Why Was The Audit Program Cancelled?

This is a bit of a mystery, as the Conservatives had pledged 400 million in funding to the program from the budget only a few months ago.  Now with less than half of that money released as grants to Canadian citizens they have removed any access chalking it up to “fiscal responsibility”.  So ultimately the energy audit program in Canada has been destroyed to save 200 million dollars… If you look at how much money the program saves and has saved home owners through efficiency alone that 200 million is a drip in the Billion dollar savings bucket.  It’s really unfortunate we have such a pro oil Government willing to discount its citizens so easily.

What Are The Details?

• If you have completed your first audit but haven’t finished your upgrades or retrofits then you are still eligible for Government grants and rebates
• The program is completely closed to new entrants
• Homeowners can receive post-retrofit evaluations and apply for grants until June 30, 2012; the retrofit renovations must be completed by March 31.

If you were hoping to get the rebates associated with a high efficiency tankless water heater then, unfortunately, you’re out of luck at the current moment.  Hopefully the program will be reinstated, but as it stands at the current moment you will have to recoup your tankless costs with its efficiency.  

Related posts:

1. Energy Audit Program Coming To An End… Again
2. Grants For Tankless Are Back In Ontario
3. Eco Energy Audit Put on Hold

It is a strange province we live in. No one rents their furnace, air conditioner, fridge, stove, washer or dryer. So why do we rent water heaters?

Ontario is in a transitional phase right now as old tank type water heaters are being replaced with the new, technologically enhanced, tankless water heaters. A tankless is well over 90% efficient and heats water on demand, significantly reducing your energy consumption (and energy bills).

With this new transition it’s time for Ontario residents to start owning verses renting their water heater…. here’s why now is the right time to start owning.

1. A tankless has a much longer lifespan than a regular tank, so you save money.
2. Tankless systems typically cost more so the rental fees can be more than double
3. Rental water heater companies don’t care about efficiency, why would they? You’re the one paying the bill.
4. The Government is offering free rebates to offset some of the additional costs of a tankless.
5. It will cost you significantly less to own than to it will to continue renting a water heater.

Tankless Math Breakdown – Renting a Tankless Vs Owning a Tankless

Rental Tankless

Monthly Rental Fee - $39.95 plus taxes

Lifespan of 20+ years – 39.95 x 12 x 20 = $9588 plus taxes to rent a tankless.

Owned Tankless

Purchase and Installation Cost – $2400 – $4000 (not including government rebates)

Lifespan of 20+ years – these systems have exceptionally long warranties so you’re likely to get an easy 20 or more years of reliable service.

Conclusion

None of the other appliances are rented in our homes what baffles us so much to assume that a water heater needs to be? Renting a regular water heater verses owning will cost homeowners more than double. It’s time to get out of these ridiculous 10 year contracts and get back to simply owning your water heater and saving money. Technology is revolutionizing water heating systems don’t get locked into a lengthy contract call or email today and see how cheap owning a tankless can be.

We offer free site inspections to provide you with an exact price and to ensure a tankless can be installed in your home.

Call Toll Free 1-855-OWN TANK (696-8265)

Or send us a quick message through the automated form below.

Related posts:

1. Renting a Tankless Water Heater
2. Rent a Rinnai
3. Mike Holmes on Tankless Water Heaters

Navien Offers Ultimate in Energy Efficiency with Hi-Tech Comfort

1. Easy installation and PVC venting for Navien tankless
2. 3″ SCH 40 solid PVC up to 100′
3. Navien holds the industry’s highest energy efficiency rating – 98%
4. Ready Link Cascade System
5. Optional built-in recirculation system with buffer tank
6. Advanced Eco Navien technology
7. Extended lifecycle utilizing dual stainless steel heat exchangers
8. Advanced remote control – NR-10DU
9. Navien has the industry’s best warranty

Heat Exchanger

Navien tankless water heaters utilizes dual stainless steel heat exchangers, providing 3.8 to 4.5 times longer life-expectancy and erosion resistance over the copper heat exchangers used in other tankless brands. Navien’s heat exchangers operate with relatively low water temperature, minimizing damage from hard water conditions and maintains efficiency levels. Its always important to have your tankless flushed once every 2 years or so to remove any buildup from within the heat exchangers.

Efficiency

Because of Naviens high efficiency the tankless can be vented in PVC piping. Basically excess heat is exhausted with all the combustion gasses in conventional tank systems but a Navien uses this to further heat the water. This results in significantly lower exhaust temperatures and allows for the use of PVC exhaust vent piping.

Links and Further Info

• Official Navien Site – http://www.navienamerica.com/
• Navien Promotional PDF
• Navien Tankless Operation Manual
• Price Range – from $2400 to $4500 per unit, installation included.

Related posts:

1. Navien NR-180
2. Navien is the most Efficient
3. Navien Tankless NR180 NR210 NR240

Navien is located in South Korea and has been manufacturing it’s tankless water heater for several years now. There are a suspected 13,000 units with the defect and recalled. An unstable connection can cause the vent collar to separate or disconnect allowing exhaust and carbon monoxide to leak into the home.

Tankless water heaters are a green appliance that is able to heat water instantly saving consumers money and energy. A tankless eliminates the need to have a standing storage hot water tank that needs to be heated continuously.

The affected Navien tankless systems that are being recalled were sold to distributors from February 2008 to March 2009. They have been described as:

Navien tankless hot water heaters are white with “T-Creator” and “NAVIEN” on the front. Recalled model numbers are CR-180(A), CR-210(A), CR-240(A), CC-180(A), CC-210(A) and CC-240(A) manufactured in 2008. A label on the side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY format.

These units are installed indoors in basements and closets (typically in Canada and the northern US). The units that are installed outside are not affected and not being recalled.

If you discover you have one of these models you can schedule a free repair but should not use the water heater in the mean time. Navien also suggests that a carbon monoxide detector be installed outside the sleeping areas of homes.

For more information you can contact Navien at (800) 244-8202 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Related posts:

1. Navien Tankless Water Tank
2. Navien Condensing Tankless 98%
3. Navien Rebates

There has been a significant increase in the types and technology of tankless manufactures as such many homeowners have become overwhelmed by the numerous factors. We aim to provide sound guidance and unbiased help to clients based on our years of experience with tankless water heaters.

Unfortunately, many reviews found online are promotional, this leads many consumers to make an unsuitable and possibly an unnecessary purchase. It’s important to understand that homeowners looking to upgrade to a tankless may need to make changes to their existing gas lines or electrical supply.

In order to select the best water heater, and avoid unnecessary expenses and unjustified purchases, homeowners need both education and guidance. The complexity of some of the latest tankless technologies (like the remote control some come with) forces some people to find a reliable guide whom they trust. Here at the tankless hot water guide we aim to provide this help, and the trust customers are looking for. There are a lot of benefits gained with a properly sized and installed tankless water heater and homeowners can sometimes see their water heating bill cut in half.

If you are interested but don’t know who to trust send us a quick message (here) write down any questions or concerns you have and we will reply with an answer as detailed as possible. If you would rather us contact you via email only simply mention that in the message and we will respect your wish.

Take care and happy tankless shopping.

Related posts:

1. Renting a Tankless Water Heater
2. Tankless Purchasing Guide
3. Ontario Grants, Rebates a Tankless and Energy Audit

Tankless Issues – The Facts and the Fiction

Some people are very resistant to change, I don’t know what it is but some will fight it until the end of time. A recent Toronto HVAC company posted a large article on their website outlining all the negative aspects of a tankless system and how they would never recommend it nor install one. We install both systems and you know what, they both have their positives and negatives. I hope to detail the issues a little further here and let you decide which system you want for your home.
There is no big savings – This is very subjective, here are the facts.

Tankless

• A tankless will cost you more money upfront than a conventional tank system. True.
• A tankless will last longer -20 plus years.
• Unit and Installation costs are more expensive. True.
• Efficiency of a tankless remains at or just below initial claims for lifespan.
• Much higher efficiency, 82% regular tankless, 98% condensing tankless.
• A tankless does require cleaning to maintain such high efficiency (vinegar rinse).
• Tankless systems do need and use electricity.
• $375 Government grant available for new tankless.

Conventional Tank Water Heater

• Conventional tanks loose 2-3% efficiency per year (scale build-up)
• Cheaper to purchase and install
• Conventional tank lifespan – 12 plus years
• Some tank systems need zero electricity
• Conventional tank heaters start at between 58% and 68% efficiency

Which system is better on your pocket book? It’s going to be up to you as there is a number of factors, including the price of natural gas, which will likely only rise over time.

Upfront costs are high - Yes, it will cost you more for a tankless than a conventional tank, your homes particular usage will significantly affect a breakeven point and whether a tankless is a good idea or if you should stick with a conventional tank system.

High Tankless Maintenance Costs – Your conventional tank has basically zero maintenance barring anything breaks but it loses 2-3 percent efficiency a year. You can flush a conventional tank and regain some of its efficiency with the removal of scale build-up. A tankless is usually flushed once every year or two, which consists of simply pumping vinegar through the system for 30 minutes or so. All tankless systems should have flush valves already installed and this will maintain the extremely high efficiency ratings. I wouldn’t say that a tankless has higher maintenance costs, its just that no one does it for a conventional tank.

Electricity Use - A tankless does need electricity to run sensors, a vent fan, and a starter, this is true. Some tank type water heaters need zero electricity, but if you have a power vented conventional tank system your water heater is using just as much electricity as a tankless would.

The fact of the matter is that a home really needs to be analyzed to see whether a tankless makes sense or if the home owner would continue to benefit from a conventional tank water heater. I won’t make claims on how much can or can’t be saved because any number would be a wild generalizations and any company that does, shouldn’t be trusted.

As always we do offer free consultations over the phone, or at your home. If interested give us a call or send us a quick message here

Related posts:

1. Tankless Water Heater Facts
2. Does a Tankless Water Heater Save Money?
3. Whats Involved In A Tankless Install?

The T-H2S Flow

Seeing as the T-H2S is one of Takagi’s greenest tankless models offering an average efficiency of 90% with natural gas and 90% with propane. If you choose this tankless model here in Ontario, Toronto, Barrie, or any of the surrounding cities expect a flow rate of about 4.1 GPM or 246 GPH with an input temperature at 40ºF or less.

Takagi states that the T-H2S tankless can provide at least two showers worth of water simultaneously in addition to one appliance.

Features

The T-H2S can be vented with PVC providing zero clearance for direct vent installations.
PVC venting can be used in all applications and a 3″ exhaust venting option is coming soon.
The TH2S utilizes dual exchangers to maximize the unit’s energy efficiency.
The primary heat exchanger is made of copper while the secondary is stainless steel.
This secondary heat exchanger is used to recover waste heat from the vent stack to preheat
the incoming ground water. This is in fact what classifies the TH2S as a condensing
tankless water heater.

Specifications

Interested in a quote for a Takagi? They are always free, Get a Quote!

Related posts:

1. Takagi Condensing Tankless Review
2. Takagi T-K3
3. Takagi T-K3 – $1495.00

Features

This Takagi TK3 tankless has a number of features that allow it to stand out from the pack.

Compact Size: Only 13.8 inches wide, the T-K3 tankless has the ability to be recessed between wall studs for even more space savings.

Low Activation Flow Rate: The Takagi TK3 activates at only 0.5 GPM, which allows the use of smaller water flows in bathroom sinks and showers. This is a pretty standard flow rate now for new generation tankless water heaters.

Parallel Installation: Easy Link technology allows the T-K3 to be installed with up to three other units without the use of an additional control box.

Direct-Vent Conversion: The TK3 can easily use a direct vent conversion to import combustion air from outside.

Eight Temperature Settings: Some tankless manufactures have only 4 preset temperature settings, the T-K3 offers eight separate temperatures. However, if you want a specific temperature than it is required that you buy the TM-RE10 temperature controller.

Longer vent runs: The T-K3 can have a vent pipe run up to 50 feet with five elbows, instead of the normal 35 with three elbows. This can be a great addition if your particular installation has a long vent run.

Synopsis

The TK3 tankless incorporates a number of important features into one new tankless system, and should fit the needs of most high-volume residential applications. As always performance depends on the temperature of the ground water, and with winter water temperatures here in Ontario, Toronto and the Toronto region dipping to the low 40 degrees F range you can expect the T-K3 tankless to produce a flow rate around 4.1 GPM, or 246 GPH.

Specifications

Related posts:

1. Takagi T-K3 – $1495.00
2. Takagi Condensing Tankless Review
3. Takagi Tankless

The lifespan of a Navien is 20 plus years and the manufacture provides a warranty for 15 years on them.  By the time your conventional tank type water heater hits 15 years it will be so full of calcium and build up it you will be lucky if it is achieving more than 20% efficiency.  Meanwhile if you had had one of our Toronto reps come by and install a tankless your system would still be operating in the high 90% efficiency range. 

Servicing the Toronto and area region has shown one thing to us, houses are small and space is important to home owners.  A Navien tankless can reduce your water heaters footprint by over 90% as it simply mounts on the wall.  Take back some of your space with a tankless heater.

Not all Toronto and area homes can meet the venting and positioning requirements necessary and thus its important to understand the requirements that need to be met.  If you live in Toronto or surrounding area we do offer free assesments where some one can come to your home and ensure that a tankless will work for youand your home.  Again this is free for Toronto and surrounding areas.  Otherwise if your handy you can check out the diagram to see for yourself if a tankless will fit.

FIND OUT MORE HERE 

Toronto, Ontario

Related posts:

1. Navien Rebates
2. Navien Tankless Water Tank
3. Navien Condensing Tankless 98%

 This is a complicated system and it will be costly, if you are doing this to save money you probably won’t see a breakeven point for a long time.  If you’re interested and looking at installing a Frankenstein system you are probable doing it for the environment. 

What’s required?

If your installing somewhere in the southern states this will be a lot easier as you don’t have to worry about sub-zero temperatures.  Up here in Ontario it’s a definite issue and there are a few systems that can be installed.  There is the Active Glycol-based system that circulates food grade glycol and transfers the heat via a heat exchanger to the potable water; this is less efficient but the safest and most popular system in Ontario.  The other way is though a drain back system, potable water is forced though the solar collector and drains instantly when the water is shut off.  Both these systems work to preheat a tankless systems incoming water supply ultimately reducing the heat and gas needed to raise water temperature to the desired warmth.

These dual systems are not very popular due to the increased expense but a tankless is well suited and designed for a hybrid system.  If the idea seems interesting but the price too high you should note that they can be installed in stages, tankless first and then the flat plate solar collector.

Related posts:

1. Solar Water Heater and Tankless Update
2. Solar and a Tankless
3. The Cold water Sandwich