Domestic Hot Water: Traditional Electric Boiler vs. i-TES Thermal Batteries

Domestic hot water (DHW) is an essential component of home comfort. Traditionally, the conventional electric boiler has been the most widespread solution for its production, appreciated for its ease of installation and low initial cost. However, with technological advancement and increasing attention to energy efficiency and sustainability, new alternatives are emerging. Among these, the innovative thermal batteries by i-TES are positioned as a cutting-edge solution. But what are the substantial differences between these two technologies? And what is the best choice for our needs?

The Conventional Electric Boiler: Pros and Cons

The conventional electric boiler works by heating the water stored in a tank through an electric resistance. Once the desired temperature is reached, a thermostat turns off the resistance, reactivating it only when the water temperature drops.

Advantages:

• Low initial cost: Generally, purchasing and installing an electric boiler is less expensive compared to other solutions.
• Ease of installation: It does not require major masonry work or complex hydraulic connections.
• Availability: It is a mature technology, widely available on the market.

Disadvantages:

• High energy consumption: The electric resistance consumes a lot of energy, significantly impacting the electricity bill, especially with prolonged or frequent use. For every kWh of electricity consumed, a resistance can produce at most 1 kWh of heat.
• Limited energy efficiency: A large part of the energy is dispersed as heat, especially in older or poorly insulated models.
• Size: The tanks can be bulky, taking up valuable space.
• Legionella risk: According to current regulations, traditional storage tanks require periodic anti-Legionella cycles (raising the water temperature to 60-65°C for a certain period). This leads to further energy consumption and greater wear on the system.

i-TES Thermal Batteries: An Efficient and Safe Innovation

i-TES thermal batteries represent a completely different approach to DHW production. Unlike the traditional boiler that stores hot water, these batteries store thermal energy in a phase change material (PCM). Domestic hot water is produced instantly, on demand, via a heat exchanger that transfers the energy previously stored in the PCM to the mains water.

A key aspect that enhances the efficiency of i-TES batteries is their synergy with the heat pump. Unlike a simple electric resistance that converts electricity into heat with a 1:1 ratio, the heat pump is a much more efficient system because it doesn’t generate heat, but “moves” it. It works by extracting heat from the external environment (air, water, or ground) and transferring it to the circuit water, using only a small amount of electricity to power the compressor. This means that for every kWh of electricity consumed, a heat pump can produce 3 to 5 kWh of heat, making it far more efficient than a resistance. Integration with i-TES thermal batteries allows for optimal use of this efficiency, storing the heat produced by the heat pump at the most convenient times (e.g., when energy is cheaper or produced by photovoltaics) and releasing it when needed.

Advantages:

• Higher energy efficiency: By using PCMs and ideally combined with a heat pump, i-TES batteries can store and release heat extremely efficiently, drastically reducing energy consumption and maximizing the return on the electricity used.
• Integration with renewable sources: They are ideal for pairing with photovoltaic systems or other renewable energy sources, allowing water to be heated when excess energy is produced (e.g., during sunny hours) and used later, maximizing self-consumption.
• Compact size: Thanks to the high energy density of PCMs, thermal batteries are significantly smaller and more compact than traditional boilers with the same energy capacity.
• Hot water on demand: In the right configuration, they can provide hot water instantly and continuously, with no waiting time.
• Durability and reliability: PCM-based systems tend to have a long lifespan and require less maintenance.
• Lower heat losses and long autonomy: i-TES batteries are designed to retain stored heat for extended periods, even over 24 hours, ensuring hot water availability even long after the last charge.
• No Legionella risk and no need for anti-Legionella cycles: Since mains water is not stored but heated instantly and only at the moment of withdrawal, conditions for Legionella proliferation do not arise. This eliminates the need for costly and energy-intensive thermal disinfection cycles, making the system safer and more efficient.

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial cost: The initial investment for an i-TES thermal battery is generally higher than that of a traditional boiler, especially when including the heat pump.
• New technology: As a newer technology, it may require more specific knowledge for installation and integration with other systems.

In summary, while the electric boiler has served our homes well for decades, i-TES thermal batteries represent the future of domestic hot water production: more efficient (especially with the help of a heat pump), compact, safe, and sustainable, offering superior comfort and significant savings on long-term operating costs.

If you're considering an alternative to the traditional boiler, i-TES thermal batteries are a concrete option to improve your system’s energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

To learn more, explore the other sections of the site or contact us: we’ll be happy to help you find the configuration that best suits your needs.