A storage tank water heater is one of the most common setups in Canadian homes, which is appreciated for its reliability and ease of use. It works by holding a set amount of hot water in a large insulated tank and making it usable whenever you wish.

Definition:

A tank water heater holds a set volume of water, typically 20 to 80 gallons, in a large insulated cylinder. The system stores this water at a specified temperature, heating it on demand to replace hot water that has been consumed.

How It Works:

1. Cold water enters the tank through an inlet pipe, usually at the bottom of the device.
2. Heating coil (electric) or burner (gas) warms the water to the thermostat setting.
3. The warm water warms up at the top of the tank, ready to be pumped through your plumbing system whenever you turn on a faucet or appliance.
4. Once hot water is runs out, cold water enters, and the warming up starts all over again.

Standard Sizes and Capacities:

Home models typically range from 20 to 80 gallons, and the most typical sizes for medium-sized homes are the 40- and 50-gallon units. The ideal size is dependent upon your home's highest hot water load and the number of occupants you have. Larger tanks are best for families that use hot water for multiple activities at the same time.

Ideal For:

• Storage tank water heaters are great for busy early mornings with standard showers and evening washing up.
• They are a good choice for medium to high demand homes that want the reassurance of having a full tank of hot water on tap all the time.

A tank water heater remains a viable choice for most homes, offering continuous hot water availability and simplicity of installation. While it is not as space-savvy or energy-savvy as newer designs, its proven track record of performance and lower installation price make it a great choice for most homes.

A tankless water heater, or on-demand water heater, is a cutting-edge method of heating household water by producing hot water only as it's required. Unlike traditional tank-style units, it doesn't store water—it heats it as soon as it travels through the device.

Definition:

A tankless water heater heats water when it's required, without requiring a large storage tank. It does not work unless a hot water appliance or tap is switched on, reducing energy loss in heating unused water.

How It Works:

1. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water enters the device and across intense heating elements (electric) or gas burners.
2. The device heats the water to the temperature set by it as it passes through instantly.
3. The hot water is then fed directly to your appliance, shower, or faucet, providing a steady flow so long as demand is within the unit capacity.

Power Sources:

• Gas-fired units tend to heat water faster and are best for homes that use more hot water.
• Electric units are smaller and easier to install but may require electrical system adjustments for higher flow rates.

Ideal For:

• Tankless water heaters are great for small families or those with lower simultaneous hot water requirements.
• They work well for homeowners looking for greater energy efficiency and lower bills in the long term.
• Properties with lower available space and a desire for a wall-mounted, compact unit.

A tankless water heater is an ideal choice for homeowners who value efficiency, space savings, and continuous hot water. While it does cost more upfront, long-term energy savings and ease of use are often well worth the cost.

Each of the tank and tankless water heaters has both its own benefits, as well as some drawbacks. Understanding both of these advantages and disadvantages can help you decide which system will be best for your home.

Tank Water Heater Pros:

• Lower initial cost. Tank models are cheaper to purchase and install, so they can be more affordable.
• Simpler to install and replace. Most homes already have a tank system, so less modification is required when installing.
• Works well with multiple purposes at the same time. Wonderful storage capacity allows showering, laundry, and dishwashing to be done at the same time without a drop in temperature, until the tank runs out.

Tank Water Heater Cons:

• Limited hot water supply. Once the stored hot water has been used, you must wait for the tank to heat up again before more supply is released.
• More energy expenses by way of standby heating. Energy is used to keep water hot in the tank even if you are not using it.
• Shorter lifespan. Tank water heaters usually have a shelf life of 8–12 years before they need to be replaced.

Tankless Water Heater Pros:

• Non-stop hot water supply. It heats water on demand, so you never have to go without. It is ideal for extended showers or back-to-back use.
• Long-term energy savings. Because it only heats water when in use, a tankless unit can save you on monthly utility bills.
• Space-saving design. Tankless water heaters are thin and wall-mounted, with a smaller footprint than a conventional floor-standing tank.
• Longer lifespan. With proper maintenance, tankless units can last 15–20+ years.

Tankless Water Heater Cons:

• Higher upfront expense. Equipment and setup can be significantly higher than a normal storage tank water heater.
• Setup can require upgrading gas piping or electrical systems. These modifications add to the upfront expense.
• May have trouble serving more than a few hot water uses at once in large residences. May require a larger unit or more systems to handle high concurrent demand.

The choice between these two systems comes down to a calculation of short-term expenditures versus long-term savings, as well as an examination of your space, family size, and habits for hot water usage.

Before committing to a tank or tankless water heater, you should have an idea of how much hot water your home consumes, especially in its peak usage. This will enable you to choose a system that can meet your needs without wasting energy.

Calculate Your Peak Hot Water Consumption:

1. Identify your times of peak usage. These could be morning times when a number of people are showering, doing dishes, and doing laundry.
2. Estimate gallons per minute (GPM) consumed by each activity. A shower, for example, consumes 2.0–2.5 GPM, a dishwasher consumes 1.5–2.0 GPM, and a washer consumes 2.0–2.5 GPM.

Example:

If two showers (2.5 GPM each) and the dishwasher (1.5 GPM) are running at once, your household’s peak demand is roughly 6.5 GPM. You’ll want a water heater that can supply at least that amount without a drop in temperature.

Factor in Climate and Water Quality:

• Climate effect: In cooler climates, water temperature is cooler coming into the system, so your system will need to work harder, especially in tankless designs. This would imply a larger unit or two systems for peak winter performance.
• Water hardness: Hard water leads to scale buildup within the water heater, reducing efficiency and life. Tank systems may need to be drained more often, and tankless systems may experience periodic descaling to maintain performance.

Allowing yourself the time to calculate your highest hot water usage and taking into account your climate region and water quality will allow you to select a water heater that is effective year-round and will last for years to come.