Skip to content

Tankless Water Heater Installation and Replacement

Endless hot water, compact design, reliable performance. If your current water heater is due for replacement or you are comparing options, a professionally installed tankless system could be the right fit.

Reliance® provides tankless water heater installation, replacement, and rental options with 24/7/365 phone support and as-soon-as same-day or next-day installation where available.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater only heats water when you actually turn on the tap, so it doesn’t need a big storage tank or waste energy keeping water hot all day. As long as the unit is sized properly for your home, you get a steady supply of hot water at the flow rate it’s designed for. And because it’s compact and usually mounted on the wall, it frees up valuable floor space compared with a traditional tank.

Video thumbnail
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sv8ZaU2I_4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
If you’re running a busy household, the last  thing you want is to run out of hot water.
This is actually a common problem, and you  may have been thinking about replacing or
upgrading your existing equipment  to a more energy-efficient model.
There are a lot of options out there, and  it can all be a little confusing. Ultimately
you want the best possible solution for your  family, and that’s where Reliance can help.
When you begin to look for a new water  heating solution, there are a few
things that you’ll need to consider to help  ensure that it will meet all of your needs.
If your home is heated by electricity,
there’s a good chance your water  heater will need to be electric too.
Electric tanks are also a good option when  it may be too complicated, or impossible,
to run natural gas or propane lines into your  home, or to install the necessary venting.
Natural gas water heaters will  cost more than electric models
at the outset, but they usually offer savings in  the long run. Depending on local energy prices,
natural gas can be one of the most  economical ways to heat your home’s water.
Propane gas water heaters may also be your  only alternative for a gas heater if you
live in a rural area without natural gas lines. Understanding just how much hot water your family
normally uses is an important step in determining  the size and type of heater you may require.
You’ll need to consider the number  of people in your household,
the type and number of water-consuming appliances  in your home, as well as your family’s lifestyle.
A water heater that is too small will not be  able to keep up with the demand, which could
decrease your unit’s life expectancy and leave  you without hot water when you most need it.
Traditional storage tank water  heaters are still the most common type
and have been around for generations.  They’re affordable and easy to use,
as they simply heat the water and store  it in an insulated tank until it’s needed.
A typical household tank would hold 40 to 60  gallons. The efficiency of these units can vary
depending on the model and the fuel source – so be  sure to ask about Energy Star® certified models.
Tankless systems, on the other hand, heat  water on-demand using a heat exchanger,
which is fueled by either natural gas or  propane. The heat is activated automatically,
as soon as you turn on a hot water tap or  if one of your appliances requires it – and
because tankless systems are smaller, more  efficient, there are some clear advantages.
They are durable, long-lasting appliances  that conveniently allow for replacement parts.
Your family will enjoy an endless stream  of hot water, whenever they need it.
They’re a great space-saving option.
They can also help to reduce  utility costs since the system
isn’t using energy to maintain  the temperature of stored water.
And because they are more energy-efficient,  they’re a better choice for the environment.
A new water heater is an important investment  for your family’s comfort – and while buying
can make sense for some homeowners,  many Canadians prefer the peace-of-mind
and flexibility that comes with renting  their water heater from Reliance.
You’ll get ongoing 24/7 live support
No charge for repairs
Service as soon as same-day,  including weekends and holidays
And all for one affordable, monthly payment.
To book your FREE in-home  consultation today, Call on Reliance™.

Tankless vs Tank: The Head-to-Head Comparison

Homeowners almost always compare these two options during a replacement decision. Use this comparison to see what fits your home and budget.

Factor Tankless Tank
Upfront cost Higher purchase and install due to potential venting, gas line, or electrical work. Lower purchase and simpler like-for-like replacement.
Hot water supply Continuous within the unit’s flow rate. Larger initial supply of hot water. Hot water can run out depending on usage and tank size.
Space Compact, wall-mounted. Requires floor space and clearances.
Standby heat loss No stored hot water, less standby loss. Ongoing standby loss while the tank maintains temperature.
Typical service life Often around 20+ years with proper maintenance and water quality. Often about 16-17 years depending on model, usage, and water quality.

Why this matters: Tankless can be ideal if you value continuous hot water and space savings, while a storage tank can be the right call when lowest upfront cost or very high simultaneous demand makes more sense.

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?

Every home is different, which is why we provide a free in-home assessment and a personalized quote. Your total price depends on several specific factors:

  • Sizing: We calculate the necessary flow rate and temperature rise based on your peak simultaneous uses and local incoming water temperatures.
  • Fuel type: Availability of natural gas, propane, or electricity in your specific area.
  • Venting: The required path and clearances, plus any condensate drain needs for high-efficiency condensing units.
  • Upgrades: Potential gas line or electrical upgrades required to meet modern manufacturer specifications.
  • Installation scope: Relocation of equipment, necessary permits, and local building code considerations.

Reliance Tankless Gas Water Heaters

Model Size / Input Monthly Rental (Starting At) Why Homeowners Choose It
R80 / RSC160iN 160k BTU ~$58–$61/mo Highly compact and efficient, perfect for standard endless hot water needs.
R98 199k BTU ~$70–$73/mo A robust choice for larger families or households with high simultaneous hot water usage.
RSC199iN 199k BTU ~$87–$98/mo Our premium model featuring advanced recirculation technology for faster hot water.

Many tankless models are designed for a long service life with routine maintenance such as descaling and inlet filter cleaning. Actual lifespan will depend on local water quality and consistent maintenance schedules.

Is a Tankless Right for Your Home? A Quick Checklist

Consider these points when deciding if a tankless system fits your lifestyle:

  • Household size and peak demand: Consider your simultaneous uses, such as two showers running while the dishwasher is on. We size the unit to maintain your target temperature at the required flow.
  • Temperature rise: Colder incoming water in Canadian winters requires more capacity. We ensure your system is sized for local seasonal conditions.
  • Fuel availability: While natural gas or propane are most common for whole-home systems, electric options exist for specific applications.
  • Venting and placement: Our technicians confirm a code-compliant vent path and proper condensate handling.
  • Water quality: Hard water can increase scale buildup. Routine descaling helps protect performance and system longevity.

Professional Installation and Replacement Near You

We install and replace tankless water heaters throughout the GTA and across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Windsor, Barrie, Oshawa, Kingston, and Ottawa. We also serve communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan,Alberta and British Columbia, including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Vancouver, and Kelowna.

  • Licensed and highly experienced technicians.
  • As-soon-as same-day or next-day installation options where available.
  • Reliable 24/7 live phone support to answer your questions any time.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proactive care is the best way to support reliable, long-term performance. We recommend homeowners:

  • Clean inlet filters as needed to maintain proper flow.
  • Ensure venting and air intakes remain clear and secure.
  • Follow specific manufacturer guidance regarding error codes.

If you notice inconsistent water temperatures, reduced flow, or persistent error codes, contact Reliance immediately for expert diagnostics and service.

Current Government Rebates and Incentives

Rebates change frequently by province and utility provider. While many federal programs have shifted toward loans or income-based affordability programs, various provincial or utility incentives remain available for high-efficiency upgrades. We will help you verify exactly what applies in your area during your free in-home assessment.

Why Rent a Tankless Water Heater from Reliance?

Tankless water heaters are sophisticated systems that can be a significant investment to purchase and maintain. Renting from Reliance provides a worry-free alternative:

  • No upfront equipment cost: Save your capital for other home improvements.
  • Standard installation included: Professional setup by licensed technicians.
  • Comprehensive coverage: All repairs and parts replacements are included in your plan.
  • Constant support: We are available 24/7/365 to take your call.
  • Modern technology: Gain access to top brands and Wi-Fi enabled smart options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tankless water heaters work in cold climates?

Yes, they do. When a tankless unit is sized correctly, it accounts for colder winter inlet temperatures common in Canada and still delivers the hot water you want. In particularly cold regions, we may recommend a higher-capacity system to ensure consistent comfort.

Is a tankless water heater worth it in Canada?

If you value a continuous supply of hot water, need to save floor space, and want to reduce the energy lost from storing heated water, a tankless system is an excellent choice. The best fit for your home depends on your local fuel source, specific installation requirements, and overall budget.

Can I use a tankless water heater with hard water?

Yes. However, hard water means you should stay on top of routine descaling and filter cleaning to ensure the unit performs efficiently. In areas with high mineral content, we often recommend installing a water softener alongside your tankless unit to protect the heat exchanger.

Tankless vs. tank: which is right for me?

Choose tankless if your priorities are continuous hot water and reclaiming floor space. A traditional storage tank might be the better choice if your main goals are a lower upfront cost or meeting extremely high simultaneous demand. A free in-home assessment can help you compare these options for your specific home layout.

Featured Tankless Water Heater Resources