Is a tankless water heater right for you?
If you have gas available in your home and you can install an optimal tankless unit without too much additional cost, a tankless unit can be a great money saver. Point-of-use tankless heaters that go under sinks, near showers, or near washing machines can also be great options for those who live in smaller homes.
A couple last things to remember… Be sure to check with your tankless manufacturer on the water quality requirements for the system. According to e-tankless.com, hard water minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) rob your water heater of its energy efficiency by building up on its heating elements and heat exchanger surfaces. They effectively provide a layer of insulation between the heating surface and the water, thereby reducing heat transfer and putting extra stress on the heating element. Over time, the accumulation of minerals will also reduce water flow and lead to “hot spots”. These “hot spots” cause premature failure of the heat exchanger which results in costly repairs not covered under manufacturer warranties. For this reason, many water heater manufacturers require or recommend the treatment of hard water for the customer’s warranty coverage to remain valid. Thanks to aquatell.ca, you can peruse an online database here that shows the water hardness values for most city water supplies in Canada.
Also, beware of installing your tankless system on lead pipe supplied homes and septic systems as the water quality may have a direct impact on the system. Lastly, if you live in an area that experiences many power outages, a tankless system may not be the right choice for you.
In summary, both water heating systems provide great benefits to the homeowner. It all comes down to your budget, space, location and household consumption.