Tankless Hot Water Systems

Tankless or on-demand hot water delivery systems are growing in popularity. The reason for all the excitement is their delivery of an endless flow of hot water with the added benefit of being extremely energy efficient since it only heats the water you are going to use when you are going to use it. This reduces fuel consumptions and the amount of exhaust gases that would be vented into the atmosphere. The energy savings can approach 40%.

On-demand hot water systems have been around for 40 years, most commonly found in kitchens for making hot drinks. What is new in the last 10 years or so, is the development of the technology to the point where it can be successfully applied to an entire house. At R&B Plumbing, our technicians have been specially trained to install, service, and repair these systems. Whether you are considering a single room application or a whole house R&B can help you decide if they are right for you.

What you need to know

On demand water heaters are rated on the flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm). The amount of flow per minute depends on the temperature of the incoming water and the size of the unit. Ask our experienced staff to help you choose the right model for your home. We will evaluate the approximate water usage that would be required and likelihood of one or more draws at one time. It is also important to think about the size of the home and the potential capacity that could be needed. Even if there are only 2 people in the 4 bedroom house, you should still choose a unit that can service a large family. Since the initial start up costs can be significantly more than a conventional tank, it’s not something you want to be upgrading as your family grows.

A cost versus benefit comparison may be just the thing to help you make your decision. R&B estimators are happy to give you a no charge, no obligation quote and all the other information you need to decide if this type of hot water heating is for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Most energy efficient type of domestic hot water heating on the market. Only heating the water as you need it means no waste.
Strong government support in terms of grants
They take up less space and usually hang on the wall.
No risk of holding tank failure and therefore major flood risk is avoided
Can be used in a single application or a whole house
Ideal for additions where the distance from the main water heater to the new bathroom or kitchen is greater than average.
No concerns as to timing of water use with other household hot water demands
Life expectancy from manufacturers is 20 years more than twice that of a tank.
Cost recovery possible with significant energy savings.
Eligible for LiveSmart rebates
Requires no more maintenance than a conventional tank does

Cons

More expensive to purchase and install
More expensive to repair
Susceptible to reduced flow rates if incoming water is really cold. As much as 50% off peak (3-5 gpm) performance can be lost if incoming water temperature is 50 – 65 degrees which is typical for our climate. However the remaining water flow is still enough to run a shower (3 gpm) and a clothes washer (1.5-3 gpm). Anticipation of your needs and sizing is really important so you will be satisfied with the purchase.
Adjusting water temperature while in use ( like the shower) can be tricky
If demand is excessive (such as multiple draws at once ie. Shower, clothes washer, and dish washer) the water will still be hot, but there will be less water pressure.
Can take longer for hot water to arrive and thus use slightly more water in the process. If you are on a water metering system this may be a concern for you.
Minimum flow rates. If the flow rate for hot water falls below .5 gpm the unit will not sense a draw and will not heat the water.
Frequent on/ off uses of between 1-3 seconds result in a hot / cold/ hot / cold flow from the tap. As you have to wait for the system to recognize the demand every time the hot water is used.
It has been reported that some mixing valves (on taps and showers to prevent scalding) are not compatible with this type of system and will need to be replaced.
Because there is no water storage, if the power fails you have no hot water.

Endless Supply

It’s true, there is an endless supply of hot water. Since there is no holding tank there is no “empty” and you are limited only by the demands on your time. While a hot water tank will usually satisfy a long hot shower of the filling of a soaker tub, anyone who comes after will have to wait. With a tankless system there is no waiting for replenishment, and no running out.

Energy Savings

Manufacturers claim up to 40% in energy savings over the cost of a standard hot water tank. This would be true in high use situations. For low to average use the number is more likely between 25% to 35%. The savings will allow you to recover the extra cost of installing the system in 5-7 years. It is a longer term investment and if cost recovery is a factor in your decision, it is a good idea for a family that plans to be in their current home for 7 to10 years. Keep in mind, the enjoyment will start immediately!

Grants

There are grants available through LiveSmart depending on the efficiency of the model you choose. There are also often dealer and manufacturer rebates. Contact R&B directly and we can help you with your options.

We recommend the following brands of tankless hot water systems: