Is a Tankless Water Heater the Right Choice for You?

There are many benefits to tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water while saving energy and money, which makes them an attractive option for many homeowners. Let's consider both the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters. 

Advantages of a tankless water heater 

The biggest advantage of tankless water heaters is their efficiency. Tankless water heaters provide a significant cost savings when compared to a standard gas tank model. This is because you don’t have to pay to store heated water; you only heat the water you need.   

“An ENERGY STAR certified tankless water heater uses 30% less energy, on average, than a storage tank type. Saving energy saves money and reduces your carbon footprint.” -Government of Canada 

Tankless water heaters are also efficient in terms of their lifespans – the average tank system will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, whereas a tankless system will typically keep heating your water for 20 or more years.   

They don’t need a huge storage space for water, so they take up less space, maximizing your liveable square footage. Instead of the water being heated in the tank, the water is heated on-demand by either a gas burner or electric element. This provides a constant supply of hot water (gas models typically heat water faster than electric ones) and means you don’t have to wait for the tank to refill to use your hot water.  

They are also far less likely to leak than a water heater with a tank and are often easier to maintain.   

Additionally, due to their energy efficiency, tankless water heaters also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to tank-style heaters. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option, which is always a bonus! 

Disadvantages of a hot water heater  

It might seem like tankless water heaters are the obvious choice, but tank models might be a better fit for your needs. For some, the price of a tankless system can be a deterrent – they are not only more expensive to buy, but also more expensive and complex to install, repair, and maintain.  

If you must upgrade your electrical system, install a dedicated gas line, or install a new ventilation system, tankless systems might be the more expensive option.   

Additionally, if you use a lot of hot water simultaneously – such as doing laundry while someone else is trying to shower – you may require more than one unit or a more expensive model to meet all your household needs.   

Only you can determine if a tank or tankless water heater is your best option. If you are interested in learning more, the Action team would be happy to answer any question you have regarding upgrading your hot water tank, or any other appliance for the matter! Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss the best options for you, and your home.