This is a controversial question as some tankless water heaters result in a much better fit than others and thus they may be considered better by some users on different situations.

We have facilitated the installation of thousands of tankless systems and ensured that additional warranty and extended service is provided on all of the installed systems.  In terms or reliability the Rinnai tankless heater is by far ahead of all the competition.  Service records are able to prove this statement, emergency maintenance personnel are rarely called to fix the unit.

The Rinnai R75 is one of our biggest sellers.

• 12 year heat exchanger warranty

• Max input of 180,000 BTU

• EZ connect (2 unit connection)

• 7.5 GPM

• Energy factor of 0.82

• Concentric venting

• Reliable

It should be noted that Rinnai has very particular venting requirements that make it a bit more difficult to install.  The specialized vent pipe is concentric meaning that the exhaust pipe is inside the intake pipe.  This means that the hole drilled in the wall is at minimum 5″ in diameter. What makes it such a great unit is its reliability, Rinnai systems rarely break down.

The Navien tankless is a big seller as well; it has the condensing aspect of the market cornered.  This condensing technology brings the efficiency of the unit up into the high 90’s and makes it the most efficient tankless.  Do note – There have been issues and we are servicing this tankless more than any other we have installed.

The Navien CR210A is the primary tank installed.

• Max input 175,000 BTU/h

• Energy factor of 0.95

• 7.6 GPM

• Buffer tank and circulation pump

• PVC venting

The water quality in Toronto and surrounding areas like Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon (Peel region) is considered moderately hard.  Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, or York Region has hard water due to the Oak ridges moraine and deposits within it. City of Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, and all cities along the shore of Lake Ontario that rely on the lake for water have moderately hard water.  This is important to know as a tankless water heater can collect deposits causing the systems efficiency to be reduced.  It is important to clean your Tankless water heater on a yearly basis.

There are a number of great tankless water heater brands available in the market place currently.  The new version of the Navien condensing tankless seems to have far fewer issues. Also most of the manufactures have developed and now sell condensing units.

Takagi TH-2 is a great condensing tankless
Rinnai has condensing unit available that works amazing as well  — RC98 Brochure
Noritz also make a very good condensing tankless.

All of the units mentioned above have very similar stats and performance, thus its boils down to the situation.  Get a few quotes and go with an installer that’s not quoting you the bottom of the barrel price, you will get what you pay for.  The brand of tankless that you choose will be determined in part by you and the layout of your home with regards to venting and code requirements.

Post any questions you may have in the comments section and we will try and answer them all.