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What is a Flash Water Heater?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A flash, tankless, or on demand water heater is one that heats water as needed, rather than storing it in a tank. In general, a flash water heater will be more efficient than a tank water heater, and will yield hot water consistently when it is required. Many energy-efficient homes and businesses use them to bring energy costs down, incorporating multiple heaters into the designs for a structure with potentially heavy water demand.

In a house with a flash water heater, turning the hot water tap on turns the heater on. Water from the household pipes enters the chamber of the heater and is quickly warmed and routed to the tap. When the tap is turned off, the heater turns itself off, and will wait in standby mode until it is called for again. In some cases, a separate one may be installed to provide hot water to large appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, so that people can take showers and use the sinks without fear of straining the water heater's capacity.

A flash water heater provides hot water on demand.
A flash water heater provides hot water on demand.

A number of sources can be used to power a flash water heater. The cheapest and the most common is gas, which can also be used to power heating systems and stoves. Oil and kerosene are also sometimes used, and in rare situations, electricity will serve as the energy source. Electricity can actually be more energy efficient, especially if it is derived from clean power sources, but it is usually more costly to use. In a totally solar home, of course, electricity will be used to power the water heater.

A flash water heater is able to provide hot water to washing machines without first storing the water in a tank.
A flash water heater is able to provide hot water to washing machines without first storing the water in a tank.

In some instances, a passive solar heating system will be used to make the water heater more efficient. In a passive heating system, water is pumped through solar chambers, which attract heat and warm the water while it sits in tubes. The already warm water is pumped through the flash heater, which does not need to expend as much energy heating it as it might otherwise.

With a flash water heater, water from the household pipes enters the chamber of the heater and is quickly warmed and routed to the tap.
With a flash water heater, water from the household pipes enters the chamber of the heater and is quickly warmed and routed to the tap.

The installation of a flash water heater is relatively simple, and can be undertaken by people with even minimal mechanical ability. People who are uncomfortable with connecting the power source can find a contractor to perform that portion of the job, which will also ensure that it is done properly and safely. Make sure to follow all advisories on the appliance about clearance, as the extreme heat can start fires in flammable materials situated too close to the heater. If you are concerned that one will not be enough for your household, ask about the capacity of the flash water heater you are interested in, and try to get an accurate estimate of the peak water usage in your home to gauge whether or not you need two.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Fiorite

@ PelesTears- Prices of instantaneous water heaters vary, ranging from a couple hundred dollars for point of use systems installed at individual water use points to a couple thousand dollars for models that can heat up to eight gallons per minute. If you add a solar water heater, you can expect the price to double.

However, there are government rebates for energy efficiency improvements that will give you a tax credit for 30% of the purchase and installation price of these systems. You can also expect to cut your hot water bill in half. Manufacturers like Bosch also rate their systems service life at twenty years, and you can find refurbished units to purchase.

There are complaints that they can be finicky, so if you invest in one, be sure to take the time to tailor the settings to your water usage needs. This will save you from frustration down the road.

PelesTears

This seems like such a common sense way to heat water that I am surprised that it was not sent to market sooner. I have only started hearing about these types of water heaters recently. Does anyone know how expensive tankless water heaters are relative to traditional tank water heaters? Are there any types of energy efficiency rebates for homeowners who upgrade to tankless home water heaters?

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    • A flash water heater provides hot water on demand.
      By: xy
      A flash water heater provides hot water on demand.
    • A flash water heater is able to provide hot water to washing machines without first storing the water in a tank.
      By: Rasulov
      A flash water heater is able to provide hot water to washing machines without first storing the water in a tank.
    • With a flash water heater, water from the household pipes enters the chamber of the heater and is quickly warmed and routed to the tap.
      By: akulamatiau
      With a flash water heater, water from the household pipes enters the chamber of the heater and is quickly warmed and routed to the tap.