How to Get More Hot Water by Installing a Water Heater Booster

Having a reliable hot water supply is essential for modern living, busy life, and large families, but nothing is more frustrating than an unexpected cold shower, especially if you are the last person taking it.

If you’re wondering how to get more hot water without replacing your entire system, the answer is simple: install a water heater booster.

This small and lightweight device ensures a perfect temperature every time, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. So, let’s see how it works, what benefits to expect, and whether they are worth the investment.

Main Benefits of a Water Heater Booster

Consistent Temperature

The primary advantage of a water heater booster is its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. Traditional water heaters often struggle to keep up with varying demands, leading to fluctuations and cold surprises.

A booster stabilizes the temperature, ensuring a steady flow of hot water. For instance, most types are capable of maintaining water temperature within ±1°F of the set point, providing a reliable and comfortable hot water experience every time.

Extended Hot Water Supply

By increasing the capacity of your existing water heater, a booster allows for longer periods of hot water usage. This is particularly beneficial for large families or households with high hot water demands.

Technically, they can increase the effective capacity of a 50-gallon water heater to around 70-80 gallons and a 30-gallon heater to approximately 40-45 gallons, extending the duration and availability of hot water significantly. According to Rheem, this little device can increase the performance of a conventional gas or electric model by up to 45%.

Energy Efficiency

They are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing the need to constantly heat large volumes of water. Most boosters have an energy factor (EF) rating of 0.92 or higher, indicating high efficiency. This translates to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. By only activating when the water temperature drops below a certain threshold, they minimize unnecessary energy consumption.

Cost-Effective Upgrade

Instead of replacing your entire water heater system, installing a booster is a more affordable option. A typical booster installation costs between $300 and $500, which is considerably less than the $1,500 to $3,000 cost of a new high-capacity water heater. It enhances the performance of your current unit without the need for a significant investment, offering a practical solution for improving hot water availability and efficiency.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Water heater boosters are relatively easy to install and maintain. They use existing wiring, so there’s no need for an additional electrical circuit. Most models are designed to be compatible with existing water heater systems and can be installed within an hour by a professional plumber. It can either be done during a new tank install or installed onto an existing tank. They also require minimal maintenance, with periodic checks to ensure optimal performance.

Space-Saving Solution

For homes with limited space, a water heater booster provides a space-saving solution compared to installing a larger water heater. They are compact devices that attach directly to the existing water heater, requiring no additional floor space. This makes them ideal for apartments, condos, and small homes where space is at a premium.

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

With the installation of a hot water booster, you can enjoy enhanced comfort and convenience. No more waiting for the water to heat up or dealing with the frustration of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. They ensure a continuous supply of hot water, improving the overall quality of life and comfort in your home. Whether it’s for bathing, cooking, or cleaning, having reliable hot water on demand makes daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

Freeze Protect

In the case of cold weather, they automatically activate if the internal sensor detects the water temperature dropping below 60°F.

Burn Protection

The system’s precise temperature control prevents water from exceeding a safe level, making it ideal for households with young children or elderly family members who are more susceptible to burns.

How a Water Heater Booster Works

A water heater booster acts as a tankless electric heater that is installed directly onto the hot water outlet of a tank-type water heater. It continuously monitors the temperature of the water as it exits the water heater. When the temperature drops below a predetermined set point, the booster activates its heating element to raise the water temperature back to the desired level. This ensures that the water remains consistently hot, even during periods of high demand.

The booster can typically increase the temperature by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a significant boost to the hot water supply.

Compatibility with Different Types of Water Heaters

Compatibility with Tank Water Heaters is High

If you own a traditional tank-type water heater, note that it can benefit significantly from boosters. These heaters store a large volume of water, and a booster can help manage the temperature fluctuations that occur as hot water is drawn from the tank and replaced with cold water.

Installation is straightforward, as boosters are designed to work seamlessly with the existing tank and plumbing.

They Are Also Compatible with Tankless Water Heaters

Boosters are also compatible with tankless water heaters but moderately because tankless provides hot water on demand and typically does not suffer from the same temperature fluctuation issues as tank heaters. However, in cases where multiple outlets are used simultaneously, a booster can help ensure a consistent temperature.

Installation may require professional assistance to integrate with the on-demand heating system, as the setup is more complex compared to tank heaters.

Can I Use a Tankless Water Heater as a Booster

Yes, you can use a tankless water heater as a booster for your existing hot water system. This setup combines the benefits of both tank and tankless water heaters, ensuring a consistent and ample hot water supply.

A tankless water heater can be installed in line with your existing tank water heater. When the hot water demand exceeds the capacity of the tank, the tankless unit kicks in to heat the incoming cold water. This ensures that the hot water temperature remains consistent and that there is no interruption in the supply.

Integrating a Water Heater Booster with Your Water Heater

Integration involves installing the booster directly onto your existing water heater, typically connecting it to the water outlet. The booster then works in tandem with the water heater to regulate and boost the temperature of the water as it exits the tank.

It continuously monitors the temperature of the outgoing water, activating when the temperature drops below a set point to ensure consistent and desirable hot water.

By maintaining a higher and more consistent temperature, the booster effectively increases the usable hot water supply, making it particularly useful during periods of high demand when the water heater alone might struggle to keep up.

Are Water Heater Boosters Worth It?

Absolutely, water heater boosters are worth it. They stand out as an optimal solution for ensuring perfect water temperature every time, eliminating cold surprises. These devices provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and easy-to-install upgrade to your existing water heater system.

Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless systems, and solar heaters, the water heater booster offers a balanced mix of performance, affordability, and reliability. This makes it a smart choice for any household looking to enhance their hot water experience without the need for a complete system overhaul.