Looking for a new tankless water heater in the Ottawa area? That’s a smart move. Before you buy, though, be sure you do your homework. Learn all about the best water heaters in Ontario and how they differ from hot water tanks vs. tankless. We simplify your research with this guide to tankless hot water heater function, benefits, and top brands.
What Is A Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater can best be defined by what it isn’t. It isn’t like traditional hot water heaters, which heat cold water once it flows into a tank, and then continue to keep it hot for hours — or even days — until you are ready to use it. The process is energy-inefficient and wasteful. The water heater sizing depends on the demand of hot water for your home.
By contrast, a tankless heater avoids standby energy losses; it heats water only as needed, such as when you turn on the shower or faucet.
How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
- A tankless heater consists of a wall-mounted unit about the size of a suitcase, containing a burner (usually either natural gas or electric) and an internal computer. You can adjust the temperature setting by means of a thermostat.
- When you turn on your washing machine, faucet, or other hot water plumbing fixture, cold water is channeled into the tankless heater through the inlet pipe.
- The inflow of water is detected by sensors, which signals the computer to start the heating process.
- The computer sends a message to the internal burner to heat the incoming water.
- A heat exchanger circulates the water until it has reached the preset temperature indicated on the thermostat.
- The heated water flows out through an outlet pipe and makes its way along your home’s plumbing pipes to the spot where it is needed.
- The flow of hot water will continue as long as you wish, until the fixture is turned off.
Benefits Of Installing A Tankless Water Heater
The pros and cons of tankless water heaters are a lot more one-sided towards the benefits. Here are some of the pros of installing a tankless heater:
Offers Energy Efficiency. Because no standby energy losses are involved, a gas tankless water heater functions more efficiently than a hot water tank — saving energy, cutting your utility bills, and reducing your carbon footprint. Learn more about how a tankless water heater will save you money to help you decide. Natural Resources Canada reports that, on average, an Energy Star-certified water heater consumes 30 percent less energy than a conventional hot water tank. Although tankless heaters cost more initially, they are worth it.
Produces An Endless Hot Water Supply. Another advantage of a tankless water heater is that it can produce an endless supply of hot water whenever needed. You won’t ever again have to worry about running out or using up the contents of your water heater tank. This is especially good news if you’re tired of taking cold showers because someone else has used up all the hot water!
Lasts Longer Before Needing Replacement. You can expect a tankless water heater to last 20 years or longer, as opposed to an average lifespan of 8-12 years with a tank heater. (Constantly storing hot water shortens tanks’ lifespans.) This means you won’t have to lay out the cash to buy a new one so quickly.
Saves Space In Your Home. Because a tankless water heater is a trim rectangular box — instead of a big, clunky cylinder like a hot water tank — it doesn’t take up nearly as much room. You can have your tankless heater installed almost anywhere in your home, even a closet. Just make sure there is proper venting for a gas-powered water heater.
Should I Choose Condensing Or Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Although the two types cost about the same to buy, condensing tankless water heaters use fuel more efficiently than non-condensing versions. The reason is that a condensing vs. non-condensing tankless water heater captures and recycles residual heat, which is leftover from the heating process. As a result, it will reduce your operating costs.
This is why we ONLY provide condensing units to the people of Ottawa.
Condensing tankless water heater = approximately 96-98 percent efficiency.
Non-condensing water heater = approximately 80 percent efficiency.
4 Of The Best Tankless Water Heater Brands
At Hot Water Ottawa, we recommend the following brands. They are among the best tankless water heaters on the Barrhaven market today.
Navien Tankless Water Heater
Navien is a relatively new manufacturer, which offers only two tankless water heater lines — standard and upscale. However, their highly energy-efficient products are certified by both Energy Star and LEED. They recently opened a US-based plant. There are many outstanding Navien tankless water heater reviews.
Noritz Tankless Water Heater
Noritz America is a subsidiary of Japan’s Noritz Corporation, active in the water heater field for 70 years. Their tankless water heaters boast advanced features such as Wi-Fi compatibility, dual heat exchangers, and top-mounted water connections (to permit easy replacement of your old hot water tank).
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai tankless water heaters are known for their high performance, reliability, and generous warranty. This is an excellent brand when you would like to run several hot water fixtures at once. Their higher-end water heaters are certified by Energy Star, and the newest models are Wi-Fi capable.
Bosch Tankless Water Heater
Bosch is a famous, long-established engineering firm, which manufactures its residential water heaters in Europe. The company offers high-quality gas tankless water heaters at several price points.
We Carry The Best Water Heaters
Now you have the facts on the best tankless water heaters. Where do you find these uber-efficient appliances? Call Hot Water Ottawa, of course. Our expert Barrhaven water heater team is here to help you choose a tankless water heater that will give you the best performance.
Not yet ready to buy? No worries! Just rent a tankless water heater with convenient payment via your Enbridge gas bill.