Tank or tankless?
A tank water heater is cheaper to buy, simple, and fine for most families. A tankless unit heats water on demand, never runs out, uses less gas because it isn't keeping 50 gallons hot all night, and frees up floor space, but costs more up front and often needs a larger gas line. If your family regularly runs out of hot water, or you're renovating the mechanical room anyway, tankless is worth the difference. If not, a good tank is the sensible choice. We'll tell you which.
Stop renting your water heater
Many homes in our area still rent their water heater for a monthly fee that adds up to far more than the unit is worth over its life, plus buyout fees written into the contract. We'll read your rental agreement, tell you what it costs to buy out or return the unit, and quote a replacement you own outright. In most cases the new unit pays for itself in three to five years compared with continuing to rent.
Warning signs
Rusty or discoloured hot water, rumbling or popping from the tank, water pooling at the base, hot water that runs out faster than it used to, or a tank older than ten years. Any of these means the tank is on borrowed time. A slow leak from the tank itself can't be repaired, and replacing it on your schedule beats replacing it after it lets go on the basement floor.
