Calgary Hot Water Tanks and Tankless Systems
Your Helpful Hot Water Repair and Installation Professionals
Just think of how many times you used hot water today; showering or bathing, doing the laundry or dishes, or simply washing your hands. Calgarian’s rely on hot water from the start of the day, to the very end.
At Hunter’s Heating and Cooling, we want the very best for you and your family. We are passionate about the maintenance and care of your hot water system.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance & Inspection
Should you have your hot water tank inspected?
Hot water tanks are pretty simple mechanically. There isn’t much that can be fixed on a hot water tank. The gas valve can fail or the exhaust venting can get blocked, but if you are noticing that your hot water is not as warm, your water isn’t running clear anymore (rust colour), or if you are having leaks from the tank itself, it is likely time to replace. If your tank is under 8 years old, we can determine if there are any applicable warranties in play and help you make the best decision.
Hot Water Tank Replacement
How often should you replace your hot water tank?
All manufacturers recommend replacing your hot water tank every 10 years. After 10 years, the drum that holds the water in your tank is at risk of splitting – which either results in a continuous trickle of water, or an all-out-flood. Ultimately, the cost to replace your hot water tank is likely less than the insurance deductible you’d have to pay – not to mention much less of a hassle (compared to drying out your entire basement).
How much does it cost to replace a hot water tank in Calgary?
The cost for a hot water tank replacement in Calgary ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
Hot water tanks that vent naturally through an exhaust on the roof (natural draft/direct vent) are in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.
Comparatively, hot water tanks that use a fan/blower to vent out the side of your home (power vent) are in the $1,800 to $2,500 range.
How much is a tankless hot water heater in Calgary?
The cost for a tankless hot water heater in Calgary ranges from $4,900 to $5,500.
Tankless water heaters are an efficient way to heat water and can save you money on gas consumption over their lifetime. The savings on gas over 5 years can offset the initial cost difference between installing a tankless water heater and a traditional tank-style heater in the average home.
Could replacing my hot water heater save me money?
Yes, installing a new hot water tank can save you money on your monthly energy bill.
According to Natural Resources Canada, 17.2% of the energy used in Canadian households is from water heaters. That means that water heaters are the second highest energy consumer in the home (next to our furnaces or other space heating solutions). Water heaters need to be both dependable and cost efficient.
If it’s been a long time since you had your water heater inspected, remember to call a hot water tank repair specialist. The older the hot water tank, the more risks it could pose to you and your household. Newer hot water systems are extremely cost efficient and reliable in their operation.
Tankless Water Heaters Calgary
By far, the most cutting-edge advancement in water heating has been tankless water heaters. Tankless hot water is generated when it’s needed, rather than stored in a tank that continually uses energy to maintain heat. Overall, a tankless water heater will save you money – operating at 96% efficiency, in contrast to a traditional tank’s efficiency of 50%-65%.
Today’s tankless systems will give you hot water within 20-30 seconds of turning on the tap (compared to pre-2012 tankless water heaters, which could take as long as a minute-and-a-half to get warmed up for the day). As an added bonus, the hot water from a tankless system never runs out (meaning no more icy showers after the kids in the morning).
But what about water pressure? The good news is that the water pressure in a tankless system is always maintained, despite the loads placed on it. On the coldest day of the year, a tankless water heater can deliver 5.5 gallons of water per minute. To put that into perspective, you could have two showers running and you still wouldn’t notice a change in water pressure. In fact, you’d only see a slight dip in performance if you added a washing machine into the mix. In the summer months, this same system would perform even better - boasting 12.8 gallons of water per minute.
Perhaps best of all, tankless water heaters have a tremendous lifespan – lasting up to 15-20 years (compared to the 10-year range for traditional hot water tanks). Tankless systems also offer an average warranty of 20 years on the heat exchange (hot water tanks give you 6 years). Without a doubt, tankless water heaters provide amazing value and are a reliable long-term investment for your home.
How to Select the Best Hot Water Tank or Tankless System
Compare a water heater’s energy performance before committing. In Canada, hot water tanks that use gas or oil are only 50-65% efficient.
Determine the right size of hot water tank, or the tankless capacity needed for your home. If you have an extra 40 Gallon hot water tank that is not being used, the monthly payment could be $80-120/month. It helps to consult with a hot water installation professional to determine your home’s hot water demands.
When examining your hot water needs, consider how you and your family use hot water. Do you do a lot of laundry? Do you have a dishwasher? Do some in the home prefer bathing to showering? The number of people living in your home will greatly influence your hot water needs.
Always remember to consult a licensed water heating professional when looking into installing a new hot water system.
Need a new water heater or help with a hot water problem?
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