At a glance
- Topic
- Space, gas and showers
- Reading time
- About 2 min
- Phone
- (365) 363-2754
- Matching repair
- Tankless Water Heater Installation in Ajax
Why it matters
A water heater lasts many years, so the decision sticks. An undersized tankless unit or a tank too small for a family both show up every morning at shower time.
The routine, in order
| Question | Tank | Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Takes a corner | Wall-mounted |
| Back-to-back showers | Limited by tank size | Continuous, within its flow rate |
| Several taps at once | Fine until empty | Limited by flow rate |
| Gas supply needed | Modest | Large |
| Upkeep in hard water | Yearly flush | Yearly descale, more important |
| Up-front cost | Lower | Higher |
- Count your peak use: how many showers in a row, and whether a bath and a dishwasher run together.
- Ask whether your gas meter and line can carry a tankless unit's demand.
- Look at where venting could exit, keeping clear of windows and the neighbour's.
- Decide whether you will keep up with a yearly descale.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sizing a tankless heater using summer water temperature. January water from the lake arrives much colder.
- Choosing tankless to save money with one occupant who already uses little hot water.
- Forgetting a rented tank's contract before switching.
Local tip A high-efficiency tank is a middle path: a tank, but vented like a furnace through the side wall.
Where a plumber takes over
Sizing the gas line and the unit, and the install itself. Our tankless installation and gas tank replacement pages go into the details for Ajax basements.
Questions we hear on the phone
Is tankless cheaper to run?
It avoids standby losses, so it can be. Whether it pays back depends on use, gas rates and the installed price.