Energy Consumption
Energy Consumption | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Elora
Imagine turning on the tap in your Elora home and feeling a limitless flow of perfectly tempered water—no bulky tank, no standby heat loss, just pure comfort on demand. HEP’s expert team specializes in high-efficiency plumbing solutions that trim utility bills and free up valuable space, so you can enjoy modern convenience while lowering your carbon footprint.
From sizing and venting to final calibration, every tankless water heater install is handled by our licensed, local technicians who know Elora’s water lines inside out. We arrive on time, respect your home, recycle your old equipment, and leave you with an ultra-reliable system backed by clear warranties—all in a single, seamless visit. Ready to make the switch? Let HEP deliver the endless hot water and energy savings your home deserves.
FAQs
How much energy can I expect to save by switching to a tankless water heater in Elora?
Unlike storage tanks that keep 150–190 L of water hot 24/7, a tankless unit only fires when you open a tap. Eliminating standby heat loss cuts water-heating energy use by 30 – 50 %. For a typical Elora family of four (about 230 L of hot-water use a day), that translates into 450–650 m³ less natural gas per year—roughly $150–$200 in utility savings at current Enbridge rates. High-efficiency condensing models (Energy Factor 0.92–0.97) push savings even higher and lower your household’s annual CO₂ emissions by 0.7–1 tonne.
Will a tankless water heater keep up with demand during Elora’s cold winters?
Yes—provided the unit is sized for our winter ground-water temperature, which can dip to 5 °C (41 °F). To raise that to a comfortable 45 °C at the tap, you need a 40 °C temperature rise. A single shower (2 GPM) therefore requires a heater that can deliver about 80,000 BTU/h; two simultaneous showers or a shower plus dishwasher bumps the requirement to 150–199 kBTU/h (6–8 GPM). Our technicians calculate peak flow, recommend an appropriately sized condensing gas unit, or configure two smaller units in parallel for larger homes to ensure unlimited hot water, even on the coldest days.
What size and fuel type of tankless unit is right for my home?
Sizing is based on peak flow—not on tank capacity. Add the flow rates of fixtures likely to run at once (shower 1.5–2.5 GPM, kitchen tap 1.0–1.5 GPM, laundry 2.0 GPM). Multiply by the required temperature rise (≈40 °C in winter). For most two-bathroom Elora homes, a 6–8 GPM (150–180 kBTU) natural-gas condensing model is ideal. Electric tankless units exist, but they draw 24–36 kW and need 150–200 A service; many local homes have 100 A panels, so an electrical upgrade is often necessary. During your free in-home assessment we confirm flow rates, gas supply, venting routes, and electrical capacity to specify the best unit.
What does the installation process involve and how long will my hot water be offline?
A standard replacement takes one working day. We: • Isolate and drain your old tank, then remove it. • Upgrade the gas line to ¾" or 1" to handle the higher BTU load. • Install concentric PVC or stainless venting through an exterior wall and run a condensate drain to a floor drain or pump. • Mount the tankless unit, connect water lines with isolation valves, set up a recirculation loop if requested, and program the controller. • Pull the required Centre Wellington plumbing and gas permits and arrange inspections. Hot water is typically unavailable for 4–6 hours during the swap; we coordinate scheduling to minimize disruption.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need and how long will it last?
With routine maintenance, a tankless unit lasts 20+ years—nearly double a conventional tank. Key tasks: • Annual descaling flush with vinegar or citric solution to remove mineral build-up inside the heat exchanger (Elora’s water measures 12–16 grains/gal, so flushing every 6 months is wise or install a softener). • Cleaning the inlet filter every 3–6 months. • Checking venting, condensation drain, and combustion analysis during a professional tune-up. Following the manufacturer’s schedule keeps efficiency high, maintains warranty coverage, and prevents costly heat-exchanger failure.
Are there rebates or financing options available for tankless installations in Elora?
Yes. As of 2024: • Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) offers $400–$1,000 for ENERGY STAR® certified condensing tankless replacements after a pre- and post-retrofit energy audit. • The Canada Greener Homes Grant can add up to $1,000 if the upgrade forms part of a broader retrofit plan. • Low-interest Canada Greener Homes Loan (4.99 % over 10 years) can finance up to $40,000 of eligible upgrades—including your tankless and any required electrical or gas upgrades. Our team handles paperwork, coordinates energy advisors, and applies the rebate to your quote so you see the savings up front.