Do We Really Need Instant Hot Water on Tap or is it Just Trendy?

How much electricity does instant hot water on tap use?

First, it’s important to take a look at the energy consumption used by instant hot water faucets. How much electricity does one use and can it justify the convenience of keeping water at near boiling temperatures 24/7 for just a few minutes of use each day? During active use, instant hot water faucets typically use 750 to 1,500 watts, and they use 6.5 to 17 watts on standby to continuously keep the water hot. Thanks to intense insulation around the tank under the sink, the water stays hot with surprisingly little electricity. The average tap costs about $.05 to $.15 a day in total. Kettles use significantly more electricity when active, but none when not active. The average cost of a kettle to boil is $.02.  So, if you use a kettle a few times a day, the cost will be about the same. Given that an instant hot water faucet is objectively more convenient than an electric kettle, the reduced wait time may be worth the installation of instant hot water.

Are there safety risks with instant hot water faucets?

The next most common concerns about instant hot water faucets have to do with safety. The water is heated to a constant 190 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in instant hot water faucets – hot enough to cause moderate skin burns. They may be convenient, but are they safe? Do hot water taps have safeguards in place for accidental bumps? Families with children or people prone to accidents rightfully worry about installing instant hot water. We’ve found that the manufacturers we researched have safety measures in place to protect their customers. Most instant hot water faucets are built with a spring-loaded mechanism that immediately shuts off the valve when pressure is released. This means that hot water is only running when someone is holding the valve. They also come with a required two-step process for accessing the hot water, preventing any accidental bumps. In addition, the spouts are insulated, meaning a touch to the spout will be cool even if it’s currently dispensing hot water. Some also come with an anti-splash guard. So, unless you have older children who are capable of activating the water and are likely to misuse it, an instant hot water faucet is a safe choice.

Will the tap pair well with my current faucet design? AKA, how will it look?

The good news is that many instant hot water faucets come with the same finishes as many primary kitchen faucets, or in a very similar finish. For example, InSinkErator Showroom Collection Traditional Instant Hot and Cold Faucet comes in chrome, polished nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and other standard finishes. A wonderful main faucet pairing to this instant hot water tap is the Pioneer Two Handle Kitchen Bridge Faucet | Pioneer Industries, which is made in similar finishes, such as chrome, PVD brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and Moroccan bronze. Both faucets match the farmhouse or Boho aesthetic and look wonderful together. Or, try the Pioneer Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet | Pioneer Industries together with InSinkErator’s Showroom Collection Modern 3010 Instant Hot Faucet. The slightly rounded, but squared-off modern look of the Pioneer Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet | Pioneer Industries suits InSinkErator’s Showroom Collection Modern 3020 Instant Hot Faucet well too.

So, are they trendy or necessary?

Instant hot water faucets are convenient and have a wow factor that would undoubtedly make any multifamily project a standout, but are they necessary? The convenience of instant hot water without the hassle of using an electric kettle is hard to beat. Installation of the tap directly next to your primary faucet makes it quick and easy to use. The electricity usage is not a concern because an instant hot water faucet’s cumulative energy consumption is about the same as an electric kettle. Many companies have implemented safety measures to mitigate any safety risks involved with using instant hot water, so there’s little need to worry about kids using the sink or a rushed dishwashing session gone wrong. They may not yet be necessary, but we can see them becoming standard and expected in luxury housing and greatly appreciated in all other categories within the next few years. Much like the pot filler, the instant hot water on tap is a solid choice because it adds convenience without compromising energy or safety. Just be sure to pair it with an exceptional kitchen faucet and you’re golden.

Wrapping it All Up

As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your building or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time. 

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There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.