If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home’s water heating system in Calgary, you’ve probably heard of tankless water heaters.

Tankless water heaters, usually known as just water heaters these days, heat water on demand instead of storing hot water in a large tank. Many Albertans have made the investment with the promise of never running out of hot water and lower energy bills.

You might be wondering if installing a tankless heater is the right fit for you. In this post, our NW Calgary plumbers will go over the pros and cons of switching to a tankless water heater and help you make the best decision for your home.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Before buying, it’s important to understand the different types of water heaters.

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand heaters, instantaneous heaters, and continuous flow water heaters, heat water directly as you need it. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe into the water heater. Heating is done by either a gas burner or an electric element. Water is only heated as needed without being stored in a large hot water tank.

The old-style traditional water heaters vs. a tankless unit store and continuously heat a large tank of water. Once the hot water runs out, you’re left with cold water until another tank of hot water is heated. Bad news if you need hot water for an extended period of time.

These days, when people say “water heaters”, they’re usually referring to tankless water heaters.

Tankless Water Heater Pros

1. Hot Water on Demand

Tankless water heaters deliver a continual, constant supply of hot water at the moment you need it. No more waiting for a giant water tank to have enough hot water again before you can take a shower after your kids use up all the hot water.

2. Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than tank water heaters. An ENERGY STAR certified tankless system uses 30% less energy, on average, than a storage tank type (source: Natural Resources Canada). They aren’t storing and constantly heating a large tank of hot water like a tank water heater. There’s less heat loss as well. Water is only heated when you need it, lowering your energy bills.

A typical natural gas tankless water heater has an average energy factor of 0.85, while a typical natural gas tank water heater has an average energy factor of 0.62 (source: Natural Resources Canada). Energy factor (EF) is used to rate the efficiency of water heaters.

3. Lower Utility Bills

Lower energy use means lower utility bills. With Alberta utility bills increasing, that can translate to big savings on your monthly budget.

4. Longer Lifespan

Tankless heaters have an average lifespan of 20-30 years. Compare that with traditional tank water heaters, which typically last 10-15 years. That’s a lifespan up to twice as long with regular flushing and proper maintenance.

5. Space-Saving Design

Tankless water heaters have a compact design with no large tank taking up space and are usually wall-mounted. This is a huge plus for smaller homes or condos that don’t have huge basements.

6. Government Rebates and Programs

The City of Calgary is participating in the Alberta Municipalities Clean Energy Improvement Program which lets you finance the entire cost of upgrading to a tankless water heater. You repay it through your regular property tax bill, with financing tied to the property, not the property owner.

As for government rebates, while it’s possible more will be introduced in the future, for the moment all rebates are over.
The Government of Alberta did launch a rebate program for Alberta homeowners who upgraded to tankless water heaters, but this program was scrapped along with the Energy Efficiency Alberta website.

7. Smart Technology

Modern tankless water heaters usually have smart features like WiFi compatibility, letting you to monitor and change settings from an app on your phone.
They’re also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, letting you use voice commands to set temperatures, turn your water heater off or on, track your hot water usage statistics in real-time, and receive maintenance alerts.

Tankless Water Heater Cons

1. Higher Upfront Costs

The upfront purchase and installation costs for tankless water heaters are higher than installing a traditional tank unit. Tankless water heaters are more advanced, cost more to make, and are more complex to install. It’s definitely an investment, but the long-term energy savings and convenience upside usually justify the initial cost.

2. Additional Installation Requirements

Installing a tankless water heater usually requires some upgrades to your existing plumbing, gas, and electrical systems. It could mean gas line upgrades, installing new venting pipes, upgrading your home’s electrical system to handle more capacity, and changes to your water lines.

3. Maintenance Needs

Annual maintenance is needed to prevent sediment buildup, keep your water heater running efficiently, and prolong its lifespan.

4. Performance in Cold Climates

Calgary’s sometimes harsh winters can affect the efficiency of tankless water heaters. Extremely cold water requires more energy to heat, meaning water heaters can be less efficient during those cold snaps.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

For homes with only a couple people and lower hot water demands, a tankless water heater is ideal. They’re also a great choice for small houses or apartments with limited space. If your priority is lowering your energy bills, or if you travel a lot and aren’t home that often, then a new tankless water heater is the more economical choice.

On the other hand, if you have a large family and use a lot of hot water, a single tankless unit might not be able to keep up. In that case, tank style water heaters or several tankless units are a better option. Some older homes may also not be worth the electrical and plumbing upgrading necessary to install a tankless water heater.

If you still aren’t sure, discuss your situation with an NE Calgary plumbing professional who can help you make the best choice for your home.

Tankless Water Heater Installation With Son-Rise Plumbing

If you’re ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater, we’re here to help. Our team of licensed professionals has years of experience repairing, replacing, and installing electric or gas tankless water heaters in every type of home.

Contact us to request a quote or call 403-274-1166 and talk to one of our experts to learn more about our tankless water heater options.