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Choosing a Water Heater (Storage Boiler vs Tankless): Power and Consumption Calculation

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Choosing the right water heater is not only about brand and price—it is about matching hot-water demand with the correct power and realistic energy consumption. In Plumbing & Water Systems listings within a business directory, you will often see “storage boiler” and “tankless” (instant) models. Here is a practical way to decide. Start with demand: count points of use (shower, sink, kitchen) and estimate how many may run at the same time. A typical shower needs about 6–10 L/min of mixed water. If you want truly hot water instantly, calculate tankless power by temperature rise: Power (kW) ≈ Flow (L/min) × ΔT (°C) × 0.07. For example, 8 L/min with a 30°C rise requires ~16.8 kW. This is why many tankless units need strong electrical capacity (often 3‑phase) or gas. Storage boilers are chosen by tank volume and reheating power. For a household with 1–2 people, 50–80 L is usually enough; 3–4 people often need 80–120 L; larger families may require 150 L+. Check heating element power (commonly 1.5–3 kW): higher power reheats faster but increases peak load. To estimate consumption, use: Energy (kWh) ≈ Volume (L) × ΔT (°C) × 0.00116. Heating 100 L by 40°C needs ~4.6 kWh, plus standby losses from the tank. Tankless units have near-zero standby losses but high momentary power. Finally, consider your wiring limits, available gas, installation space, and usage pattern. If demand is short and frequent, a storage boiler is forgiving. If you need endless hot water and can supply the required power, tankless may be optimal.

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