Whether a residential unit has a dedicated water heating system or shares a central system is a key factor influencing a resident’s control over hot water availability and potential costs. For example, a dedicated system allows residents to set their desired temperature and operate the system on their own schedule. A shared system, on the other hand, may lead to inconsistent hot water supply and shared expenses regardless of usage.
Dedicated water heating offers several potential advantages. These include greater control over hot water temperature and availability, and potentially lower energy bills for residents who use less hot water. Historically, shared systems were more common in larger buildings due to the lower initial installation cost. However, advancements in tankless and heat pump technologies have made individual units more efficient and cost-effective, leading to increased adoption in both new constructions and renovations.