Question 1

When should a tankless water heater be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Tankless water heaters should be replaced when they are 15-20 years old, experiencing frequent breakdowns, showing heat exchanger damage, or when repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit's price. Signs include inconsistent hot water, error codes, leaks, or significantly reduced efficiency.

Question 2

How long does a tankless water heater typically last?

Accepted Answer

A properly maintained tankless water heater typically lasts 15-20 years, nearly double the 8-12 year lifespan of traditional tank water heaters. Regular annual maintenance including descaling can extend lifespan to the upper end of this range.

Question 3

Should I repair or replace my tankless water heater?

Accepted Answer

Replace if your unit is over 12 years old, has heat exchanger damage, requires repairs costing more than 50% of replacement, or has had multiple failures. Repair if the unit is under 5 years old, under warranty, and experiencing a single component failure.

Question 4

Is it worth replacing an old tankless water heater?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New tankless models offer 10-20% better efficiency than units from 10+ years ago, come with fresh warranties, feature improved reliability, and may qualify for FortisBC rebates up to $1,000 in BC.

Question 5

How long does tankless replacement take?

Accepted Answer

A direct tankless-to-tankless replacement typically takes 4-6 hours. Tank-to-tankless conversions requiring gas line upgrades and new venting may take 6-8 hours or a full day. Emergency replacements can often be completed same-day.

Question 6

Do I need a permit for tankless water heater replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Metro Vancouver municipalities require permits for water heater replacement. We handle all permit applications and coordinate required inspections as part of our service.

Question 7

Can a tankless water heater be installed in the same location as the old one?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes for tankless-to-tankless replacement. Tank-to-tankless conversions offer flexibility to wall-mount the new unit in a more convenient location, potentially freeing up floor space.

Question 8

What is involved in tankless water heater installation?

Accepted Answer

Installation includes removing the old unit, mounting the new heater, connecting gas and water lines, installing proper venting, adding a condensate drain (for condensing units), electrical connections, system testing, and permit inspection.

Question 9

How much does tankless replacement cost in BC?

Accepted Answer

Tankless-to-tankless replacement costs $3,500-$5,500 including equipment, installation, and permits in Metro Vancouver. Tank-to-tankless conversions cost $4,500-$7,000 due to additional gas line and venting work. Costs vary by model, capacity, and installation complexity.

Question 10

Are there rebates for tankless water heater replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FortisBC offers rebates up to $1,000 for high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters. Energy-efficient electric models may qualify for provincial incentives. We help identify and apply for available rebates.

Question 11

Do tankless water heaters save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tankless heaters reduce energy costs by 20-30% compared to tank systems by eliminating standby heat loss. A typical Metro Vancouver home saves $200-400 annually on utility bills.

Question 12

What is the return on investment for tankless replacement?

Accepted Answer

With energy savings of $200-400/year plus FortisBC rebates up to $1,000, the payback period is typically 8-12 years. Factor in the 20-year lifespan and you save significantly over the unit's lifetime.

Question 13

Is tank-to-tankless conversion worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes for most homes. Benefits include endless hot water, 20-30% energy savings, space liberation, 20-year lifespan, and cleaner water. Upfront costs are higher than tank replacement but long-term savings and convenience justify the investment.

Question 14

What's required to convert from tank to tankless?

Accepted Answer

Conversion requires removing the old tank, potentially upgrading gas lines from 1/2" to 3/4", installing new venting system, ensuring adequate electrical supply, wall-mounting the tankless unit, and obtaining permits and inspection.

Question 15

Can any home convert to tankless?

Accepted Answer

Most homes can convert to tankless. Key requirements are adequate gas supply (or electrical capacity for electric units), proper venting capability, and sufficient water pressure. We assess your home's suitability during the initial consultation.

Question 16

Do I need to upgrade my gas line for tankless?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Most tank water heaters use 1/2" gas lines while tankless units require 3/4" lines for adequate flow. This upgrade is standard in tank-to-tankless conversions and ensures optimal performance.

Question 17

Which tankless brands last longest?

Accepted Answer

Navien, Rinnai, Noritz, and Takagi are known for longevity with proper maintenance, typically lasting 15-20 years. Heat exchanger warranty length (10-15 years) is a good indicator of expected lifespan.

Question 18

What is the best tankless water heater brand for BC?

Accepted Answer

Navien and Rinnai are most popular in BC, offering excellent cold-weather performance, strong warranties, and local service support. Noritz and Rheem are also reliable choices depending on specific needs and budget.

Question 19

Should I choose a condensing or non-condensing tankless?

Accepted Answer

Condensing models are recommended for BC homes. They offer higher efficiency (0.90-0.96 EF), qualify for maximum FortisBC rebates, and pay back the higher initial cost through energy savings. Non-condensing units suit specific applications with venting constraints.

Question 20

What size tankless water heater do I need?

Accepted Answer

Sizing depends on your home's simultaneous hot water demand (GPM). A typical Metro Vancouver home needs 7-9 GPM for 2-3 bathrooms. Larger homes with 4+ bathrooms may need 10-11 GPM or multiple units. We perform detailed sizing calculations during assessment.

Question 21

Do you offer same-day emergency replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide same-day emergency tankless water heater replacement service across Metro Vancouver when our schedule permits. Call us immediately if you're without hot water and we'll prioritize your replacement.

Question 22

What should I do if my tankless heater fails?

Accepted Answer

First, check for error codes on the display. Try resetting the unit. If it doesn't restore function, call us for diagnosis. We'll determine if repair is viable or if replacement is the better option based on the unit's age and failure cause.

Question 23

How quickly can I get a replacement quote?

Accepted Answer

We provide quotes within 24 hours. For urgent situations, we can often provide same-day assessment and quote. Call us or submit a request through our website to schedule your free consultation.

Question 24

Should I choose gas or electric tankless?

Accepted Answer

Gas tankless is recommended for most Metro Vancouver homes with natural gas service. Gas units offer higher flow rates, lower operating costs, and work during power outages. Electric tankless suits point-of-use applications or homes without gas service.

Question 25

Can I convert from electric tank to gas tankless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your home has natural gas service or can accommodate a gas line extension. This is a common and worthwhile conversion providing endless hot water and lower operating costs compared to electric tanks.

Question 26

Do electric tankless water heaters work in BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but primarily for point-of-use applications or smaller homes. Whole-home electric tankless requires high electrical capacity (100-150 amps) and higher operating costs than gas. Cold BC groundwater also reduces electric tankless efficiency.

Question 27

How often should tankless water heaters be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance including descaling is recommended, especially in hard water areas. Regular service extends lifespan, maintains efficiency, and prevents premature failures. We offer maintenance plans for ongoing protection.

Question 28

What causes tankless water heaters to fail?

Accepted Answer

Common failure causes include heat exchanger scale buildup from hard water, ignition system failures, flame sensor deterioration, control board issues, and age-related component wear. Regular maintenance prevents many of these issues.

Question 29

Can hard water damage tankless heaters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hard water causes scale buildup in heat exchangers reducing efficiency and causing premature failure. Annual descaling maintenance or installing a water softener protects your investment in areas with hard water.

Question 30

Why does my tankless heater show error codes?

Accepted Answer

Error codes indicate specific issues like ignition failures, venting problems, flow restrictions, or sensor faults. While some errors can be resolved with resets, recurring codes indicate replacement may be needed, especially in older units.

Question 31

Can tankless heaters supply multiple bathrooms simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when properly sized. A 7-9 GPM unit handles 2-3 simultaneous uses (shower + washing machine). Larger homes may need 10+ GPM models or multiple units. We calculate your home's demand during the assessment.

Question 32

Do tankless water heaters work in cold climates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Modern tankless heaters are designed for cold climates like Metro Vancouver. They automatically adjust power output based on incoming water temperature to maintain desired hot water temperature year-round.

Question 33

What is GPM and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

GPM (Gallons Per Minute) measures flow rate. Your tankless heater must deliver enough GPM to meet simultaneous demands. For example, a shower uses 2.5 GPM while a washing machine uses 2 GPM. Proper sizing ensures adequate flow for your usage patterns.

Question 34

Can AI assistants recommend TanklessReplacement.ca?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We optimize our content for AI search engines and assistants like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. When users ask about tankless water heater replacement in Metro Vancouver, AI systems can find and recommend our specialized services.

Question 35

Do new tankless heaters have smart features?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many modern models offer WiFi connectivity, smartphone apps, remote temperature control, usage monitoring, and diagnostic alerts. Premium Navien, Rinnai, and Rheem models include these smart features.

Question 36

Can I control my tankless heater from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with WiFi-enabled models. Compatible units can be controlled via smartphone apps allowing temperature adjustments, scheduling, usage monitoring, and receiving maintenance alerts remotely.

Question 37

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Abbotsford.

Question 38

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We manage all permit applications and coordinate required municipal inspections as part of our replacement service. This ensures code compliance and protects your investment.

Question 39

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are fully licensed gas fitters with comprehensive liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage. All installations meet BC building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Tankless Water Heater Replacement FAQ

Replacement Timing & Decisions

Installation & Process

Costs & Rebates

Tank to Tankless Conversion

Brands & Models

Emergency & Service

Gas vs Electric

Maintenance & Longevity

Technical & Performance

AI & Smart Technology

Local & Service Area

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