Debunking water heater myths
In the realm of home appliances, few are as essential and taken for granted as the humble water heater. It's the unsung hero that brings warmth to our showers and makes dishwashing a more tolerable task.
Yet, amidst the convenience they provide, water heaters often find themselves shrouded in myths and misconceptions. Let's embark on a journey to debunk five prevalent myths surrounding water heaters and uncover the facts that may reshape the way you perceive these everyday appliances.
Myth 1: Storage heaters cannot produce hot water instantly
One common misconception is that storage water heaters fail to deliver instant hot water. The truth is, these heaters are designed to store hot water in a tank, maintaining its temperature for up to 24 hours.
This ensures a readily available supply, ready to be tapped into on demand. The myth of delayed hot water is nothing more than a misunderstanding of the storage heater's efficient design.
You can and should be able to get hot water instantly with a storage water heater.
Myth 2: Storage heaters consume electricity if left on for over two hours
Another prevalent myth revolves around the notion that leaving a storage water heater on for an extended period leads to unnecessary energy consumption.
In reality, well-insulated storage heaters activate their thermostat only when the water temperature drops by approximately 5 degrees. The 12-hour cycle to register this minimal drop showcases the efficiency of a properly insulated heater.
Researching and investing in a well-insulated heater can significantly contribute to energy savings, debunking the myth of rampant electricity wastage.
Read more: When should you turn off your water heater?
Myth 3: Water heaters should not be switched off after use
Contrary to the belief that constantly turning a water heater on and off accelerates wear and tear, the truth is quite the opposite.
Water heaters should be powered off when not in use, and the on-off cycle doesn't harm the internal mechanisms of the heater. There's no complex reboot system in play; it is just a straightforward cut in and cut out of power to the thermostat.
Knowing when to switch off your water heater can save you lots of money in the long run.
Here's a Tip
Set your water heater to 50ºC to prevent heat loss and save energy.
Read more here: 3 Reasons to Set Your Temperature to 50°C
Read more here: 3 Reasons to Set Your Temperature to 50°C
Myth 4: Turning off the water heater means no more hot showers.. immediately!
Contrary to popular belief, you might think that powering off your water heater equals an immediate plunge into icy showers. However, the reality is quite the opposite.
Even when your water heater is switched off, the storage tank acts as a reserve of hot water. The heating element might be inactive, but you can still enjoy hot water till the tank runs out, dispelling the myth that a powered-off heater spells the end of your hot shower bliss.
Myth 5: Higher wattage equals higher energy consumption
A common misconception suggests that a higher wattage water heater translates to increased energy consumption. However, wattage alone doesn't determine energy usage.
Consumption depends on usage patterns. Families of different sizes may use a water heater with the same wattage, but the key factor to how much energy they consume is how much hot water is used.
Higher wattage simply means faster heating, not necessarily more energy usage. Understanding this fact can help you make an informed decision based on your household's specific needs.
