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What tankless water heaters are: Tankless Water heaters are compact 'on demand'
water heaters that have no tank and supply hot water when it is called for. When water flows from a hot
water tap in the house the tankless activates and starts heating water as it passes through the pipe.
The heating method can be electric but most often they are fired by natural gas or propane. They are
ideal for applications where people do not want to restrict their schedules to match available hot water
supplies, or for small businesses that have large hot water demands and precious little floor space.
The units measure approximately 24" tall, 17" wide and 9" deep and they hang on the wall a few feet off
the ground in the basement usually. They do not use the existing chimney of any furnace or water
heater and are instead vented directly out the wall with a special vent that is supplied with the unit. Most
tankless water heaters are designed with a 20 year life expectancy.

Cost: Tankless water heater systems are the ultimate in domestic hot water heating and they are
priced accordingly. Retail prices for tankless heaters can range from $900 cdn to $2,500 plus taxes.
Installation can add another $1000 - $2,000. They are more expensive than conventional heaters
because of their design and venting components. They also require a trained professional to install one
properly - with many manufacturers requiring certified installers. That said, it is possible over time for
the tankless system to pay for itself depending on fuel and/or rental savings. Serving a family of four in
Ontario, tankless water heaters typically demonstrate a 25% to 35% fuel savings over their conventional
counterparts.

Customer profile: Usually a family of four or more people. Their primary concern is having
enough hot water for bathing and clothes washing regardless of the demand. Secondary concerns
include the rental cost of their current system and the savings associated with higher efficiency
tankless systems. Customers on a tight budget who are concerned with cost savings only, should
consider replacing their conventional rental units with conventional units they own outright.

Installation: Installation of a tankless water heater is not a project that should be attempted by the
typical homeowner. The installation requirements are dictated by the local gas and building codes and
the manufacturer and must be followed to the letter. Although many tankless water heaters are certified
for outdoor installation (hanging on the outside wall of a building), outdoor installations are not
reccommended by any manufacturer for any region in Canada.

Who makes them? In North America the major suppliers are: Bosch, Norritz, Ranni, Rheem
and Takagi. All provide the same basic functionality but come with different features and pricing. The
best approach is to do a little internet research before deciding on a particular model. Most
manufacturers have two sizes for residential use - small & large. The small units are suitable for a one
or two person household that doesn't mind 'serializing' shower or bathing activity. The smaller units
can handle only one major hot water draw at a time. The larger units can handle two showers and a
minor application like hand washing at the same time and are much more practical for busy families
with four or more people.

Need more information? - gives us a call we love discussing tankless projects!

905-659-4328

Flamborough Gas & Oil is the only qualified service agent for warranty and
service work for Bosch tankless water heaters in the Hamilton, Ancaster,
Flamborough and Burlington communities.