What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater, also referred to as an on-demand water heater, is a compact system that heats water only when you need it. Instead of constantly storing a supply of hot water in a large tank, a tankless unit heats water instantly to the right temperature when requested. This innovative water heating method offers a number of benefits, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s important to make sure it’s feasible for your home in Canada.

Tankless Water Heaters: How Do They Work?

When you open a hot water tap, a sensor in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This activates a gas burner or an electric heating element, depending on your fuel source, which then rapidly heats the water as it passes through the tankless water heater. As soon as you turn off the tap, the system shuts down and stops heating, which prevents standby energy loss.

Five Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Many Canada residents have already switched to tankless water heaters to experience these fantastic perks:

1. Tankless water heaters supply endless hot water: Picture your family happily taking numerous back-to-back showers without the last person in line running out of hot water. That’s the benefit that comes with a tankless unit, which provides virtually unlimited hot water as it flows rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to reheat a tank of water.

2. Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than tank models. The less hot water you use, the more power and money you save. After all, you only pay to heat the water you need, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to constantly heat a big reservoir of hot water just in case you might actually need it.

3. Tankless units have a longer service life: If you plan on staying in your home for the long haul, a tankless water heater is a great investment. These units last more than 20 years, which is almost twice as long as traditional tank heaters—which only have an estimated lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

4. Tankless units are compact: You may be accustomed to the large, cylindrical tank in your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Most tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase mounted to the wall. This means you can install them in tight spaces like utility closets or small utility rooms.

5. There’s a lower risk risk of water damage with a tankless system: Since tankless water heaters don’t have a tank, there’s no risk of a ruptured unit flooding your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving appliance, but they aren’t ideal for every home. Consider these factors before making the switch in your Canada home:

• A tankless water heater usually costs more up front: Tankless systems require a higher upfront investment compared to traditional tank-style water heaters. However, tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient appliances are often available to reduce the cost.

• The power of tankless units varies depending on fuel source: Tankless units are available in electric or gas models. Gas units have a higher flow rate but require venting to safely expel exhaust gases from your home. If you don’t already have a vent, installing one in your home will add to the installation cost. Electric models are easier to install but are less powerful. They also don’t qualify for those cost-saving HVAC tax credits.

• Tankless models must cope with extremely cold temperatures: Tankless systems heat water as it flows through the appliance, which requires a significant temperature boost. The colder the incoming water, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy it uses. For instance, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F in a northern province, and you want 110-degree water to flow from the tap, your system must handle a 70-degree rise. While this is possible, it’s near the top of what most gas-fired tankless water heaters can handle.

• Flow rate can be limited when multiple appliances are being used: Since tankless heaters don’t store heated water, they can only provide a limited amount of hot water at a time. The unit’s flow rate tells you how much hot water you can use simultaneously, which is an important consideration if you have a house full of people trying to shower while the dishwasher and washing machine are running! One solution to avoid a drop in hot water is to install multiple point-of-use models in high-demand locations. However, this increases upfront and operating costs.

• Tankless water heaters create a cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters produce a “cold water sandwich,” a short burst of cold water created when the unit turns off and on again. It also occurs if you only run a trickle of hot water that isn’t sufficient to keep the tankless unit running. While merely a minor annoyance, it’s worth knowing about.

Work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Tankless Water Heaters in Canada

The team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you find the right water heating solution, whether that’s a tankless unit or a traditional storage tank model. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can feel confident that our pros will have your unit installed and running perfectly. Ready to upgrade? Have more questions? We’re happy to assist! Just call 866-397-3787 today to reach the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!