From morning showers and washing dishes to laundry and general cleaning, homeowners depend on their water heating systems throughout the year. However, traditional storage water heaters can become inconvenient when a household frequently runs out of hot water or needs to replace an ageing tank
Tankless water heaters provide an alternative by heating water on demand instead of storing a large volume inside a tank. Modern condensing systems can deliver a continuous supply of hot water within their rated capacity while using a compact wall-mounted design.
Professional tankless water heater installation in Ontario involves selecting the right appliance, calculating household hot water demand, checking the gas supply and ensuring compliant venting and drainage.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
A conventional storage water heater maintains a tank of heated water that is ready for household use. Once that supply is depleted, the system needs time to heat additional water.
A tankless water heater operates differently. When a hot water tap opens, cold water flows through the appliance's heat exchanger. A gas burner heats the water as it passes through the system.
Because the equipment does not store a large volume of hot water, there is less standby heat loss associated with maintaining a storage tank.
Tankless Water Heater Installation and Replacement
Installing a tankless water heater requires an assessment of the property's existing plumbing and gas infrastructure. The appliance must be sized according to the household's peak hot water demand rather than the number of people alone.
Professional installation includes evaluating the gas line, venting route, electrical supply, condensate drainage and hot and cold water connections.
When replacing a conventional storage tank, the existing gas line may require modification because tankless equipment can have a higher instantaneous gas demand. Venting materials and drainage arrangements must also be suitable for the selected model.
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Models
EHI Heating And Cooling is an authorised Rinnai dealer offering condensing tankless water heater options for Ontario homeowners.
Rinnai RX160iN
The Rinnai RX160iN is a condensing tankless water heater with a 0.97 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating and a published maximum flow capacity of approximately 9 gallons per minute under specified conditions.
It may be suitable for many two-bathroom households, depending on simultaneous fixture usage and incoming water temperature.
Rinnai RX199iN
The Rinnai RX199iN is a higher-capacity condensing model with a 0.98 UEF rating and a published maximum flow capacity of approximately 11.1 gallons per minute under specified conditions.
It may be appropriate for larger households with multiple bathrooms, larger tubs or several fixtures operating at the same time.
Natural Gas and Propane Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are available in fuel configurations designed for natural gas or propane. The selected appliance must be approved for the property's fuel supply and installed according to manufacturer specifications.
Before installation, a qualified technician should assess the gas meter, pipe sizing, operating pressure and the total gas demand of other connected appliances.
This assessment is particularly important when replacing a conventional water heater with a high-capacity tankless model.
Tankless Water Heater Repair and Maintenance
A tankless water heater can experience ignition faults, inconsistent water temperatures, reduced flow or electronic error codes. Professional diagnosis helps identify the actual cause rather than replacing components unnecessarily.
EHI provides tankless water heater repair and maintenance for Rinnai and other major brands.
No Hot Water
A complete loss of hot water can result from gas supply problems, ignition failure, sensor faults or an appliance safety lockout. A qualified technician should inspect the system before attempting repeated resets.
Error Codes and Ignition Failure
Modern tankless systems display diagnostic codes when they detect operating problems. These may involve ignition, flame detection, overheating, venting or fan operation.
The correct diagnostic procedure depends on the manufacturer and model. Technicians should test the relevant components before deciding which part requires repair.
Low Water Flow and Mineral Deposits
Ontario homeowners should be aware of mineral buildup in tankless heat exchangers. Hard water can gradually leave scale deposits inside the narrow water passages, reducing flow and affecting heat transfer.
Professional flushing and descaling can help remove these deposits and maintain normal operation.
Water Leakage and Condensate Problems
Water underneath a tankless heater may indicate a condensate drainage issue, loose connection, pressure relief valve problem or internal component failure. A technician should identify the source before recommending repairs.
Annual Descaling and Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Routine maintenance is particularly important for condensing tankless water heaters. Mineral deposits can accumulate inside the heat exchanger and gradually affect heating performance.
A professional annual maintenance visit may include:
- Flushing and descaling the heat exchanger.
- Removing and cleaning the cold-water inlet filter.
- Inspecting the burner and ignition components.
- Checking the flame rod and combustion fan.
- Inspecting intake and exhaust venting.
- Checking condensate drainage and neutraliser media.
- Reviewing diagnostic codes and temperature settings.
- Checking gas pressure and combustion performance.
Most Ontario homes benefit from annual descaling, although properties using very hard well water may require more frequent servicing. Manufacturer instructions should always determine the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Hot Water Recirculation Systems
Homes with bathrooms or kitchens located far from the water heater may experience delays before hot water reaches the tap. This happens because cooled water remains inside the plumbing lines between uses.
A compatible hot water recirculation arrangement can help reduce waiting time by circulating water through the system according to its design. Rinnai RX-series equipment supports recirculation configurations, subject to the selected installation setup.
Homeowners should discuss the plumbing layout, recirculation requirements and operating costs with their contractor before choosing an arrangement.
Professional Gas, Venting and Plumbing Installation
Tankless equipment requires appropriate gas supply, venting and drainage. Incorrect gas line sizing can affect burner operation, while improper venting can create serious safety risks.
Condensing models also produce condensate that must be drained correctly. Where necessary, a neutraliser is used to manage acidic condensate before it enters the drainage system.
Installation should be completed by appropriately qualified TSSA-certified gas technicians and follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable Ontario requirements.
Choosing a Tankless Water Heater Contractor in Ontario
Before arranging a new installation, homeowners should request a written quotation explaining the equipment model, capacity, gas requirements, venting materials, condensate drainage and warranty arrangements.
EHI Heating And Cooling offers Rinnai RX160iN and RX199iN tankless water heaters, along with repair, annual flushing and maintenance services across Ontario.
Homeowners in Whitchurch-Stouffville, Newmarket, Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill and other service areas can contact EHI Heating And Cooling to discuss their hot water requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tankless water heater provide unlimited hot water?
A correctly sized unit can provide continuous hot water while operating within its rated flow capacity. Excessive simultaneous demand can affect the available water temperature and flow.
How often should a tankless water heater be flushed?
Annual descaling is generally recommended for many Ontario homes. Properties with very hard well water may require more frequent servicing according to manufacturer recommendations.
What is the difference between the Rinnai RX160iN and RX199iN?
The RX199iN is the higher-capacity option, with a published maximum flow rate of approximately 11.1 GPM compared with approximately 9 GPM for the RX160iN under specified conditions.
Can a tankless water heater replace my existing storage tank?
Yes. A tankless unit can replace a conventional storage water heater, provided the gas supply, venting, plumbing and electrical requirements are suitable or can be upgraded.
Final Takeaway
Tankless water heaters offer Ontario homeowners an alternative to conventional storage tanks through on-demand hot water and a compact installation design. From Rinnai RX160iN and RX199iN equipment to natural gas and propane configurations, repair services, annual descaling and recirculation options, the right solution depends on household demand and existing infrastructure. Professional installation and regular maintenance help support dependable hot water throughout the year.
EHI Heating And Cooling, 4261 Bloomington Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 3Y6, Canada. Phone: (647) 694-5845.
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