathrooms and up to four people.
• 26L: Suitable for 2.5 bathrooms and up to five people.
• 28L: Suitable for three bathrooms and up to six people.

3. Live in an apartment or home with limited space?

The system’s compact design offers flexibility of installation location, including apartments or smaller homes. A gas continuous flow unit is typically between 18cm to 26cm in width, so it doesn’t take up much room.

Thinking of installing a gas continuous flow water heater?

If you’re thinking of installing a gas continuous flow water heater or would like more information, contact Rheem or your local plumber today.

Related articles on the Rheem blog

• What is the difference between Gas Continuous Flow and Gas Storage?
• Which size water heater is right for my home?

Disclaimers:

1. Refer to your energy provider for confirmation. Running costs also depend on gas prices in your area, the efficiency rating of the unit and your home’s hot water usage habits.
2. For the Rheem warranty to apply, the unit must be installed correctly and connected to compliant water quality. Corrosive or scaling water, or switching between different water supplies, may reduce performance and void the warranty. If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may be able to obtain information from your local water supply authority.