Maintenance & More
Water Heaters
Endless hot water from a tankless unit, or a properly installed tank that just works. Either way, sized to how your household actually uses it.
Running out of hot water halfway through a shower, rusty water, a tank that's rumbling or leaking at the base, or a water heater that's simply old: these are the usual reasons people call us. Kelvin Heating & Cooling installs and replaces gas tank water heaters and tankless units, and we'll help you choose based on your family's hot water use, your venting options and your budget.
Water heater options
- Conventional gas tanks — simple and affordable, vented into an existing chimney where that venting is still suitable.
- Power-vented tanks — a fan pushes exhaust through PVC pipe out a side wall, useful when the chimney is gone or no longer suitable.
- Tankless (on-demand) — heats water as you use it, so it doesn't run out, and frees up floor space. Sizing depends on how many fixtures run at once.
- Combi boilers — one unit for home heating and hot water, see boiler services.
What we check on every install
- Sizing. Household size, fixtures and peak use, so the tank or tankless unit keeps up.
- Venting. Chimney condition, or a new PVC vent route for power-vented and tankless units.
- Gas supply. Tankless units need a larger gas supply, which we check before quoting.
- Safety. Relief valve and discharge line, expansion tank where needed, and proper clearances.
- Removal. The old tank is drained and taken away.
Signs it's time to replace
Water pooling around the base, rust-coloured hot water, rumbling or popping from sediment, and hot water that runs out faster than it used to are the most common signs. A leaking tank should be replaced soon, before it fails completely and floods the basement. If your tank is older than its warranty, it's worth planning the replacement now.
Rented tanks are common in Ontario. If yours is a rental, check the buyout or return terms with your rental company before replacing it. When we replace a furnace that shared a chimney with the water heater, we check the water heater's venting at the same time.
What affects the cost of water heaters
Water heater costs depend on type and capacity. Conventional atmospheric tanks cost the least, power-vented tanks more, and tankless units more again. Venting changes are a common difference between quotes: a new PVC route, a chimney liner or capping an unused flue. Tankless units may need a larger gas line and a dedicated outlet. Expansion tanks, shut-off valves, drain pans and haul-away of the old tank are included or listed in your quote.
Water Heaters questions
Is tankless worth it?
If you run out of hot water often, want the floor space or plan to stay in the house a long time, it often is. Upfront cost is higher, and the gas line may need upgrading.
How long do water heaters last?
Tanks commonly last around 8 to 12 years, depending on water quality and maintenance. Tankless units usually last longer with annual descaling.
Do you replace rented water heaters?
We can install a water heater you own. If your current one is rented, check the return or buyout terms with your rental provider first.
Where we offer water heaters
We provide water heaters for homeowners in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Comfort you don't have to think about.
See a ballpark for a new system in about a minute, or book a home visit for a written, itemized quote.