Traditional gas water heaters have been the most popular choice for many years due to their lower cost and ability to heat water in a reasonable amount of time.  Depleting an entire 40gallon gas water heater from all it’s hot water will leave you waiting about 15 minutes or so before you once again have a full tank of new hot water to draw from.  These tanks are 53% efficient but in spite of that low score, are popular due to our affordable natural gas rates here in Manitoba.

Power vented tanks are becoming more popular especially with those wanting to veer away from the traditional chimney and move towards a more efficient option. These water heaters are 67% efficient for the single pipe tanks and go up from there depending the options and model you choose. Much like a high efficient furnace, power vented water heaters use plastic pipe for an exhaust which can also exit out the side of your home.  They come in single pipe exhaust options as well as fully dedicated two pipe systems which are more costly.  The efficiency is due to a more restricted internal heat exchanger which is overcome by a ventor motor which is mounted on the top of the tank.  Although these motors are not overly loud, they are a necessary addition.  The recovery on these water heaters is also very good and allow you to do away with an inefficient chimney.

If you have a big family, have a great big Jacuzzi tub you need to fill or you’re simply lacking space, the tankless water heater may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Rather than storing hot water in a tank the old-fashioned way, the tankless unit provides on-demand service and instant hot water. When the water runs through the system, it is exposed to extreme bursts of energy powered by gas or electricity that immediately heat the water. It is hot water, on demand. Although the tankless water heater has a higher price tag, the operating costs are generally more affordable than the conventional tank unit because the water is only heated once before it is used. Tankless heaters are also over 95% efficient! What a lot of people do not know is that a normal 40gl gas hot water tank brand new are about 53% efficient. So, if you don’t think you want to afford a tankless, you’re paying for it anyway in the long run with money exhausting up your chimney.