OnDemand water heaters have become very popular in Greater Vancouver areas lately for several good reasons. Tankless water heater repair is very rare as the units are much more reliable than traditional hot water tank units. Tankless hot water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional units because they heat water as it is used, rather than heating and reheating water in a storage tank. They also take up significantly less physical space, as they do not have a bulky storage tank.
People that have installed tankless water heaters have been very pleased. We install most brands of tankless water heaters including both indoor and outdoor units. Need help deciding which tankless unit is right for you? Call our knowledgeable customer service staff at 604-558-4545.
Tankless water heaters are gaining popularity in the BC for several reasons:
Since tankless heaters warm water on-demand, hot water will not run out. This is especially useful for large families or for homes with large hot water demands – for example, homes with a hot tub or spa system are often good candidates for a tankless system. If you have considered upgrading your tank size from 40- or 50-gallons to 66- or 80-gallons, we strongly recommend a tankless hot water heater.
While traditional hot water tanks are compared based on gallon capacity, recovery rate and first hour rating, tankless hot water heaters are compared based on flow rate. As long as the home uses hot water at a flow rate below the tankless heater’s maximum flow rate, there is no “recovery”. For practical purposes, first hour usage is unlimited.
Flow rate for a tankless water heater is measured in gallons per minute, based on a given heat rise (typically 25 or 50 degrees) and range from 4 gallons per minute to 8 gallons per minute. A unit that heats 4 gallons per minute can handle a shower plus one appliance operating at the same time. A unit heating more than 7 gallons per minute can typically handle two showers and a large appliance.
Important to note: Tankless units do not literally provide instant hot water– the hot water still takes time to flow from the unit to the faucet.
Save Space
The footprint of tankless units is much smaller, freeing up additional space in your home or garage. Tankless units save space because they are wall-mounted and do not utilize a large water storage tank. Some units can be installed on the exterior of your home, so they take up no indoor square footage.
Currently, the most efficient traditional gas water heaters operate at 67% efficiency. Efficiency is a measure of heat transfer from the energy source to your hot water. Tankless heaters operate at greater than 80% efficiency. Tankless units save additional energy because water is not being constantly heated, cooled and reheated within a storage tank. And while efficiency for traditional water heaters will decline as sediment builds up in the tank, a tankless hot water heater maintains its efficiency over time.
Overall, a consumer can save 30-60% in water heating energy costs, assuming their water usage habits do not change. Annual energy costs for heating water in the average home range from $150-400 per year, so there is a significant savings potential.
High Quality/Longer Lasting Product
A standard water heater will usually last 8-12 years. Tankless heaters can perform well for 20-30 years. These water heaters are constructed with top-of-the-line components and materials, and accordingly, are less susceptible to rust and leaks.
With the long lifespan of a tankless water heater, you can expect to recoup higher installation expenses with your annual energy savings, over time.
In some cases, homeowners may be able to recover the cost of a tankless installation as a tankless water heater may increase the overall sale value of your home.
What Size Tankless Unit Should I Purchase?
Currently, most major tankless water heater manufacturers make several sizes of tankless water heater. Unlike traditional tanks, tankless water heater sizes are measured by per minute flow rate rather than by gallon capacity. Typical flow rates for most major brands range from four to eight gallons per minute (or GPM).
In our experience, smaller four to five GPM units are suitable for studio apartments and small one bathroom homes or other application specific needs. For homes with two bathrooms or more, we strongly recommend installing a six to eight GPM unit as these heaters can typically service two or three applications at the same time. For very large homes, there are other options, such as installing multiple tankless units at the same location.
There are three types of tankless hot water heaters available:
How much will it cost to install a tankless water heater?
Cost to install a tankless unit varies greatly. We usually must perform an estimate in order to determine total cost. However, total cost generally ranges from $3500-$5000 installed.
In order to install the unit properly, your home must have gas or propane and we must typically:
If you are replacing an existing tankless water heater or if your home is newly constructed and set up for a tankless unit, cost of installation drops significantly!
Navien Tankless Water Heater Repair
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Repair
Viessmann Tankless Water Heater Repair
Bosch Tankless Water Heater Repair
IBC Tankless Water Heater Repair
Give us a call, or fill out the form here to speak to an Installation Coordinator about commercial water heater work.