Toronto winters can be brutally cold. And during those cold months, having an efficient and reliable water heating system is crucial. If your Toronto home currently has a traditional tank water heater, you may want to consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters, especially high-efficiency condensing models like those from Navien, offer significant benefits for Toronto homeowners compared to traditional tank heaters. In this article, we’ll explore why Navien tankless water heaters are a great choice for homes in Toronto and provide an overview of cost, installation, maintenance and more.
Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater?
Endless Hot Water
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, so you'll never run out of hot water again. This makes them well-suited for larger homes with multiple bathrooms. With a tank heater, long showers and multiple uses can lead to the hot water running out partway through. But with a tankless heater, the hot water never ends.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless heaters only heat water as needed, rather than maintaining a full tank of hot water 24/7. This leads to greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reducing your carbon footprint. Navien condensing tankless models have efficiency ratings up to 0.96 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).
Space Savings
Tankless heaters are compact and mount on your wall, taking up very little space. This frees up floor space compared to a large tank water heater.
Long Lifespan
The average tank water heater lasts 10-15 years, while tankless heaters can last 20 years or longer. High-end Navien models have dual stainless steel heat exchangers designed for durability. You’ll avoid having to frequently replace failed tank heaters.
Zoned Heating
With tankless, it's easier to set up zoned water heating for different areas of your home. This allows you to only heat water where and when it's needed.
Why Choose Navien Tankless Water Heaters?
Navien is one of the top brands of tankless water heaters in North America. They manufacture high-quality condensing and non-condensing tankless models to suit any home's needs. Here are some key reasons to consider Navien for your Toronto home:
Innovative Technology
Navien builds cutting-edge technology into their tankless water heaters. For example, their flagship NPE-A2 condensing models utilize an intelligent preheating feature to optimize performance and efficiency.
High Efficiency Ratings
As mentioned previously, Navien condensing models like the NPE-A2 series have UEF ratings as high as 0.96. This is significantly more efficient than traditional tank water heaters. You'll reap the savings on your energy bills.
Durable Build Quality
Key components like the heat exchanger and burner use stainless steel construction. This leads to increased longevity and resistance to corrosion or failure. Owners can expect up to 20 years of reliable service.
ComfortFlow® Recirculation
Many Navien tankless models include the ComfortFlow system with an integrated recirculation pump and buffer tank. This provides hot water more quickly while eliminating cold water sandwiches at taps.
NaviCleanTM Self-Cleaning
Select Navien models have a built-in NaviClean acid cleaning system. It reduces mineral scale buildup that can damage the heat exchanger. This makes maintenance easier.
Wide Range of Sizing
Navien offers tankless models with a wide range of hot water output capabilities. This makes it easy to find the right size heater for your home's needs based on factors like household size and peak demand.
Residential and Commercial Models
Navien manufactures tankless models suited for both residential and commercial applications. So whether it's a single-family home or multi-unit apartment building, they have you covered.
Cost of Navien Tankless Water Heaters
One question we're often asked is "How much does a Navien tankless water heater cost installed?" Here's a breakdown of the costs:
Equipment Cost: The tankless unit itself ranges from $1000-$2000 depending on the capacity and features. Condensing models sit at the higher end.
Installation Cost: You'll need professional installation by a licensed plumber. This often costs $1000-$3000 depending on the complexity of the job.
Total Installed Cost: On average, expect to pay $2000-$5000 for a complete Navien tankless water heater installation.
While tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost compared to tanks, they make up for it through utility bill savings and long-term value. With energy-efficient operation and lifespan of up to 20 years, a Navien tankless heater is a smart investment that pays dividends for years to come.
Rebates and Tax Credits
To offset some of the upfront cost, homeowners may be eligible for rebates, incentives, and tax credits for installing an ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency tankless water heater. Navien can help determine what programs are available in your area.
How to Size Your Navien Tankless Heater
One mistake homeowners sometimes make is undersizing their tankless heater for their home's hot water demand. This results in inadequate hot water in high usage situations.
To select the properly sized Navien tankless model, you’ll need to consider:
Number of bathrooms
Number of showers running simultaneously
Peak demand times
Flow rate of fixtures
Incoming groundwater temperature
Navien provides an online sizing tool called NaviSizer to calculate the optimal size based on your inputs. Or consult with your Navien installer to ensure you get the appropriately sized tankless heater.
As a general guideline for Toronto area homes:
1-2 bathrooms: opt for a 140,000 - 200,000 BTU model
3 bathrooms: look at a 200,000 - 250,000 BTU model
4+ bathrooms: better to go with a 250,000+ BTU model
But again, use an accurate sizing calculation rather than rules of thumb. A tankless heater that’s too small can lead to frustration down the road.
Installing a Navien Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater is best left to qualified professionals. Improper installation can result in dangerous gas leaks or combustion issues.
Here are key steps involved in installing a Navien tankless unit:
Select an appropriate indoor or outdoor location to mount the unit.
Disconnect and remove the old water heater.
Install new water lines to connect to the tankless inlet and outlet.
Install proper exhaust venting for combustion gases.
Connect the gas and water lines.
Wire the electrical connection with proper circuit breaker.
Configure the digital control panel and system settings.
Perform test operation and check for leaks.
Navien provides detailed installation manuals for their tankless models. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and get all necessary permits.
Also pay special attention to the venting requirements. Tankless heaters generally require special 3" or 4” Category III stainless steel venting. Improper venting is one of the most common tankless installation issues.
Maintaining and Servicing Your Navien Tankless
While tankless water heaters are reliable, they do require some annual maintenance to keep performing optimally. Here are key maintenance tasks:
Flushing: Annual flushing removes scale-building minerals from the heat exchanger. For hard water, biannual flushing may be needed.
Descaling: Using Navien’s scale-removal products yearly will descale the heat exchanger. This prevents reduced performance and damage from mineral deposits.
Inspection: A technician should inspect the gas lines, water filters, venting, and components. They can clean or replace parts as needed.
Software: Check for any updated computer software for your model and install the latest version.
Outdoor Units: Outdoor tankless models need the exterior housing cleaned and rain protection filters checked.
Leak Checks: Technicians should check for any leaks in the gas, water and venting connections. Detecting leaks early prevents major issues down the road.
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and using a qualified service technician will keep your Navien tankless heater running optimally for years to come.
Why Work With Bold Plumbing & Heating for Navien Installations and Service?
If you’re considering upgrading to a Navien tankless water heater, the licensed professionals at Bold Plumbing & Heating have the expertise to help. Here’s how we provide the best Navien service for Toronto area homeowners:
Authorized Navien Pro Partner: We are specially certified as Navien installation and service experts.
Licensed and Insured: You’re protected with our licensed technicians and full insurance coverage.
Wide Service Area: We serve customers with Navien installations and maintenance throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Navien tankless water heaters offer a modern, efficient solution for homes in the Toronto area looking to upgrade beyond traditional tank heaters. Key benefits like endless hot water, energy savings, and long-term reliability make Navien an excellent choice. Homeowners can select from their line of innovative condensing and non-condensing models to find the right tankless heater for their needs.
Working with For Saving Home Service Inc. - One of the Best HVAC Companies in Toronto. to Upgrade your Water Heater Today!
Comments