BeeWarm system guide · Lower Mainland
Tankless & on-demand water heaters
Compare gas and electric on-demand water heaters, flow limits, temperature rise and conversion requirements.
2 min read · Heating & Hot Water editorial team · Updated October 4, 2026
In this guide
On-demand does not mean unlimited flow
A tankless water heater heats water as it passes through the equipment. It does not depend on a conventional tank’s stored volume, but it has a limit to how much water it can heat at once. “Continuous hot water” is not a promise that every fixture can run together.
Start with the busiest real scenario in your home: for example, two showers while another fixture is running. Ask the installer to show the proposed unit’s output at the required temperature rise, including colder incoming water conditions.
Gas and electric tankless are different projects
A gas conversion needs assessment of gas supply, venting, combustion air where applicable, and condensate arrangements for condensing equipment. An electric model needs an electrical assessment that covers the actual appliance demand and the home’s available capacity.
Do not choose between them solely from cabinet size or an advertised maximum flow rate. Ask the contractor to document which utility upgrades are included, which are excluded, and what happens if the site assessment identifies additional work.
Understand the wait at the tap
Heating on demand does not remove the length of pipe between the heater and the tap. If the main complaint is a long wait at a remote bathroom, discuss distribution and recirculation separately. A smaller wall-mounted heater may free floor area, but access and clearances still need planning.
Maintenance depends on the model and local water conditions. Obtain the service schedule, warranty requirements and information about local parts support before choosing equipment. Keep the installer’s commissioning record with the manual.
Common questions
Are tankless and on-demand the same thing?
These terms generally describe water heaters that heat flowing water when hot water is requested.
Will tankless make the farthest tap instantly hot?
Not by itself. Pipe length and any recirculation arrangement affect the wait.
Can one unit run several showers?
It depends on simultaneous flow and temperature rise. Have the proposed model sized for the actual demand.
Sources & further reading
Check the selected manufacturer’s current instructions. Program eligibility and installation requirements can change.
Continue comparing
Make this useful for your project
Build a short installation brief with the details and questions to bring to an assessment.
Build my installation brief →