5 Major Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater in London, ON
Discover the powerful benefits of on-demand water heaters, from endless hot water to significant energy savings for your home.
Traditional tank water heaters are a familiar sight in London homes, but they're not the only option. Tankless (or on-demand) water heaters are gaining popularity for good reason — endless hot water, 24-34% energy savings, 20+ year lifespan, and space-saving design. Hawana HVAC outlines the top advantages of making the switch to a tankless water heater for your London home.
5 Key Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Endless Hot Water
This is the most celebrated benefit. A tankless unit heats water as you need it, meaning you'll never run out mid-shower again. Whether you're filling a large tub, running the dishwasher, and showering simultaneously, the hot water supply is continuous. The unit modulates its burner to maintain the set temperature regardless of flow rate (up to its maximum capacity). Perfect for busy families in London, ON.
Significant Energy Savings
Traditional tank heaters constantly burn energy to keep 40-50 gallons of water hot 24/7 — this is called standby heat loss. Tankless systems eliminate this waste entirely by only heating water on demand. On-demand units can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank heaters. This efficiency translates directly into lower monthly gas or electricity bills, saving you $96-$204 per year.
Longer Lifespan and Reliability
A standard tank water heater typically lasts 8-12 years. A properly maintained tankless water heater can last 20 years or more — nearly double the lifespan. Tankless units don't suffer from corrosion and sediment buildup like tank models because water doesn't sit in a tank. This long-term durability makes them a smart investment for your property, reducing the frequency of costly replacements.
Space-Saving Design
Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, freeing up valuable floor space in your utility room or basement. Traditional tanks are bulky and occupy a significant footprint (about 2 ft x 2 ft). A tankless unit is roughly the size of a small suitcase (20" x 14" x 10"). This reclaimed space can be used for storage, a workshop, or simply to declutter your home.
Cleaner, Fresher Water
Over time, rust and sediment can build up inside a traditional water heater tank, potentially affecting the quality of your hot water. Since tankless systems don't store water, you always get a fresh, clean supply straight from the source, free from tank-related contaminants. No more rusty water or sediment in your showers and dishes.
Tankless vs Tank Water Heater Comparison
Abdullah Ghzail – Owner & Lead TSSA-Certified HVAC Specialist
"After hundreds of water heater installations across London, I can tell you that tankless is the future. Yes, the upfront cost is higher than a tank, and installation is more involved (gas line upgrades, new venting). But the benefits are undeniable — endless hot water, 24-34% energy savings, and 20+ year lifespan. My own home has a Navien tankless, and I'd never go back to a tank. The families I've installed them for always ask, 'Why didn't I do this sooner?' If your tank is over 10 years old, start planning your upgrade now."
What London Homeowners Say About Tankless Water Heaters
"Our family of five was constantly fighting over hot water near Byron. The old tank heater couldn't keep up. Abdullah installed a Navien NPE-180 tankless for $3,800. Now we can run two showers, the dishwasher, and laundry simultaneously without running out of hot water. Our gas bill dropped $30/month too. The unit is wall-mounted, freeing up floor space in our basement. Best upgrade we've made to our home. Endless hot water is life-changing."
— Birch K. London ON · November 2025
"Our 12-year-old tank heater was rusting and leaking near White Oaks. Abdullah recommended replacing with a Navien tankless. Installation took 6 hours — he upgraded the gas line to 1 inch and ran new PVC venting. The unit works perfectly and takes up almost no space. Our gas bill dropped $25/month and we never run out of hot water anymore. The 20-year lifespan means we won't have to think about water heaters for decades. Worth the upfront investment."
— Stone T. London ON · December 2025
"I was worried about the higher upfront cost, but this guide convinced me. Abdullah installed a Navien tankless for $3,500 near Masonville. The unit is so small — mounted on the wall, we reclaimed a whole corner of our utility room. Endless hot water means my teenagers can take long showers without leaving nothing for me. Our gas bill dropped $35/month and we got a 10-year warranty. Should have switched years ago. Highly recommend."
— Mist B. London ON · October 2025
Tankless Water Heater FAQ — 2026
The initial installation cost for a tankless unit can be higher than a traditional tank ($3,500-$5,500 vs $2,700-$3,500) due to retrofitting needs like gas line upgrades (3/4 to 1 inch) and new PVC venting. However, the long-term energy savings (24-34% lower bills) and longer lifespan (20+ years vs 8-12 years) often offset this initial investment. Most homeowners recoup the difference within 3-5 years through energy savings alone.
Absolutely. We calculate the correct size (flow rate and temperature rise) needed for your London home's specific demands to ensure it can handle multiple simultaneous uses like showers, laundry, and dishwashers. A properly sized tankless unit (usually 180,000-199,000 BTU for gas models) can easily handle 3-4 simultaneous fixtures. We perform a detailed assessment to determine the right size for your household.
Yes, annual maintenance is recommended. This usually involves flushing the system with a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup, which is especially important in areas with hard water like London. Regular maintenance ensures peak efficiency, extends lifespan, and maintains warranty coverage. We offer maintenance plans that include tankless flushing as part of annual service. Skip maintenance and efficiency drops by 10-20% over time.
Tankless water heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank heaters. For the average London home spending $400-$600 annually on water heating, that's $96-$204 saved each year. Over a 20-year lifespan, total savings range from $1,920-$4,080 — often exceeding the initial installation cost difference. Tankless units eliminate standby heat loss (keeping 40-50 gallons hot 24/7), which accounts for 15-25% of tank heater energy use.
A properly maintained tankless water heater can last 20+ years — nearly double the lifespan of a standard tank water heater (8-12 years). Tankless units don't suffer from corrosion and sediment buildup like tank models because water doesn't sit in a tank. With annual descaling maintenance, many tankless units last 25 years. Tank heaters typically fail due to rust and sediment, which is unavoidable.
Tankless water heater installation costs in London range from $3,500-$5,500 depending on the model, gas line upgrades needed, and venting requirements. A standard Navien NPE-180A (180,000 BTU) starts at $3,500 installed. Premium condensing models with recirculation features cost $4,000-$5,000. Traditional tank water heaters cost $2,700-$3,500 installed. The higher upfront cost pays off through 20+ year lifespan and 24-34% energy savings.
Yes, this is the most celebrated benefit. A tankless unit heats water as you need it, meaning you'll never run out mid-shower again. Whether you're filling a large tub, running the dishwasher, and showering simultaneously, the hot water supply is continuous. The unit modulates its burner to maintain the set temperature regardless of flow rate (up to its maximum capacity). Perfect for busy families in London, ON.
Installation can be more involved than a simple tank replacement. Requirements include: upgrading the gas line from 3/4 inch to 1 inch (most tankless need higher gas volume); installing new PVC exhaust venting (tankless use plastic venting, not metal); mounting the unit on a wall; and adding a condensate drain line. Installation typically takes 4-8 hours. We handle all permits and modifications.
Yes, but annual descaling maintenance is essential. London's hard water can cause mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and eventually causing failure. We recommend annual flushing with a descaling solution to remove deposits. Homes with very hard water may benefit from a water softener. With proper maintenance, tankless units perform well even in hard water areas. Skip maintenance and expect problems within 3-5 years.
Tank water heaters store 40-50 gallons of hot water 24/7, constantly reheating to maintain temperature (standby heat loss). Tankless units heat water on demand — no storage, no standby loss. Tank heaters last 8-12 years, cost $2,700-$3,500 installed, and are less efficient (60-70% energy factor). Tankless last 20+ years, cost $3,500-$5,500 installed, and are highly efficient (90-98% energy factor). Tankless provide endless hot water and save floor space.
Ready for Endless Hot Water?
Contact Hawana HVAC to learn more about tankless water heater installation in London and St. Thomas, ON. Get your free, no-pressure quote today and start enjoying endless hot water, energy savings, and more space.
📞 (647) 550-4220
Call Now for Free Tankless Quote Book Free Assessment →