Proudly Canadian
Tankless Water Heater or Storage Tank for Canadian Homes?
Cold winter water changes the sizing math. Here's how to choose.
Replacing a water heater is a good moment to ask whether a tankless unit makes sense. In Canada, the answer depends a lot on how cold your incoming water gets and how many showers run at once.
How tankless works
A tankless heater fires up when you open a hot tap and heats water as it passes through. It never runs out, but it can only heat so much water per minute.
The colder the incoming water, the bigger the temperature rise and the lower the flow it can deliver. Canadian groundwater in winter is much colder than the figures some brochures use.
Sizing for winter
Add up the flow of fixtures likely to run together, such as two showers and a dishwasher. Ask the installer to show you the unit's output at your winter water temperature.
What installation can involve
- Upsizing the gas line
- New venting through a wall or roof
- Electrical supply for controls
- Mounting space on a wall
- Removing the old tank
When a tank still makes sense
If your gas line or electrical service can't easily support tankless, or upfront cost matters most, a high-efficiency storage tank is often the practical choice. A plumber can price both.
Common questions
Yes. Periodic descaling is common, especially with hard water.
Whole-home electric tankless often needs a large electrical service. Ask an electrician.
Tank swaps are often done in a day. Tankless conversions can take longer.