Continuous flow systems provide an endless supply of hot water, so long as the electricity or gas is available.

On this page:

• Where continuous flow hot water systems are used
• How they operate
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Calculating size
• Connecting with other water heating systems
• Installation requirements

Where continuous flow hot water systems are used

Instantaneous or continuous flow hot water systems are typically used:

• for outlets that are a long way from the main hot water storage system
• where hot water use is low and inconsistent, such as in a holiday home
• to boost hot water supply from systems that are not always able to meet demand (such as heat pump water heaters or  solar water heating)
• to boost hot water supply from limited storage systems or to fittings having high hot water demand (e.g. showers).

It is common in larger houses to have two smaller capacity (say 21 or 24 litre) continuous flow water heaters as opposed to one large 32 litre unit. This is to minimise the time delay of the hot water moving from one side of a house to the other. In very large houses it is logical to have smaller units in the ensuites of remote bedrooms.

How they operate

Continuous flow systems can be heated using electricity, gas or LPG.

Although electric systems are more energy-efficient than gas systems, gas has a higher maximum heating capacity and is better able to impart sufficient heat to mains pressure water.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of continuous flow systems over storage systems include:

• continuous hot water, i.e. supply does not run out
• no requirement to keep water hot when not being used, so no standing losses and no energy input to maintain the temperature of stored water
• no need for a cylinder, so useful where space is limited
• heat is to the required outlet temperature, without the need to heat it to 60ºC first
• easily adjustable temperature
• can be located close to the outlet
• gas units are usually fitted on an outside wall, saving interior space.

Disadvantages include:

• both gas and electricity produce greenhouse gas emissions (electric units are responsible for emissions during generation, and gas units produce emissions during combustion)
• gas units have flue emissions
• limited water flow rates
• achievable flow rates are lower in colder areas
• electric systems may require heavy duty wiring
• electric systems cannot use off-peak electricity supply rates
• the pilot light on gas heaters can be extinguished by wind – electronic ignition is recommended.

Calculating size

The required flow rate is used to size continuous flow systems, and this is based on the number of outlets served by the unit. Obtain specific flow rates from the supplier or manufacturer. Flow rate recommendations for a gas continuous flow water heater from www.environment.nsw.gov.au/households/hot-water-systems.htm are:

Max. no. of outlets served at one time	Flow rate (litres per minute)
1	16
2	20
3+	24