Water Heaters

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Upgrading or servicing your hot water heater? Call 4 Seasons

Every hot water tank manufacturer claims they offer the best solution. What heating type — gas, oil or electric heat (and recently, solar and heat pump versions have been added to the mix) — is a common question that is a continual source of debate. Having installed and serviced thousands of hot water heating systems over the decades, we know each has pros and cons. Another question is whether a tankless (or instantaneous hot water) system is a better option than a conventional storage-type hot water tank. The answer to these questions basically comes down to the kind of setup you have now and how much you want to change. Here are some common issues and advantages you’ll want to consider.

Provided you have the proper wiring and breakers available, electric hot water tanks can be installed in any room with ease, because they don’t require intake fuel pipes or venting. They also last longer because there’s no flame corroding the bottom of the inner tank. Electric hot water tanks often have large storage volumes. We can help you work through the options.

Here in Southeastern BC, our predominantly hydro-powered electricity supply means electric hot water tanks tend to be a greener solution than gas or oil-fired ones. That’s because there’s no emissions from an electric system, no need to have fuel delivered or stored in a tank, and no pollution. Going further, solar or heat pump-driven hot water systems reduce your power needs, resulting in even greater carbon savings. Their relatively high initial costs can be somewhat offset by government rebates . Consider this if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. Get in touch for assistance.

Tankless hot water systems are an exciting innovation increasingly common in new home constructions and renovations. These systems heat water on demand instead of storing it in a tank, reducing heat lost through the tank walls and water pipe. Newer gas-fired units are highly efficient, handle large volumes of water, are less likely to fail than a conventional tank, and last up to 4 times longer. Government grants are available to offset some of this initial cost. Talk to us to learn more.

If you have a boiler in your home, you can upgrade to a new hybrid system that saves you money by heating your hot water and providing home heating all in one.
Talk to us about the merits of an integrated system.