Standby Heat Loss
Standby Heat Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Elora
Imagine never running out of hot water while saying goodbye to the wasted energy that traditional tanks bleed away every hour of the day. HEP’s Standby Heat Loss Plumbing team in Elora specializes in the superior alternative: tankless water heater install that delivers hot water on demand, slashes standby heat loss, and frees up valuable space in your mechanical room. Our licensed technicians size each unit to your home’s exact flow-rate needs, then complete a meticulous retrofit or new-build integration with minimal disruption to your routine.
From the first site visit to the final ignition test, we keep you informed, comfortable, and confident. You’ll enjoy lower utility bills, longer equipment life, and the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 local support from people who actually live in the community we serve. Ready to turn endless hot water into everyday reality? Book your appointment with HEP today and feel the Elora difference.
FAQs
What is standby heat loss and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Standby heat loss is the gradual cooling of hot water stored in a traditional tank, which forces the unit to cycle on and off just to keep the water warm—even when no one is using it. A tankless (on-demand) water heater has no storage tank. It uses powerful burners or heating elements that fire only when a hot-water tap opens. Because there is no stored volume to keep hot, standby heat loss is virtually eliminated, cutting energy consumption by 15–30 % compared with a well-insulated tank, and by even more when compared to an older unit.
Will a tankless water heater provide enough hot water for my home during Elora’s cold winters?
Yes—provided the unit is sized correctly. In winter, groundwater entering homes in Elora can drop to about 4–6 °C (40–43 °F). Our technicians calculate the required temperature rise and expected simultaneous demand (showers, appliances, etc.) to select a model with the right flow-rate capacity, usually expressed in litres per minute (LPM). For most families, a gas-fired unit in the 15–22 kW (199,000 BTU) range or an electric model of 18–27 kW is sufficient. We also offer optional cascading (linking two smaller units) for very large homes or commercial applications.
How energy-efficient are modern tankless water heaters compared to conventional storage tanks?
Condensing gas tankless models reach Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings as high as 0.95, meaning 95 % of the fuel’s energy becomes hot water. Non-condensing models typically score around 0.82–0.86. Standard atmospheric-vent gas tanks are usually 0.58–0.65 EF, while even the best high-efficiency storage units rarely exceed 0.80. That translates into annual utility-bill savings of roughly 20–45 % for most Elora households, depending on usage patterns and the efficiency of the old tank being replaced.
What size and type of tankless water heater do I need, and can you help with the selection?
Absolutely. During a free in-home consultation we measure peak hot-water demand (number of fixtures, simultaneous uses), test incoming water temperature, and look at gas line or electrical service capacity. We then recommend: • Fuel type (natural gas, propane, or electric) • Required flow rate in LPM at a ∆T of 55 °C • Condensing vs. non-condensing technology • Venting method (direct-vent, concentric, or sidewall) • Optional accessories like scale-reduction filters for Elora’s moderately hard water. You’ll receive a written quote with at least two model options, efficiency ratings, warranty details, and projected operating costs.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
Most residential replacements take one working day. Our certified plumbers: 1) Safely drain and remove the old tank. 2) Upgrade gas line size or electrical breakers if necessary. 3) Mount the wall-hung tankless unit and connect water, gas/electric, condensate, and vent lines. 4) Program the controller and test flow, temperature, and combustion. 5) Obtain final inspection sign-off under Ontario Building Code (OBC) rules. We protect floors, clean the site, and haul away the old tank for recycling. Complex jobs—such as relocating the heater or adding recirculation piping—may take an extra day.
What maintenance is required for a tankless system and do you offer service plans?
To keep the heat exchanger efficient and preserve the warranty, manufacturers recommend an annual service that includes descaling (vinegar or citric-acid flush), filter cleaning, burner inspection, and software diagnostics. In areas with hard water like Centre Wellington, skipping descaling can reduce efficiency and void the warranty in as little as two years. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include the yearly flush, priority scheduling, reduced labour rates for repairs, and automatic email reminders, so you never have to worry about forgetting.