What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, is a small system that heats water just when you need it. Instead of constantly storing a supply of hot water in a big tank, a tankless unit heats water instantly to the right temperature when requested. This cutting-edge water heating method has a number of advantages, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s important to make sure it’s practical for your home in Canada.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Supply Hot Water?

As soon as you open a hot water tap, technology in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This triggers a gas burner or an electric heating element, according to your fuel source, which then almost instantly heats the water as it flows through the tankless water heater. As soon as you turn off the tap, the tankless unit shuts down and stops heating, which prevents inactive energy loss.

Five Reasons to Use a Tankless Water Heater

Many Canada residents have already switched to tankless water heaters to take advantage of these fantastic perks:

1. Tankless water heaters supply endless hot water: Picture your family happily taking numerous back-to-back showers without water running cold for the last person in line. That’s the benefit of using 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. Increase your home’s energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank-style models. The less hot water you use, the more power and money you save. That’s because you only pay to heat the water you require, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to always heat a big tank of hot water just in case you might request it.

3. You typically get more years of service from a tankless water heater: If you plan on staying in your home for many years, a tankless water heater is a great investment. These units last more than 20 years, which is almost two times as long as traditional tank heaters—which only have an estimated lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

4. Tankless units have a space-saving design: You may be familiar with the big, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t need to be this way. The majority of tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase attached to the wall. This means you can install them in tight spaces like utility closets or small utility rooms.

5. There’s less risk of water damage with a tankless system: Due to the fact that tankless water heaters don’t have a large reservoir of heated water, there’s no risk of a leaky tank flooding your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving type of HVAC equipment, but they may not be perfect for every home. Take into account these factors before making the switch in your Canada home:

• A tankless water heater usually costs more up front: Tankless systems usually have a larger upfront investment compared to traditional tank-style water heaters. But, 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 come in electric or gas designs. Gas units have a higher flow rate but must have venting to safely expel exhaust gases from your home. If you lack a vent, installing one in your home will raise the installation cost. Electric models are simpler to install but have lower performance. They also aren’t eligible for those cost-saving HVAC tax credits.

• Tankless models must cope with extremely cold temperatures: Tankless systems heat water as it flows through the unit, which requires a significant temperature boost. The colder the water is before it’s heated, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy the tankless unit will use. For example, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F during the winter in a state up north, 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 if too many appliances are used at once: Due to the fact that tankless heaters don’t store heated water, they can only heat a specific amount of hot water at once. The system’s flow rate indicates how much hot water you can consume at once, which is an important consideration if you have a house full of people who always want to shower at the same time the dishwasher and washing machine are running! An easy way to prevent a drop in hot water is to install multiple point-of-use models in high-demand water taps. However, this raises upfront and operating costs.

• Tankless water heaters create the cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters are known for producing a “cold water sandwich,” which is a short burst of cold water formed when the water heater starts and stops. It also occurs if you only run a trickle of hot water that doesn’t provide enough flow to keep the tankless unit running. While merely a small annoyance, it’s better to be ready for it.

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

The experienced professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help you select the right water heating solution, whether that’s a tankless unit or a traditional storage tank model. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you will have peace of mind knowing that our pros will have your unit installed and working 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!