What Are The Benefits Of Switching To A Tankless Water Heater?

Wade Roberts • January 7, 2021

If you have a hot water tank, you may not realize that it uses much more energy than necessary (and often with less payoff than you would think).

Consider this: your tank fills up with 50 to 70 gallons of water and uses a large amount of energy from electricity or gas to heat it. It's estimated that the average gas tank heater wastes up to 50 percent of the energy it uses to heat your water.

Unfortunately, it’s also a finite source of hot water. Once it’s gone, the process has to repeat itself — and that can take hours.

We know this is frustrating, not to mention wasteful. Perhaps it’s led you to consider switching your water heating source. In that case, keep reading — you’ve come to the right spot. This article will cover what a tankless water heater is, as well as the benefits of switching to one.

 

What is a tankless water heater?

 

 

What is a tankless water heater , you may ask?

 

A tankless water heater is a small device that heats water instantly as it passes through a heating mechanism. It does this on an on-demand basis and does not store water in its housing. Typically, it is so small that it will discreetly fit under sinks and in utility rooms.

 

How does it work?

When a hot water tap valve opens, cold water immediately begins flowing to the device. The tankless water heater is equipped with a flow sensor that initiates the heating process. This is performed either by gas or electrical elements and the process sustains until you turn off the hot water tap.

This process is nearly instant, and the request for hot water can originate from your dishwasher, shower, or washing machine (to name a few).

 

Gas vs. Electric

Bear in mind that while this process provides a seemingly endless supply of hot water, the tankless water heater is restricted to its flow rate designation — which is the amount of water the device can heat at any given time.

We recommend the installation of tankless gas heaters, as these are usually available in larger sizes, with a high flow rate designation that makes them suitable for large homes and even commercial use. Tankless electric heaters are economical and easy to install, but these units often have a low flow rate designation.

 

The best tankless gas water heater is, without doubt, the Navien Tankless Water Heater. Wade Roberts Plumbing believes in quality products that last and are proud to endorse Navien, as Navien is the number one seller of high efficiency condensing tankless water heaters in North America.

 

 

Benefits

Energy-efficient - Tankless water heaters are anywhere from 15 to 30 percent more energy efficient than tank water heaters. Without gallons of water to heat up, unnecessary energy expenditure is a thing of the past.

Lowers utility bills - Switching to an energy-efficient tankless water heater can mean a savings of up to 100 dollars annually.

Saves space - Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted and small in size. They offer an attractive alternative to a large water heater, which can be problematic in condos and small homes where extra storage space is crucial.

 

Contact the team at Wade Roberts Plumbing today!

 

We are Victoria’s quality plumbing professionals. You can rely on our expertise for the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of plumbing utilities, including tankless water heater maintenance .

 

We know that the prospect of installing and maintaining a new plumbing system can be daunting, but the Wade Roberts team is here to help you through the process — and we believe in the tankless water heater’s efficiency!

 

Give us a call at (250) 883-7545 or fill out our convenient contact form .

 

Stainless steel kitchen sink with faucet, set in a wooden countertop, white wall in background.
December 3, 2025
Turkey grease down the sink? Don't do it. Learn what foods jam disposals, how to use strainers, and when to call our drain cleaning pros in Greater Victoria.
Plumber shaking hands with a woman in a kitchen; paperwork visible.
November 25, 2025
Be holiday-host ready. Use our pro plumbing checklist to prevent kitchen sink clogs, cold showers, and toilet troubles. 5-star tips from Wade Roberts Plumbing.
White electric water heater mounted on a gray tiled wall.
November 19, 2025
Tankless vs. tank in BC winters: recovery rates, sizing, venting, and costs. See what works for Victoria homes and when Wade Roberts recommends replacement.
Electric water heater mounted on a textured wall; with blue and red water connections.
November 11, 2025
Hosting guests? Find out how many showers your tank supports, quick ways to boost hot water, and when a tankless upgrade makes sense. Serving Greater Victoria.
Water flowing down a shiny, silver sink drain.
November 5, 2025
Heavy rain can overload drains. Learn how to prevent backups, protect your home, and when to call Wade Roberts Plumbing for 24/7 help across Greater Victoria.
Cutaway diagram of Navien tankless water heater components, showing sections and labels. Includes the unit's controls and pump housing.
October 29, 2025
Considering a tankless system? Uncover the benefits and drawbacks of tankless water heaters for Victoria households.
White Navien tankless water heater with digital display and Energy Star label.
October 21, 2025
Unsure if your water tank needs replacing? Learn the clear signs and benefits of timely hot water tank replacement.
A man on the phone and a woman holding a bucket look up at a ceiling leak in a modern home.
October 15, 2025
Be ready for anything. Discover how Wade Roberts Plumbing handles plumbing emergencies, day or night.
Show More