Every Canadian knows the importance of hot water in extreme weather conditions. Getting cold water in between your hot showers is infuriating.
That’s usually the reality with a traditional water heater. The tank empties, and once it’s out, you’re waiting; sometimes for an hour or more, for it to reheat. The main objective of the tankless water heater was to solve this issue.
Check what the difference is between a conventional water heater and a tankless water heater.
Tankless water heater-What is it?
The usual water heater has a huge tank for storing the hot water, which usually goes under the basement or in the utility room. As the name suggests tankless water heater doesn’t have a tank for storing water. It starts to heat the water at the same moment we turn on the faucet.
There is a heat exchanger inside the system that heats up the normal/ cold water at the moment it starts to flow.
Think of it as “water on demand” instead of “water in storage.”
Why Homeowners Like Tankless Systems?
- Any time hot water – If you prefer to take a shower in the morning, or are planning to turn on the dishwasher and laundry at the same time, this is perfect.
- Energy savings – No energy is wasted, because it doesn’t store hot water, thus the energy used for keeping the water hot is saved.
- Long lifespan – Many tankless systems last close to 20 years, nearly double a traditional unit.
- Space saver – Mounted on the wall, they take up far less room than a bulky tank.
- Lower leak risk – No giant tank means no big flood if it fails.
The Other Side of the Story
Of course, no system is perfect. Here are some things to consider before making the jump:
- Higher upfront cost – The purchase and installation price is more than a tank system.
- Possible upgrades – Gas models may need new venting; electric ones sometimes need a panel upgrade.
- Flow rate limits – If your household uses a ton of hot water all at once, you’ll need the right size unit to keep up.
| Feature | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Tank Water Heater |
| Hot Water Supply | Endless heat on demand | Limited to tank size |
| Energy Use | Only when water is needed | Constant heating (standby loss) |
| Average Lifespan | 18–20 years | 8–12 years |
| Space Needs | Compact, wall-mounted | Large tank takes up floor space |
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Leak Risk | Minimal | Higher risk as tanks age |
| Maintenance | Annual descaling | Flushing the tank regularly |
| Best Fit | Busy households, long-term savings | Smaller households, tighter budgets |
Is It Right for You- How to know ?
Check the following points to determine if the tankless water heater system is suitable for you or not.
- Size of the home – Check if everyone needs hot water at the same time?
- Cost– Costlier than a normal water heater, but the energy bill is way better.
- Type of energy used – What kind of fuel are you using, natural gas/ electric line?
- Longevity – Is it your own house, and want to save on energy bills?
Maintenance Still Matters
Hard water will eventually build up scale, which will affect the performance of the tankless water heater system, so routine cleaning and maintenance are essential for the water heater.
Get a professional to check the system every year to keep it alive for a long period of time.
Why most homeowners choose a tankless water heater
The availability of hot water 24/7, the reduced energy bills, and saving a lot of space for the conventional tank system are some of the advantages. The sudden upgrade to a tankless water heater is due to its longevity and benefits in the long run.
Final Word
A water heater is an essential part of a house, due to its everyday use. If you are concerned about the energy bill due to a tank water heater or the cold showers in between, getting a new tankless water heater installed is the right choice.
Infinity HVAC has been in the HVAC industry for years, so we can choose the right system for your home. If you want to do a new install, repair a tankless water heater, or just do maintenance, Infinity will provide you with the help you need.
Reach out to Infinity HVAC for easy and fast HVAC services. We provide services for homeowners across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and surrounding areas.
