Water Heater Replacement: Tank vs Tankless in Ottawa

# Water Heater Replacement: Tank vs Tankless in Ottawa

Water heaters typically last 8-12 years. Knowing replacement options before yours fails prevents rushed decisions.

Traditional tank heaters store 40-60 gallons of hot water continuously heated. Pros include lower upfront cost at $1,200-$2,500 installed, proven technology, and simple installation. Cons include standby heat loss, takes space, and limited hot water supply.

Tankless heaters heat water on demand. Pros include endless hot water, space savings, and longer lifespan of 20+ years. Cons include higher upfront cost at $3,500-$6,000 installed, may require gas line or electrical upgrades, and cold weather performance concerns.

For Ottawa specifically, tankless units work well but ensure unit is rated for cold inlet water temperatures. Our groundwater is very cold in winter.

Heat pump water heaters are growing in popularity. They cost $2,500-$4,000 installed with very low operating costs but need space for air circulation.

Consider household size and hot water usage patterns when choosing. Large families may prefer tankless. Smaller households may not benefit from the extra cost.

Replacement before failure allows comparison shopping and scheduling convenience. Emergency replacement limits options and may cost more.