Is your water heater nearing the end of its lifespan? Are you considering having a tankless water heater installation completed at some point soon? If so, you’ve likely come across plenty of information and opinions while researching your options. Since their modern development nearly 100 years ago, the popularity of tankless water heaters has grown steadily throughout North America. With this popularity has also come its fair share of misconceptions, making it more difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Join the Weiss-Johnson team on this myth-busting blog as we shed light on the most common myths and misconceptions about water heaters and the truth behind them. Read on with us to learn more.
#1: ‘It’s Instant Hot Water’
Starting strong, this is by far the most common misconception about tankless water heater installations. We understand why, as tankless water heaters are often referred to as instantaneous water heaters. So why the confusion?
Tankless systems are called ‘instant’ because the water is heated on demand rather than stored in a tank. It’s because of this myth that many are surprised to learn that lightning-fast hot water isn’t often the reality. Just like a traditional tank heater, the heated water must circulate through the pipes to the fixture.
This delay is not caused by the water heater itself, but by the distance the water has to travel. In some homes, installing recirculation pumps within the plumbing system can reduce this wait time by keeping hot water flow closer to the fixtures.
#2: ‘You’ll Never Run Out of Hot Water’
While tankless water heater installations aren’t necessarily capped like their traditional tank counterparts, that doesn’t mean hot water will always be limitless. Instead, tankless systems rely on a concept called flow rate. The flow rate is the maximum amount of hot water that can be produced at once.
Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) of water the system can heat. The more fixtures in use, the greater the GPM your household will require. While flow rates vary from model to model, most tankless gas water heaters typically deliver 5 to 11 GPM.
#3: ‘They Require Zero Maintenance’
Out of all the myths on this list, this is the one that gives us the biggest chill. Just like other plumbing appliances, tankless water heater installations absolutely require maintenance. Fortunately, homeowners can complete several maintenance tasks themselves.
Some of these tasks include:
- Cleaning the air filter
- Inspecting the unit for any leaks, damages, or wear
While homeowners can and should perform basic maintenance, other tasks should be performed only by a licensed professional, like descaling.
#4: ‘Tankless Systems Won’t Work In Cold Areas’
While Edmonton winters can be brutal, tankless water heaters can absolutely work in cold climates. Gas models, in particular, perform well even in sub-zero temperatures. Many high-quality gas models can heat water extremely efficiently, often around 5 GPM with groundwater at 4 °C. Instead, it’s most important that the heater be properly sized to meet the household’s peak demand.
#5: ‘Tankless Systems Won’t Work with Hard Water’
Did you know that roughly 20% of municipalities across Canada have hard water? Edmonton is one of them, with our tap water typically having a moderately hard water level of 165 mg/L. This is thanks to the abundance of minerals in our water supply, namely magnesium and calcium.
Fortunately, hard water doesn’t stop tankless water heaters from keeping the hot water flowing. Hard water can flow through tankless systems with ease as long as it’s been properly maintained and flushed. This is done at least once a year and involves circulating a descaling solution throughout the system to remove sediment and mineral buildup.
Retire Your Tank with Weiss-Johnson
It’s time to retire the misconceptions about tankless systems—and maybe your aging water heater, too. Since 1977, Weiss-Johnson has been supporting Edmonton homeowners with comprehensive plumbing and HVAC solutions. Ready to explore your water heater options and upgrade your system? We’re here to help. Contact us today to book a consultation with our service team and enjoy consistent hot water year-round.
