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.
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.