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Installing an electric tankless water heater requires technical knowledge and experience in plumbing and electrical work. Before you install your electric tankless water heater, you should consult with an experienced professional to determine which parts and accessories are needed for your specific system. It’s also important to read all instructions carefully before beginning installation.

The following steps provide an overview of the installation process:

Choosing a Location

The unit should be located in an area that is close to the necessary piping connections. This area can be in a small and unobtrusive spot, such as in a pantry, under the stairs, or next to a sink.

Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for safety reasons when installing an electric tankless water heater. Ventilation requirements may vary depending on the specific model, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting the installation process.

Gas and Electrical Connections

The appropriate electrical connections must be made in order for your electric tankless water heater to function properly. All connections need to be done in compliance with local codes and regulations. If there are any questions or doubts about this step, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a qualified professional for assistance.

Installation Tips

Although installing an electric tankless water heater can be done by a qualified DIYer with basic plumbing and electrical skills, this complex project should only be attempted by those who have experience with similar projects. Always read all instructions carefully before beginning any project and follow local codes and regulations when making any electrical or gas connections. If you have any doubts or questions about the process, it’s best to leave it to a professional installer or licensed contractor to ensure the safe operation of your system.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your electric tankless water heater can help prolong its lifespan and prevent unnecessary repairs down the road. To keep your system running smoothly and efficiently at all times, make sure that you follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This includes flushing out sediment build-up every two years as well as regular inspections by qualified professionals for potential problems, including leaks or improper functioning of parts such as thermocouples or gas valves. It’s important to replace worn-out parts immediately if there are signs of wear and tear to minimize repair costs down the road.

Conclusion

When installing an electric tankless water heater in your home, it’s important that you understand all the necessary steps involved to make sure that the process goes smoothly without any setbacks or safety risks involved. With proper knowledge of installation processes and regular maintenance practices, you can enjoy the advantages offered by an electric tankless water heater while minimizing repair costs down the road!

Toshack Tankless Water Heaters

Our team at Toshack works diligently to help homeowners capitalize on the many benefits of electric tankless water heaters. We work with the very best systems and train our team on the latest installation requirements for work in our clients’ homes. To begin reviewing your electric tankless water heater options, contact our team online to see how we can help with your Brockville or Kingston area installation.

When considering tankless water heaters, you’ll encounter several options, beginning with the choice of energy source. You can select from gas-powered, electric, or heat-pump water heaters. Within the gas-powered category, there are natural gas and propane variants. Toshack weighs the differences between propane tankless water heaters and their natural gas counterparts.

Comparing Propane Tankless Water Heaters with Natural Gas

With an understanding of propane and natural gas, it’s time to delve into the question of whether a propane tankless water heater or a natural gas tankless water heater makes more sense for your needs. To aid in your decision-making process, let’s explore several key factors that should be considered when choosing between these two options for your water heating system.

Natural Gas is the More Affordable Option 

Propane tankless water heaters are more efficient but can have higher operational costs than natural gas models because natural gas is generally more affordable. While propane’s efficiency is an advantage, it’s balanced by the lower cost of natural gas, potentially reducing the energy savings gained from propane’s efficiency.

Propane is the More Efficient Option 

Propane stands out as a more efficient fuel compared to natural gas, offering a superior heat output per unit consumed. This fundamental difference implies that propane tankless water heaters would require significantly less fuel than their natural gas counterparts. However, does this necessarily translate into lower operating costs? Not exactly.

Propane is Environmentally Friendly

Both natural gas and propane are greener energy options, but propane is the more environmentally friendly choice. While natural gas has lower carbon dioxide emissions during combustion, propane emits fewer greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, as natural gas can release methane during refining.

Comparing Installation and Sources 

Choosing between a natural gas or propane tankless water heater depends on fuel availability. Using your existing fuel supply is practical. Areas with natural gas access usually have gas lines for water heaters, but installation is costly without one. In areas lacking natural gas, propane tankless heaters are a suitable option, although they require periodic tank refills, which can be inconvenient. This choice depends on fuel access, installation costs, and your willingness to manage propane refills and potential delivery delays.

Which Option is Better? 

Choosing between a propane and natural gas tankless water heater hinges on fuel availability. If your property already has a natural gas connection, it’s cost-effective and efficient to opt for natural gas. However, without a gas line, a propane tankless water heater avoids installation expenses. If environmental concerns weigh on your decision, propane’s slightly better eco-friendliness might make it more appealing. Ultimately, the choice depends on fuel access, cost considerations, and environmental priorities.

Contact Toshack for Questions About Our Tankless Water Heaters!

Toshack offers quality tankless water heater installation in Kingston and Brockville. We’ll do an evaluation of your home and help you decide between a propane or natural gas system. Contact us today to get started!

When it comes to water heating solutions, propane tankless water heaters often find themselves shrouded in a cloud of misconceptions and myths. This can discourage homeowners from considering the benefits of propane tankless units, preventing them from making energy-efficient and cost-effective choices for their homes. Join Toshack on our latest blog where we will uncover the misconceptions surrounding propane tankless water heaters and shed light on the real facts. We’ll look at the truth about their efficiency, installation, venting, and more, providing you with the knowledge needed to make the best decision about upgrading your water heating system.

Tankless Systems Can’t Heat Water Well 

Propane tankless water heaters remain an excellent choice, regardless of the water source for your home. Residences dealing with harder water or increased usage may experience a higher buildup of scale. Fortunately, many contemporary tankless water heaters come equipped with notification systems that alert homeowners when it’s time for a flush. Homeowners also have the option to install a water softener, which can help minimize scale buildup and extend the time between required flushes.

Tankless Systems Are Not Affordable

The regrettable truth about traditional electric water heaters with storage tanks is their tendency to be inefficient, resulting in occasional hot water shortages and a potential need for replacement every 10 years. While switching to a tankless water heater might involve a higher initial replacement cost compared to a storage unit, this upgrade has the potential to save homeowners a significant amount of money per year. These savings can offset the initial investment in as little as three to four years.

Tankless Systems Always Run on Propane 

In addition to propane systems, natural gas tankless water heaters are a very common choice when it comes to tankless systems. They heat water on demand, eliminating standby heat loss, which is a common issue with storage tanks. Standby heat loss arises from the continuous heating of water within the tank, resulting in energy wastage even when no hot water tap is in use. Many companies, including Toshack, offer natural gas tankless water heater installation at unbeatable rates.

The Venting is Too Complicated with Tankless Systems 

Transitioning from an electric tank-style water heater to a propane tankless unit might involve some additional preparation, but high-efficiency models can be conveniently vented directly through a wall using cost-effective PVC piping. Unlike conventional storage tank water heaters, propane tankless systems do not necessitate roof venting. Instead, their combustion fans expel exhaust horizontally. Various venting choices are available, including pipe covers and termination points, eliminating concerns about the visual impact of the venting system within a home.

Get Propane and Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters with Reliable Contractors at Toshack

Are you considering replacing your storage tank with a tankless water heater? At Toshack, we specialize in providing heating and cooling solutions to our clients in Brockville and Kingston. Ask us about our propane and natural gas tankless water heaters and get an estimate on installation in Ontario!

Tankless water heaters are often a great option due to their wide range of benefits. Learning all about tankless water heaters is important if you are thinking about making an upgrade. An experienced technician in Brockville and Kingston can answer all of your questions to help you determine if a tankless water heater is the best option for your home.

Understanding How Tankless Water Heaters Operate

Tankless water heaters are different from traditional heaters, which keep a reserve of hot water. A tankless system warms water immediately as it flows through a pipe by using natural gas or propane. The hot water is delivered straight to your shower or faucet, eliminating any waiting time.

Tips on Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Keeping some things in mind is key if you are thinking about a tankless water heater. For example, residents in Kingston and Brockville may require a more powerful unit because of the colder climate. You should also calculate your hot water needs to help you determine the size. Checking out the local codes is also a good idea before you make any final decisions.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless systems offer instant hot water, and they are also more energy efficient. The compact size of these units makes them a good fit for smaller homes. However, the cost of the unit and installation can be high. Tankless water heaters may also struggle to supply hot water for multiple tasks at once.

Setting Up and Taking Care of Your Tankless Unit

After choosing the right system, it’s important to have it professionally installed. Regular maintenance is also key to maximizing the lifespan of a tankless unit. These maintenance tasks include descaling and leak inspections.

Steps to Boost Energy Efficiency

Buying a tankless water heater is a step towards a more energy-efficient home. You may want to consider installing low-flow fixtures that use less water, as it requires less heating. Insulating your pipes can keep hot water hot for longer periods, reducing the work your heater has to do.

Need to Learn More? Contact Toshack Today

Toshack specializes in tankless water heaters for many customers living in Kingston and Brockville. Our team can discuss all of the benefits of using these systems and answer any of your questions. Feel free to contact Toshack today to learn even more about these systems.

Electric tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save money. Here you’ll find basic information about how they work.

Electric tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously without the use of a storage tank.

When a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger in the unit, and either a natural gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, electric tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don’t need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. However, a tankless water heater’s output limits the flow rate.

Typically, electric tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 7.6–15.2 liters per minute. Gas-fired tankless water heaters produce higher flow rates than electric ones. Sometimes, however, even the largest, gas-fired model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses in large households. For example, taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a tankless water heater to its limit. To overcome this problem, you can install two or more electric tankless water heaters.

The panel adjusts the electric valve, the mixing valve, and the water flow to achieve the desired temperature setting.

Most tankless water heaters have a front-facing panel that allows the user to control its settings. This panel enables homeowners to adjust the gas to exactly how much they’d like to use. For electric tankless water heaters, panels can also control the amount of electricity. This allows homeowners better to manage their water, electric, or gas bill.

The electric tankless water heater panel also allows personalized settings, such as the mixing value and the amount of water flow. When installing a tankless water heater, homeowners should discuss with their plumber what their preferences are and ask them to set the water heater accordingly. Homeowners should avoid drastically changing their settings if they do not have a precise reason for the shift.

Outstanding Service and Repair with Toshack

Our team at Toshack works diligently to help homeowners capitalize on the many benefits of tankless water heaters. We work with the very best systems and train our team on the latest installation requirements for work in our clients’ homes. To begin reviewing your tankless water heater options, contact our team online or give Toshack a call at 1-888-547-6162 or at 613-342-9381 to see how we can help with your Brockville or Kingston area installation.

Electric tankless water heaters continue to become more popular. Unlike traditional tank water heaters that heat and store water continuously, these energy-efficient alternatives only heat water whenever it’s needed. Understanding how long these tankless water heaters last and tips on how to keep them well-maintained is essential if you are considering this appliance.

The Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater

On average, electric tankless water heaters usually last between 20 to 30 years. This lifespan significantly surpasses the usual 10-15 years you might expect from traditional tank models.

Here are the key factors impacting the lifespan of a tankless water heater.

Usage

Just like any other appliance, the longevity of a tankless water heater is dependent on its usage. A unit that’s constantly working to provide hot water for a large family will wear out faster than one serving a smaller household.

Water Quality

The quality of your water can also influence your heater’s lifespan. Hard water, laden with minerals, can cause deposits to build up inside the unit, impacting its efficiency and its lifespan.

Regular Maintenance

Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to maximize their lifespan. Annual servicing can help identify and repair any issues before they get worse, potentially adding years to the unit’s life.

Increasing the Lifespan of Your Tankless Water Heater

Even with these factors in mind, there are ways to ensure you get the most out of your tankless water heater. For starters, invest in a model from a reputable manufacturer. These companies invest in research and development, as these products are designed for longevity.

Regular maintenance is a must. At least once a year, have a professional inspect your heater to ensure it’s in top working condition. These professionals will check for any build-up of mineral deposits and perform a comprehensive system flush if necessary.

If you live in a region with hard water, consider installing a water softener. Reducing the mineral content in your water helps to prevent deposits from accumulating in your water heater, which allows it to run smoothly.

Need an Electric Tankless Water Heater? Give Toshack a Call!

Toshack specializes in plumbing and HVAC services for customers in Kingston and the Brockville areas. Our company has decades of experience in delivering quality services at an affordable price. Feel free to call Toshack if you are in need of an electric tankless water heater!

Electric tankless water heaters are an efficient way to provide hot water in your home. This blog tells you all about what they are, how long they last, and how regularly maintaining your system is crucial. 

What Is It? 

Tankless water heaters are water heating systems that operate without the need for a bulky tank. A traditional water heater stores water in its tank after it has been heated, restricting your home to a limited amount of hot water that can run out fast. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, allows water to move through a line of pipes inside the system that is constantly being heated, providing your home with an endless supply of hot water and reducing the likelihood of running out of hot water. These systems heat water on demand so that hot water is available whenever you need it.

What Is The Lifespan Of Electric Tankless Water Heaters? 

The lifespan of an electric tankless water heater depends on the type of heat exchanger involved. If the system has a copper tankless heat exchanger, it can typically last between 12 to 15 years. But with annual maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of a tankless water heater up to 20 years.

A stainless steel heat exchanger increases the lifespan of a tankless water heater to 25 years. Similar to copper heat exchangers, tankless systems with stainless steel heat exchangers can last about 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance and water treatment.

When Should I Get Maintenance? 

HVAC technicians recommend that you have your tankless system serviced once a year. However, there are a couple of ways to tell that your system may need maintenance promptly:

• If an error code appears on your unit. You will need to get in contact with your local HVAC technician to come in and examine the issue.
• You run into problems and you need to reset your water heater. This should be done by a licensed, professional HVAC technician as they have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and expertise to do this effectively.

How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Electric Tankless Water Heater? 

Here are a few ways to prolong the life of your tankless system.

• Treat hard water: Avoid developing extreme issues in your tankless water heater by ensuring that hard water is treated. Ask your HVAC technician about water treatment from hard water. If hard water is left untreated, this can cause leaks in the heat exchanger and the risk of developing serious issues inside your tankless system.

• Get regular maintenance: Regularly maintaining your electric tankless water heater reduces the chance of developing major problems in your unit down the line. Some systems may need a quick fix such as flushing out the water heater, while others may need a full clean-up using professional equipment.

Call Toshack About Electric Tankless Water Heaters 

Whether you require maintenance for your existing system or want to install a new one, Toshack has what you need. Call our technicians to request a free quote!

Have you ever looked at the big, hot water heater in your basement and thought that there really should be a better option for providing hot water? In fact, there is! Electric tankless water heaters are already becoming standard in other areas of the world, including Europe and Japan, and now they’re gaining popularity in the Brockville area.

Tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone, but in many cases, they make a lot of sense – especially in the long term. So let’s talk about how they work, and why you might want one.

How Electric Tankless Water Heaters Work

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t store hot water inside them. Instead, basically, they take incoming cold water and send it through a coiled pipe that winds around a central heating element. When you turn on the hot water tap, the tankless heater springs to life, producing hot water seconds after you ask for it.

Yes, there is a short delay, but it’s typically no longer – and often much faster – than how long it takes for hot water to be delivered from a basement hot water tank.

The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

• Energy efficiency

This is the biggest reason to switch. Because these heaters only create heat on demand, there is far less energy waste compared to traditional water heaters. You’re virtually guaranteed to use less energy. Gas-powered units are also an option.

• Small size

Tankless water heaters typically only take up around a square foot on the wall, rather than requiring a huge appliance in your basement. That creates more floor space you can use.

• Rebates reduce the costs

Governments and power companies both love tankless water heaters, because of the energy savings. So, there are a range of rebates and other incentives you may be able to take advantage of to reduce upgrade costs.

Is An Electric Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

The big reason to not get a tankless model is if you have a large home, as they do have a limit to how much hot water they can supply at once. Of course, this could be mitigated by installing more than one, such as having one per floor – but that drives up costs, as well as potentially requiring electrical upgrades to power them all.

If you’re looking for a new water heater in Brockville, Toshack has 90 years of experience helping people find the best option for their needs. Contact us to discuss the possibilities!

Whether your old system blew, or you are looking to upgrade your existing system, choosing a hot water heating system can be an extensive process. There are countless things to consider, so doing your research before heading to the store is worth it.

We’ve come up with some important factors to take into account when deciding the tankless water heater that suits your home best.

Tankless Water Heaters Vs. Traditional Water Heaters

It indeed takes the same amount of energy to heat water, regardless of the system used. A traditional water heating system heats water and stores it in a tank so that hot water is available when needed. However, this type of system can be inefficient because the hot water in the tank can lose heat over time, resulting in energy loss.

A tankless water heater, on the other hand, does not store hot water and instead heats water on demand as it flows through the system. This means that it doesn’t have the same energy losses as a traditional system, as there is no stored hot water to lose heat from.

Cleaner Energy

Electricity in Ontario is made by water, wind, solar, and nuclear energy, meaning that electric water heaters generate fewer greenhouse gasses than natural gas water heaters.

Costs

Electric water heater tanks are cheaper to buy than natural gas tanks. However, the price to operate a natural gas water heater is lower.

Tankless Systems

A tankless water heater offers a continuous supply of hot water without the need for a storage tank, which can result in energy savings and the potential for extra space in your home. These systems don’t have standby heating expenses and don’t suffer from heat loss. Tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive upfront compared to traditional storage water heaters.

Electric tankless heaters may also require upgraded wiring and can be more expensive to operate. Natural gas tankless heaters are available but may not be an option for rural homes due to limited access to natural gas. It is important to consider the upfront and ongoing costs when deciding what type of water heater to install.

Request a Free Quote on a Tankless Water Heater

Get a tankless water heater, water tank, or heat pump installed in your home in Kingston, Brockville. Our options are endless when it comes to home heating and cooling. Request a free quote today!

Picking the right water heater may seem like an easy task but it really isn’t. To make a good decision, you have to invest time and effort into understanding your priorities as well as the market offerings. It is only through a correlation of these factors that you will be able to find your ideal match.

When you are in the market for a water heater, the two popular options you will find are traditional water heaters and tankless water heaters. Let us take a look at what these are.

Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are a type of water heating device that comes equipped with a water storage tank. They work by heating up significant quantities of water at once and then storing it at a maintained temperature until it is needed.

Tankless Water Heaters

As the name suggests, these modern-day water heaters do not have the traditional storage tank. Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to heat water quickly before passing it through a heat exchanger and delivering it directly to the faucet.

Traditional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

• Energy Efficiency: One of the most talked about benefits of tankless water heaters is energy efficiency. These heaters consume fewer resources than their older counterparts and can therefore help you save significant money on energy bills.

• Water Availability: Since traditional water heaters work on a storage model, the amount of hot water they can supply in one go is limited. However, this restriction does not exist with tankless water heaters that can provide an endless supply of hot water instantly. It is this property of tankless water heaters that has earned them the alternate name ‘on-demand water heaters.’

• Purchase Cost: A tankless water heater is relatively more expensive than a traditional one. So, for those with a strict budget constraint, it might not be an ideal choice. However, if you can somehow make the initial investment, it is sure to be a more economical choice in the long run.

• Space Requirements: If space is an issue with you, you may want to choose tankless water heaters as they are substantially smaller than traditional water heaters and thus require much less storage space.

• Functional Lifespan: The lifespan of a tankless water heater is much more than that of a traditional one. You can expect one of the former to last you for as long as 20-30 years, while the latter typically lasts only for about 10-15 years.

Find Top Quality Tankless Water Heater Services in Kingston & Brockville

Toshack offers expert installation, repair, and maintenance services for tankless water heaters in Kingston and Brockville. Request a FREE quote today!