They save you heaps of space and even more money, so what else do you need to know about tankless or on-demand water heaters? Technology and energy savvy homeowners revel in all the wonderful features of on-demand water heaters, but, as our Kelowna heating experts explain, you need to make sure they’re right for your household.
When that enormous water heater in the basement finally retires, you might be glad. Now you can replace it with one that’s smaller and more efficient. When considering your options, you might be surprised at some of the innovations in the water heating industry, particularly the tankless, on-demand water heaters.
How Does an On-Demand Heater Work?
Where a hot water tank is constantly heating a large volume of water, tankless heaters supply hot water as it’s needed. No storage tank required. Just turn on your tap and fill the sink with hot water warmed by a heating element that’s turned on with a flow-activated switch.
That bear-size tank in the corner of your basement could be replaced by an on-demand heater the size of your laptop.
What are the advantages of a tankless water heater?
You’ll see big savings on your hydro bill. This is one of the most appealing features for the customers our Kelowna heating team serves. Remember, you’re not heating gallons and gallons of sitting water all the time, so you’re only paying to heat what you use. Compared to conventional storage water heaters that see substantial standby energy losses, your natural gas on-demand water heater could save you between 30 and 50 per cent on your energy bill!
You still have an endless supply of hot water at your fingertips so you’ve got the hot water you need for cooking, cleaning and bathing the kids.
You’ll free up all that space your huge conventional storage tank water heater was taking up. More room for hockey sticks, darts, crafts or camping gear.
Your new tankless heater could last up to twice as long as your old heater. With no storage tank, there’s hardly any risk of rust or corrosion.
Is an on-demand water heater right for your family?
While there are some great benefits to going tankless, our Kelowna heating professionals want to help you make sure an on-demand system is right for you.
There are two other things you need to consider:
Your power source. Right now, BC Hydro customers can only use natural gas on-demand heaters because electrical systems exceed the electric tariff. So, your tankless gas water heater needs a gas line to the water heater so it can fuel the system and heat the water with a burner. You’ll also need your unit to be vented to the outside, and you might need a larger gas line and/or upgraded venting.
Your water needs. Make sure you consider how much water your household uses and if the tankless water heater size you’re looking at will be able to supply enough hot water for say, a load of laundry, a dishwasher and a shower all at once. Some big families choose two tankless units so they can meet their multiple simultaneous hot water demands
To find out if on demand water heating is right for your home, contact Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling. Phone 778-403-7952