Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged vent
Instant or Tankless Water Heaters?
Apr 29th
Things to Know.
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Most of us have grown up with a standard tank type water heater. As such we are used to the way our hot water system works. Switching to a tankless water heater will have an affect on the way your hot water system works.
With a tank type heater, when you turn on a hot water faucet, the hot water, typically 140 degrees, immediately begins flowing through the pipe to get to your faucet. As the water travels through the cold pi pe, it cools off until the piping material warms up. That is why your hot water doesn’t instantly go from cold to hot; it has to warm up the pipes first.
Some homes have hot water circulating systems that circulate the hot water through the pipes to obtain instant hot water at every sink. Circulating systems can save a lot of water. They are wasteful of energy though, since the water heater will fire up more often to replace the heat being lost through the piping which acts like a big radiator even if the pipes are well insulated.
There are also pumping systems that pump the hot water to the fixture from the heater only when you want to use hot water and you don’t run any water down the drain. You still save the water and time, but you don’t waste water.
Tankless Systems
Tankless water heaters are being promoted as providing endless hot water and as being energy saving over traditional water heaters. While both of these facts are true, there are other things to consider.
If you are considering replacing your tank type water heater with a tankless unit, and you have a typical house, make sure you get one large enough to do the job. Since you are heating water as you use it, you must heat it much more quickly than a tank type heater so you need to add heat much more quickly.
For a gas type heater this means you will be using a lot more gas volume/ minute than with a tank type heater. Your exhaust flue may need to be larger and the gas line might need to be upgraded. For electric units you might have to have special wiring put in to handle the high amperage loads created by an electric tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters are typically much smaller than conventional tanks and are hung on the wall, resulting in a significant space savings.
Tankless water heaters can save you a modest amount of energy, typically around $20.00 – $40.00 a month. They are also eligible for home energy Grants and Rebates provided by the Government to aid in a speedy transition from the old energy consuming conventional tank to this new efficient technology.
Toronto Tankless
Mar 20th
Toronto Tankless
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Looking to get a Toronto Tankless water heater? We have been installing these units in Toronto and surrounding areas for years now. We have installed nearly every brand and can service anything that has been installed
already. So if your thinking of getting a tankless water heater in Toronto give us a call or fill out a contact form, its a free quote, at the very least you will have an idea of what one of these tankless units cost.
Venting a tankless in Toronto can be very difficult as there are a lot of requirements and specifications that have to be met before an installation can even begin. In fact I would bet that around 40% of toronto / GTA homes cant even get a tankless system. Does your home meet the requirements and thus 750$ in government rebates? Toronto and surrounding area homes that meet tankless installation requirements receive 750 dollars in government rebates.
Fill out the form below and find out for free if you meet the requirements.
Navien Problems
Mar 18th
Navien Problems
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Navian was the first to come out with a condensing tankless water heater and thus they are bound to have some issues. This post is aimed at addressing some of these problems.
Issues
- Navien flow sensor issues
- Navien Control board failures
- Navien Heat exchanger cracks
The flow sensor
Early Navian models had flow sensors that would easily corrode and shut the unit down as the buildup would impair operation. There is a temporary fix where you take the two clamps off the sensor, pull it out and blow on it. The fix that Navien has made is to change the sensor over to stainless steel, you can replace the part to prevent this unexpected shut down. Also an additional fix is to install a 5 micron filter in the water inlet right before the Navian.
Navian Control Boards or Motherboards
These do fail relatively frequently and symptoms would be that the unit turns on, then off, then on, and then off repeatedly or possibly, fails with error code 03 (ignition failure). There are a few other issues that the board can cause but the only real solution is to power cycle the unit (un-plug and plug back in) or replace the Navien control board.
Cracking Heat Exchanger
This isn’t near as frequent as the problems listed above but it is an issue none the less. A heat exchanger should be replaced immediately; it’s a breach containment allowing exhaust gases to enter your home. The heat exchanger is under Navian warranty.
More Help
Here is some places and information you can use to find additional help.
Our Service Department – 1-855-696-8265
Navien Technical Help Line – 1-800-519-8794
Navien online trouble shooting – Go HERE
Navien Warranty details – Find out more HERE (should be accurate for Canada and Ontario)
Additional Issues – Read Here
UPDATE – here is a complete list of Navien error codes – Read HERE
If all else fails post a comment and we can try and trouble-shoot any issues here.
Takagi Condensing Tankless Review
Mar 16th
Takagi Condensing Tankless
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Here is the Takagi T-H2 Condensing Tankless hot water heater, there’s a lot to cover so lets get started.
Takagi Tankless Benefits
- PVC venting
- 95% efficient
- 4.6 GPM in dead of winter
- 8.5 GPM in the summer
- Direct vent capability
Info
The T-H2 model is available as a direct vent or an Outdoor model only. Takagi’s T-H2 “2nd Generation High Efficiency Tankless” unit, is a very energy efficient tankless unit (up to 95% in thermal efficiency) in the Tankless industry. The T-H2 was apparently designed for residential and light commercial use and offers Takagi’s Easy-Link to join multiple units.
The T-H2 can provide upwards of three showers’ worth of water simultaneously in colder climates.
The T-H2 can be vented with PVC, providing 0 clearance for DV installations. PVC venting can be used in all applications and apparently Takagi says that 3″ exhaust venting is now available (previously it required a 3″ intake and a 4″ exhaust).
The primary heat exchanger is made of “Heat Resistant Alloy” HRS35 Copper, Takagi has also added a “High Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel” #316L secondary heat exchanger to recover waste heat from the vent stack before it leaves the unit to preheat the incoming ground water. This second heat exchanger and the resulting condensation that forms from the high efficiency operation, classify it as a “Condensing” Water Heater.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 Manual Here. Must have a PDF viewer.
Specifications
| Natural Gas Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| LPG Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| Gas Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Water Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Condensate Water Drain | 1/2″ NPT | |
| Natural Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 5.0″WC | Max 10.5″WC |
| LP Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 8.0″WC | Max. 14.0″WC |
| Weight | DV = 73lbs. | |
| Dimensions | 25.6″ x 18.5″ x 12.4″ | |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition | |
| Electrical Supply | AC 120V (60 Hz) | |
| Water Pressure | Min. 15psi | Max. 150psi |
| T-H2DV Manifold Pressure | Natural: 3.15″WC | Propane:4.6″WC |
As we all know Canada can has winter, and this affects our ground water temperature. The higher the tankless has to heat ground water up the lower the output flow of hot water is. Ontario’s ground water fluctuates with the coldest temperatures occurring in February and the warmest is September. Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga for example are places that rarely see ground water temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus its safe to assume a minimum of 4.6GPM in the worst of conditions.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 specifications sheet here. Must have PDF viewer.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a condensing tankless that is relatively cheap and flexible for installation the Takagi condensing unit is definitely one that you should consider. This unit is $2575 our price and the Suggested Retail is $3920, which is considerably more.
Fill out the form below if you are at all interested in this or any other Tankless Water Heater.
Condensing Tankless Explained
Mar 11th
Navian Condensing Tankless
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Navian Condensing Tankless Water Heater
To help explain “condensing technology” for a tankless water heater imagine the condensation that forms on the outside surface of a glass of ice water. This condensation is purposely created inside Navien’s condensing heat exchanger (thats the secondary heat exchanger) from the incoming cold water. This cold water works to cool the hot gases inside the unit increasing its efficiency. Navien’s stainless-steel condensing heat exchanger then traps this condensation and uses it, making the whole process incredibly efficient and economical. This condensation (or vapors and gases) would normally escape through the vents in a conventional tankless water heater. But with Navien’s technology the water heater reuses the condensation, providing one of the most efficient and economical tankless Water Heater a home owner can buy.

Thats how all the Navian condensing Tankless systems work.
Takagi T-K3 – $1495.00
Jan 21st
T-K3 – $1495.00
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The T-K3 model, also known as the “Revolutionary T-K3,” is one of Takagi’s most versatile and powerful residential units. The T-K3 offers Easy-Link capability, which allows you to connect up to four units without the use of a controller unit. The T-K3 can also be converted to a direct vent model.
Compact Size:
Only 13.8 inches wide, the T-K3 can be recessed between wall studs for even more space savings! A special recess box is available for outdoor installations.
Lower Activating Flow Rate:
The T-K3 activates at only 0.5 GPM, which allows the use of smaller water flows in bathroom sinks and showers. This reduces water waste and allows for stable temperatures.
Parallel Installation:
Using Takagi’s Easy Link technology, the T-K3 can be installed in parallel with up to three other units without the use of an additional control box, generating more flow while saving money, space and installation time. Four T-K3 unites will deliver a total of 21.6 GPM at 60 degrees F delta T; or 26 GPM at a 50 degree F delta T.
Direct-Vent Conversion:
The T-K3 can be easily converted into a direct vent model for inside installations that need to import combustion air from outside.
Eight Temperature Settings:
Instead of the usual four settings, the T-K3 offers eight separate temperatures, set by dip-switch: 104 degree F, 113 degree F, 122 degree F, 131 degree F, 140 degree F, 158 degree F, 176 degree F, and 185 degree F. This versatility reduces the need for a separate remote control. However, setting temperatures other than the eight presets requires 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.
As you can see, the T-K3 incorporates all those “why-don’t-you-have-this?” features into this one new product. Its larger flow capacity through parallel connections will meet the hot-water needs of most high-volume residential applications and many commercial projects, too. In short, the T-K3 fills the gap between the single residential heater and multiple commercial T-M1 units. Performance depends on the temperature of the ground water of course: At a delta T of 60 degrees F in warmer areas – for example, where the winter ground water is 60 degrees F and with the output set at 122 degrees F – the T-K3 will provide a 5.4 GPM, or 324 GPH. In colder areas where the input temperature may be 40 degrees F or less, expect a flow rate about 4.1 GPM, or 246 GPH.
Price:
The Takagi T-K3 is currently selling for $1495.00 if interested fill out the form HERE
TK3 Specifications:
| Natural Gas Input | Min. 11,000 Btu | Max. 199,000 Btu |
| LPG Input | Min. 11,000 Btu | Max. 199,000 Btu |
| Gas Connection | 3/4″ | |
| Water Connection | 3/4″ | |
| Natural Gas Pressure Inlet | Min 5.0″ W.C. | Max 10.5″ W.C. |
| LP Gas Pressure Inlet | 8″ Min. W.C. | 13.5″ Max. W.C. |
| Weight | 40 lbs | Electronic Ignition |
| Dimensions | 20.5″ X 13.8″ X 8.5″ | |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition | |
| Electrical Supply | AC 120 V | |
| Water Pressure | Min. 15 psi | Max. 150 psi |
| Manifold Pressure | Natural 2.5 | Propane 4.4 |
View or Download the Specifications Sheet – Click to View
Rinnai Tankless
Jan 12th
Rinnai Tankless
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If you’re searching for an endless supply of hot water for your home or business, Rinnai tankless water heaters offer you hot water on demand,
so you are not stuck with a fixed and pre-heated supply. You can enjoy hot water when you want it and for as long as you want it, so go ahead and do the dishes, run the washing machine and take a long and luxurious bath at the same time. No more worrying about running out of hot water with a Rinnai tankless water heater.
As a Rinnai tankless owner you will enjoy up to 40% energy savings. These units are highly efficient and only heat the water when it is needed. When the demand ceases, the unit shuts down and uses zero energy-a revolutionary advantage over the big and bulky inefficient conventional tanks heaters.
Purchasing a Rinnai tankless water heater, gets you will a reliable and durable copper heat exchanger with a typical life span of 20 or more years (that is twice as long as the old tank water heater’s life span). In addition, the traditional tank water heat accumulates a buildup of rust and sediments that collect in the tank-where the water you drink and bathe is stored. With the Rinnai tankless heaters, no water is stored, so you only get fresh and clean hot water because the water is heated as it passes through the unit.
Being about the size of a small suitcase, the Rinnai tankless unit can be installed on virtually any wall on the inside or outside of your home. Rinnai offers you a line of controllers that makes it very easy to set the hot water temperatures for multiple locations in your house.
(update)
Rinnai Condensing Tankless
Rinnai has a condensing unit out in the market now. This tankless has an efficiency of around 95% and utilizes two heat exchangers to attain the high efficiency rating. Rinnai has maintained the single exhaust vent or concentric piping. This unit will get you the full $375 in available grant money from the Ontario Government. If you want to get a free quote for this Rinnai tankless Contact us Here
You can also read more on the Rinnai condensing tankless here.
Thanks From Tankless
Nov 10th
Thanks
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Just want to thank everyone for submitting your information to our HUB. We have been inundated lately with requests for tankless water heaters and thus we are trying to call you all back to setup appointments as soon as possible. It can take upwards of 24 hours to hear back from us, but occasionally it can take less than 5 minutes from when you send the form request in.
Over the last few years we have installed thousands of tankless heaters and have received hundreds of compliments on these systems. It’s easy to accept this
praise when the system offers endless hot water at a fraction of the cost of a conventional water heater.
If you’re thinking of getting into a tankless water heater for your home now is one of the best times to take the plunge. Initially the cost is higher but the benefits far outweigh the small price gap between conventional and tankless. Government grants are at an all time high but are ending soon so get your $700 plus rebate before the program ends.
- call center
Navien Venting
Oct 22nd
Navian Venting
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Navian Tankless water heaters have a significant advantage in their venting requirements. For the Navian system to meet code it only need to be vented with conventional PVC piping. This results in a significant cost savings for the consumer or Navian tankless owner. The required pipe can be purchased at your local Home Depot or hardware store. In addition if you purchase the system from a certified installer or dealer they are able to pass the savings on to you, reducing the overall cost.
The reason that conventional piping can be used is due to the Navian system recycling so much of the heat that the exhaust gasses being released are basically just warm air. This reduces the risk of fire and allows for more versitile venting options.
If your considering a tankless water heater, take another look at the Navian systems they are full of unique innovations other companies are trying to match.
Are you in the greater toronto area or the golden horse shoe? Places like Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville, Newmarket, Vaughn, Richmond Hill, Scarborough. If so we are a certified dealer and installer of Navien Tankless water heaters fill out a quick form and we can have someone call you within 24 hours to book a free consultation and see if your home fits the requirements for a tankless water heater.
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