On-demand Hot Water
On-demand Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Kingston
Enjoy endless, energy-smart hot water right when you need it with HEP’s on-demand plumbing experts in Kingston. Our licensed technicians arrive on time, assess your home’s demand, and complete a seamless tankless water heater install that frees up space, lowers utility bills, and delivers a constant flow of perfectly heated water—no bulky tank, no waiting, no worries.
From the first phone call to the final test run, we handle everything: removing outdated equipment, upgrading gas or electric lines, hauling away debris, and standing behind our work with industry-leading warranties. Discover why Kingston homeowners trust HEP for reliable comfort and 24/7 service—schedule your install today and feel the hot-water difference tomorrow.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work and what makes it “on-demand”?
Unlike storage tanks that keep 150–250 L of water hot all day, a tankless (on-demand) unit contains high-efficiency burners or electric elements that sit idle until a hot-water tap is opened. A flow sensor instantly ignites the burner or powers the element, heating water as it passes through a heat exchanger. Because water is only heated when you need it, stand-by heat losses are eliminated and you get an endless supply of hot water without the bulky tank.
Is a tankless water heater suitable for Kingston’s cold winters?
Yes. Modern gas-fired and condensing tankless units are designed to handle incoming water temperatures as low as 2 °C, which is typical for Kingston in February. Our technicians size the unit based on the coldest ground-water temperature, desired outlet temperature (usually 49 °C), and simultaneous demand (e.g., shower + dishwasher). For extremely high-demand homes we can install either a larger unit (199 k Btu) or cascade two smaller units to guarantee stable flow even during a deep-freeze.
What is involved in a professional installation and how long does it take?
1. In-home assessment: We inspect gas line sizing, venting routes, electrical requirements, and water hardness. 2. Equipment selection & quote: You receive a fixed, itemized price including permits. 3. Installation day (4–8 hours): • Isolate and drain old tank. • Upgrade gas line to ¾″ or 1″ if required. • Run stainless-steel vent and fresh-air intake through an exterior wall. • Mount the compact heater, connect water lines with isolation valves, and install a condensate drain. • Commission the unit, set temperature, and test CO levels. 4. City of Kingston inspection: We arrange the permit inspection within 10 days. Most homes are back in hot water the same afternoon.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills compared to a traditional tank water heater?
Natural Resources Canada reports that an ENERGY STAR® condensing tankless unit is 30–45 % more efficient than a standard atmospheric-vent tank. In a typical Kingston household using 225 m³ of natural gas for water heating each year, that translates into $90–$140 in annual savings at current Enbridge rates. Over a 15-year lifespan the heater can save $1,500–$2,100, which offsets most of the higher upfront cost. Electric tankless models also cut standby losses but savings depend on Hydro One time-of-use rates.
What size (flow rate) tankless water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing is based on the total gallons-per-minute (GPM) you expect to use at peak times and the temperature rise required. For example, a Kingston family of four might run one shower (2.0 GPM), a sink (1.0 GPM) and a washing machine (1.5 GPM) simultaneously: 4.5 GPM total. With winter groundwater at 42 °F (5.5 °C) and a target of 120 °F (49 °C), you’d need a temperature rise of 77 °F (43 °C). A 180 k Btu condensing unit provides about 5 GPM at that rise, which is perfect. Our estimator performs these calculations for you and recommends the right model; oversizing wastes money, undersizing causes lukewarm showers.
What maintenance and warranty coverage should I expect after installation?
Tankless heaters last 18–20 years when maintained properly. • Annual maintenance: Flush the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove limescale (more often if Kingston’s water hardness exceeds 10 gpg). Clean the inlet filter and check the condensate trap. • Homeowner tasks: Keep exterior vent and intake free of snow and debris. • Warranty: Leading brands we install (Navien, Rinnai, Noritz) include 15 yr heat-exchanger, 5 yr parts, and 1 yr labour coverage; we extend labour to 3 yrs on all full installations. Registration within 30 days is handled by our office. We offer an inexpensive maintenance plan that schedules yearly service and preserves the manufacturer’s warranty.