WEST KELOWNA • PEACHLAND • SUMMERLAND • PENTICTON • NARAMATA
Tankless Water Heater Repair, Replacement, and Installation Services in South Okanagan
Tankless.
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+1 (250) 274-0132
Tank or Tankless?
We’re often asked about whether our customers should consider a tankless water heater, and our answer depends on your lifestyle, the amount of people living in your home, and whether you’re looking for short term or long term savings.
A traditional hot water tank is a very simple appliance. When the water cools below a certain temperature the heater turns on and brings the water back-up to your set maximum temperature. Your hot water tank does this all day, while you’re at work, while you’re sleeping, and in many cases while you’re on vacation.
In homes with multiple bathrooms, where the water is being used often by several occupants we recommend a traditional hot water tank. But in some homes there is a lot of time when the heater could be shut down to save energy and money.
For these situations a tankless heater may be considered. For a one or two bathroom home that has less than 4 occupants you would likely see a significant reduction in your energy consumption, especially if you’re regularly away from your home. With a tankless heater when the hot water is not in use, it’s not using any energy to keep a reserve of water warm. When a tap is opened it almost instantly heats the water going to that tap.
These heaters do have limitations, in most cases a maximum of 2 fixtures can be in use at the same time. For example, if someone is having a shower, and someone uses the kitchen sink, the heater will be able to produce enough water. But in a scenario where someone is taking a shower, while the laundry machine is filling, and someone is trying to use the kitchen sink, the heater will not be able to provide all three with water at the same time. For some homes this is unlikely to happen and it’s worth the money they’ll save over the lifespan of the heater. For others it is unacceptable.
Another consideration is installing a Tankless heater is often TWICE the cost of installing a traditional hot water tank. With an average lifespan of 10 - 15 years, you can expect to save the extra cost of installation over time, while conserving energy. For some this makes sense, while for others they like to keep things simple.