Are Boiling Water Taps More Energy Efficient Than Kettles?
When deciding whether to upgrade to a boiling water tap, one of the most asked questions is if they really are more energy efficient than a kettle. Now, the answer can differ but overall if you use a boiling water tap efficiently and perform regular maintenance checks on the tap, tank and filter then yes, a boiling water tap can be more efficient than a kettle. Keep reading to find out more.
How Do Boiling Water Taps Work?
Boiling water taps work with the connection of a boiler tank specifically for your tap. This tank heats your water to your desired temperature, to provide instant boiling water. While boiling water taps are designed to provide boiling water, if you prefer, you can set a lower temperature on the boiler tank.
What are the Benefits of Boiling Water Taps?
Convenience
Gone are the days of waiting for the kettle to boil for that hot cup of tea or coffee. With a boiling water tap, you can achieve the same instantly. Simply press the safety button and turn the lever and hey presto, your cup of tea is ready.
Not only are boiling water taps perfect for making a quick cup of tea or coffee but they're also ideal for filling pans or making a cup of soup on a cold winter's day.
Energy Efficiency
According to Which, some of the fastest kettles can boil 1L of water in 2 minutes 18 seconds, but we found some can take as long as 4 minutes. The more you fill your kettle, the longer it will take to boil, and as a lot of us are guilty of filling our kettles after each use, whether we need a full kettle or not, we're wasting a lot of energy. If these aren't reasons for switching to a boiling water tap, we don't know what are!
However, a boiling water tap, on the other hand, can provide boiling water instantly and with less wasted energy. As soon as you turn the tap on you can start filling your mug with fresh boiling water to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or coffee.
What's more, if you know you're going to be away for a few days you can even switch off the boiler tank to save energy.
Money Saving
There's no denying the initial cost of a boiling water tap is a lot more than a standard kettle, but they could save you hundreds of pounds in the long run. According to Eon Next, not overfilling the kettle could save you 13 a year. If this is true, imagine how much money you could save by not using a kettle at all.
Space Saving
If your kitchen is on the small side, upgrading to a boiling water tap and disposing of your kettle can help to create more useable countertop space. A boiling water tap takes up just as much space on the side as a standard kitchen mixer tap, meaning you don't need to compromise on space around your kitchen sink.
The only place where a boiling water tap will take up more space is where you position the tank. However, this is usually in the cupboard underneath the kitchen sink, which is rarely used or just for small items and cleaning products.
Multiple Uses
Depending on the style you choose, boiling water taps can have multiple clever uses and functions and don't just provide boiling water.
If you're looking for a truly multifunctional kitchen tap, a pull-out spray kitchen tap with a separate spout for your boiling water might be what you're looking for.
As mentioned above, boiling water taps are available in a range of designs with varying functionalities. From basic boiling water taps to 3-in-1, and even 4-in-1 options. Keep reading to find out more.
3-in-1 boiling water taps not only provide standard hot and cold water but filtered boiling water too, making them perfect for all-round use in the kitchen.
However, if you're looking for something with more functions, a 4-in-1 boiling water tap provides hot, cold, filtered boiling, and even filtered cold water. With built-in filtered cold-water functionalities, this means you don't need an additional water filter for all your cold-water needs. Potentially saving even more money.
How to Use a Boiling Water Tap Efficiently
As a boiling water tap provides instant boiling water there's no need to run the tap before use to warm the water. Also, unlike using a kettle you can use only the amount of water you need, as you're filling your mug or pan directly rather than judging how much water you may need to boil in a kettle.
To ensure you're using your boiling water tap as efficiently as possible you should make sure to carry out any maintenance needed on the tank regularly and to replace filters when needed (usually every 3-6 months).
Try not to use your boiling water tap as an alternative to your standard hot water for tasks such as washing up as in most cases you won't need boiling water, as this could make your boiling water tap less efficient if used too often.
How to Install a Boiling Water Tap
Due to their added features, boiling water taps are best installed by a professional. However, if you feel up to giving it a go yourself, you may find the following instructions helpful.
One thing to consider before starting this process is whether you have an accessible plug socket close to where your boiler tank will be placed (usually underneath the kitchen sink). If not, we advise contacting an electrician to fit one for you. Be aware most electricians tend to have a long waiting list so this will need to be factored into the timescale for your new boiling water tap being fitted.
- Your first task is to turn off your water supply. This can be done by turning off your stop cock or isolation valves, which are usually located underneath the kitchen sink.
- Once your water supply is safely turned off, you can start to remove your current kitchen tap. If you're unsure how to do this, take a look at our handy guide on how to replace kitchen taps.
- Now you can fit your new boiling water tap. Firstly, you'll need to fit your tap tails, simply twisting them until hand-tight. As this is a boiling water tap there should be a silicone tube already fitted to the base of your tap which will get fitted to your boiling water tank later on.
- Next, slide the tap mounting plate and O ring onto the base of the tap and fit each tail through the tap hole one at a time, as well as the attached silicone tube.
- Now, from below the sink you need to slip the provided rubber O ring over the tap tails right to the underside of the countertop. Repeat this process with the locking nut and tighten until hand-tight.
- Ensure the kitchen cupboard underneath your sink is cleared out before fitting the boiling water tank, as you'll need plenty of space to work with.
- You can now fit the boiler tank into the cupboard, but make sure there's plenty of ventilation around the tank and that you haven't blocked your stop cock or any isolation valves as these need to be fully accessible in an emergency.
- Mount the filter on the inside of the cupboard so that you have plenty of space to lift and unscrew the filter when the time comes to replace it.
- This is where you will need to refer to your manufacturer's instructions as this part of the boiler tank assembly can vary between models. Once you're boiler tank is connected to your water supply, tap and filter, now's the time to test the system. The next few steps will explain how to test for leaks and prime the boiler tank.
- First, you need to turn your isolation valves back on for both your hot and cold tap. You might hear a slight hiss. This is the water pressure. While you're here, it's a good idea to check all fittings are screwed in correctly and that there are no leaks.
- You now need to test the tap to ensure the standard hot and cold supply is functioning correctly. To do this simply turn the tap on checking both hot and cold, to ensure the flow is steady.
- Next, press and twist the boiling water tap handle until water starts to flow. This could take up to 90 seconds. Your tank is now primed.
- You can now plug your boiler tank into the wall socket, if not already done, and turn the boiler tank on at the unit by pressing the on/off button.
- You'll now be able to choose the temperature of the water. Once the temperature is set the temperature visible on the boiler will increase until your desired temperature has been met.
- You can now test your tap. If boiling water is flowing steadily without any leaks, congratulations you've successfully fitted your boiling water tap.
We advise contacting a professional plumber if you are unsure at any point in the fitting process. Please note these instructions are a guide only and you should always refer to the tap manufacturer's instructions as fitting can differ from tap to tap.
Are Boiling Water Taps Safe?
One concern that people have is whether boiling water taps are safe. You might be especially concerned if it's in reach of young children or vulnerable adults. Worry not, as boiling water taps have a separate child-safe lever for the boiling water function which needs pressing in and twisting before any boiling water is released.
Find Out More About Boiling Water Taps
To find out more about boiling water taps take a look at our website today where you'll find a wide range of boiling water taps and tanks, as well as detailed information on their features.
If you found this post useful, you may also be interested in - Different Types of Taps Explained A Guide to Boiling Water Taps - A Guide to Replacing Kitchen Taps.
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