Everything you need to know about this efficient appliance is written by our knowledgeable plumbers. Read our guide to help you select the best tankless water heater in Ontario:
- What Are Some Trusted Tankless Water Heater Brands?
- How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
- Why Install A Tankless Water Heater?
- How Long Do Tankless Heaters Last?
- How Much Does A Tankless Water Heater Cost?
- Gas Vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Condensing Vs. Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
- What Is The Flow Rate Of A Tankless Unit?
- Do I Need To Worry About Sizing?
- Where To Buy A Tankless Water Heater?
You’re interested in buying or renting a tankless water heater, but you’re taking the time to look around. You want to make sure you’ll get the most out of your purchase.
Most homeowners who buy tankless water heaters in Scarborough do so because they want more — more energy efficiency, more savings on electricity, and a more reliable source of hot water.
Tankless water heaters have revolutionized the way we experience hot water in our homes. Their energy efficiency, space-saving design, and endless supply of on demand hot water make them an appealing choice for homeowners in Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
With numerous brands and models available, selecting the right tankless water heater can seem daunting. This comprehensive buyer’s guide is designed to help you make an informed decision for your Ontario home.
What Are Some Trusted Tankless Water Heater Brands?
Getting the best option for your situation starts with choosing a brand. Let’s take a look at some of the best tankless water heater brands in Ontario.
Of the brands available, four stand out: Navien, Rinnai, Noritz, and John Wood. We trust these brands because of their reliability, efficiency, and overall quality.
Navien Tankless Water Heater
Navien is a leading name in the tankless water heater industry, known for its cutting-edge technology and energy-efficient solutions. Their NPE-A Series, including models like the 180A, 210A, and 240A, are highly regarded for their performance and durability. Navien tankless water heaters offer a seamless supply of hot water, ensuring comfort and convenience in your home.
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai is another trusted brand with a history of producing high-quality tankless water heaters. The RUR199iN model stands out for its exceptional efficiency and advanced features. Rinnai tankless units deliver a consistent flow of hot water while minimizing energy consumption.
Noritz Tankless Water Heaters
Noritz is recognized for its innovative tankless water heaters, and the EZ111 model is no exception. Offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability, Noritz tankless water heaters are engineered to meet the hot water demands of modern households. With Noritz, you can expect a continuous supply of hot water without compromising on energy savings.
John Wood Tankless Water Heaters
John Wood is the final entry in our list of trusted brands. John Wood tankless water heater systems are designed to be compact, space-saving, and easy to install, making them perfect for any home size and layout. Also built with features like modulating gas valves and high-efficiency burners, John Wood heaters optimize energy usage, meaning lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact. Their durable construction and reliability make them a popular choice for both residential and commercial installations.
How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
Tankless water heaters operate on demand, heating water only when it is needed.
When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger, where it is rapidly heated by a gas burner or electric element. This process ensures a continuous and instantaneous supply of hot water, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
A tankless water heater looks very different from a traditional hot water tank. Instead of a large cylindrical tank, you’ll see a compact box, usually mounted on the wall, with a network of pipes and valves attached.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how a tankless heater works:
- Turning on a hot water faucet makes water flow into the heater.
- This activates the flow sensor, which in turn triggers the control panel.
- The control panel switches on the fan.
- The fan draws in air from outside, opens the gas valve, and ignites the gas burner.
- Exhaust gases from the combustion are vented outdoors, through either an exterior wall or the roof.
- The gas burner produces heat, which the heat exchanger transfers to the incoming water.
- The mixing valve tempers the water — which is now superheated — to avoid scalding.
- The water is piped to your shower or faucet.
- You enjoy a continuous flow of on demand hot water for as long as you like.
- When the fixture is turned off, the flow of hot water ends and the gas burner shuts down.
Why Install A Tankless Water Heater?
Glad you asked! There are tons of benefits to installing a tankless water heater.
Energy Efficient
The best tankless water heaters are highly energy efficient because they only heat water when needed.
This results in lower utility bills.
Energy efficiency and saving money is a big reason people switch to a natural gas or electric tankless water heater. Conventional tank water heaters are one of the highest uses of residential energy, second only to heating and cooling systems. That’s because they waste energy keeping a tankful of water hot when it isn’t needed.
Over its lifetime, a tankless water heater can save you thousands of dollars on your natural gas or electricity bills.
A great choice for energy savings: Water heaters that have earned certification by the Energy Star energy-efficient appliance program.
Never Run Out Of Hot Water
Imagine being the last one in your household to take a shower… and there’s still hot water!
A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand, for as long as you need it.
Unlike with storage tank heaters, you’ll never run out of hot water and have to suffer through a cold shower.
Save Space
Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, saving valuable space.
About the size of a suitcase, tankless water heaters have a slim profile and can easily into a closet (as long as they’re properly vented). This frees up space — important when you live in a small house or condo.
Longer Life Span
Tankless water heaters last longer compared to storage tank heaters. With proper maintenance, they can provide hot water on demand for two decades or more.
Tankless water heaters last longer as they aren’t exposed to the same wear and tear that comes with storing a large volume of heated water. Typically, the life span of a tankless water heater will be 20 years or more, compared to an average of 8-12 years for a hot water tank.
Less Chance of Flooding
With no tank to burst, there is very little risk of flooding.
Your risk of water damage is greatly reduced when you install a tankless water heater.
Tankless heaters don’t store large amounts of water. Even if they develop a water heater leak — usually when they reach an advanced age and are due for replacement — the leak won’t be catastrophic.
Adding a drain pan to your tankless water heater installation can take care of this.
How Long Do Tankless Heaters Last?
A well-maintained tankless hot water heater can last up to 20 years or more.
Regular maintenance — flushing the system and checking for mineral buildup — can greatly extend the lifespan of your heater.
Tankless water heaters are known for their durability and are a reliable and cost-effective choice for homeowners. Their lifespan is longer than that of conventional water heaters, which is around 10-15 years.
How Much Does A Tankless Water Heater Cost?
The cost of installing a tankless water heater in Canada can range from $2,500 to $7,500.
The range depends on several factors, including the unit’s size, energy efficiency rating, brand, and features.
High-end, premium brand models with Wifi connectivity and precise temperature control will be pricier.
The cost of professional installation, essential for ensuring your installation is done to code, also needs to be factored in. A more complex installation will have added costs compared to a straightforward one.
Other cost factors might be needed upgrades to your home’s plumbing and electrical systems to accommodate a new unit. Some homes may require additional venting or gas line modifications, which can also add to the overall expense.
Despite these upfront costs, most homeowners find that the long-term savings on energy bills and the convenience of having hot water on demand make tankless water heaters a worthwhile investment.
Gas Vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Pros:
- High flow rates for multiple applications.
- Energy-efficient and cost-effective in regions with natural gas availability.
- Ideal for larger households with higher hot water demands.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost and installation complexity compared to electric models.
- Requires proper venting for exhaust gases.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
- Simplified installation and lower upfront cost.
- Suitable for smaller households or areas without natural gas access.
- Highly efficient in regions with lower electricity rates.
Cons:
- Limited flow rates, which may be insufficient for simultaneous hot water usage in larger households.
- May require electrical upgrades to support higher amperage.
Consider your household size, hot water demand, and available energy sources when choosing between gas and electric tankless water heaters.
Condensing Vs. Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
- Higher energy efficiency, with an efficiency rating of over 90%.
- Extract additional heat from exhaust gases for more efficient operation.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to non-condensing models.
Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost compared to condensing models.
- Still highly efficient compared to traditional storage tank water heaters.
Cons:
- Slightly lower energy efficiency compared to condensing models.
Condensing tankless water heaters are the more energy-efficient option, making them a greener choice for eco-conscious homeowners. However, they come with a higher initial investment.
What Is The Flow Rate Of A Tankless Unit?
The flow rate of a tankless water heater refers to the amount of hot water it can deliver per minute. It is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). When choosing an electric or gas tankless water heater, consider the number of fixtures and appliances that will be using hot water simultaneously. This will help determine the appropriate flow rate for your household’s needs.
The flow rate of a tankless water heater is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the right unit for your home. It refers to the amount of hot water the heater can deliver per minute, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Understanding the flow rate is essential to ensure that the tankless water heater can meet the hot water demands of your household.
When researching the best tankless water heaters, it’s important to calculate the peak demand in your home. Consider how many fixtures and appliances may be in use at the same time to determine the appropriate flow rate. This ensures that you have a consistent and reliable supply of hot water, even during periods of high demand.
Do I Need To Worry About Sizing?
Yes, proper sizing is crucial when selecting a tankless water heater. It ensures that the unit can meet the hot water demands of your household. Factors to consider include:
Peak Demand: Calculate the maximum number of hot water fixtures and appliances that may be used simultaneously.
Temperature Rise: Determine the temperature rise needed to achieve the desired hot water temperature in your region.
Flow Rate: Ensure the tankless water heater can provide the necessary flow rate for your household’s demands.
Consult a Dr HVAC technician or use sizing calculators provided by manufacturers to accurately determine the right size for your tankless water heater.
Where To Buy A Tankless Water Heater?
When buying a tankless water heater, consider both the source and the installation process.
Along with choosing a respected dealer, hiring a qualified and trusted HVAC technician is equally important.
Professional installation ensures your unit is set up correctly, maximizing efficiency and safety. An expert will assess your home’s unique needs, recommend the best unit for your situation, and help you understand maintenance requirements.
You also need to decide between renting and buying.
Purchasing a unit does mean a higher cost upfront, but offers long-term benefits, including full ownership and the potential for increased home value.
While renting is less expensive upfront and usually includes maintenance and repair services in the agreement, in the long term, monthly renting costs add up, potentially costing you more than if you had bought one.
Buying also frees you to choose the model and features that best suit your home, instead of being limited to the options available for rent.
When considering where to buy a tankless water heater, look at reputable retailers with a history of expertise, service, and satisfied customers. A licensed HVAC technician has the experience and expertise to assess your home’s needs, recommend the right size and model, and install it correctly, including necessary adjustments to gas lines, venting systems, and electrical connections.
Choose The Best With Dr HVAC
Selecting the best tankless water heater for your Ontario home is a significant decision.
If you’re in Brampton, Georgetown, Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke, Scarborough, or Greater Toronto region, consider the certified experts at Dr HVAC.
With a range of trusted brands and a team of experienced technicians, we offer top-notch installation services and personalized advice.
Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation and quote!
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