With Canadians using an average *75L of hot water every day, ensuring that you have a reliable hot water heater is extremely important. So, when that water heater breaks down, you’re definitely going to want to replace as quickly as possible. However, you may find that replacing your water heater is a bit more complicated than it might have been ten or so years ago.
Residential energy usage in Canada by activity, 2010
There are now more choices than there used to be when it comes to choosing your water heater. In addition to deciding whether to buy or rent, homeowners must now decide between opting for a traditional reservoir-style water heater and tankless. So let’s take a look at the options!
Traditional Water Heaters
The traditional reservoir-style water heater continues to be the #1 choice among Canadian homeowners. As you may already know, with this type of heater, the water is continuously heated and stored in a large 20 – 80 gallon tank.
PROS:
Generally more affordable to purchase and are also commonly rented.
Provides sufficient hot water for an entire household and allows for multiple, simultaneous uses.
CONS:
This style of water heater can be less efficient than the tankless variety, because energy is used to keep the water hot even when it isn’t being used.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is also known as an on-demand water heater, due to the fact that water is not pre-heated and stored in a reservoir. Instead, the water is heated only when required.
PROS:
Tank less water heaters are considered to be more energy-efficient, due to the fact that energy is used to heat the water only when needed.
CONS:
Hot water output is typically limited to 2 – 5 gallons per minute
Some tankless water heaters are best installed as a companion to other sources. Most notably, electric versions are unable to supply an entire house with hot water.
Consider Long-Term Costs
Here is what Natural Resources Canada says that homeowners should consider when shopping for a new water heater:
- The size and type of unit to meet your needs
- The energy source and the associated venting requirements
- Purchase or rental costs, installation, maintenance and future fuel costs
If you’re ready to purchase your new water heater, be sure to see our local listings for reviews and contact information for the HVAC pro nearest you!
*Source: Natural Resources Canada
