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Francis Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides top-tier water heater services throughout Ottawa including water heater installations, water heater repairs and water heater maintenance services. No matter if you have a hot water tank or a tankless water heater our experts can handle it all. We’re also proud to have both plumbers and HVAC technicians on our team making our team uniquely qualified to work with water heaters, as well as to provide boiler services such as boiler repairs and boiler tune-ups. You can count on our team, with over 90 years of experience we have the knowledge to get the job done right! Since 1933 we’ve been proudly serving the Ottawa area including Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, and Vanier.
There are many options for water heaters on the market today from the classic, reliable storage water tanks to the modern, compact tankless water heaters. Some homes even use what’s called a combi boiler to provide both heating and hot water to the home. We outline all these options below to help you select the right equipment for your home and your family.
A water heater provides your home with hot water by burning fuel like natural gas or propane or by using electricity. This hot water is then distributed throughout the home through your plumbing. There are several types of water heaters, and the right one for you depends on your home, budget, hot water use and desired level of efficiency.
A water heater tank (also called a storage tank water heater or hot water tank) is the most common type of water heater in Ottawa. As the name suggests a water heater tank is a large tank that holds a certain volume of water. Equipped with a heating element, thermostat, and insulation to minimize heat loss, these heaters maintain a preset water temperature, allowing hot water to be readily available for use.
Water heater tanks take up more space than other types of water heaters (such as tankless water heaters) however, they remain the standard choice for Ottawa homeowners due to their affordability and reliability.
Common water heater tank sizes include 30, 40, 50 and 75 gallons.
If you have questions about water heater tanks or are looking to buy a hot water heater tank – Call us today!
A tankless water heater (also called an on-demand water heater, instant water heater or continuous water heater) is a system that heats water only when needed, eliminating the need for a storage tank. Tankless heaters use high-powered burners or electric coils to heat water on-demand as it flows through the unit. This means that tankless water heaters are more energy efficient because they only use energy when called on, whereas a water heater tank will use energy all the time even if no hot water is used.
These compact wall-hung water heaters are loved by many Ottawa homeowners for a couple reasons: you save on energy, you save space and you get an unlimited supply of hot water. Tankless water heater are however more expensive than the typical hot water tank.
If you have questions about installing or repairing a tankless water heater in Ottawa – Call us today!
A combi boiler (short for combination boiler) is a compact heating system that serves both the central heating and hot water needs of a home in a single unit. This space-saving design not only provides instant hot water but also reduces energy consumption by heating only the water needed, making combi boilers a practical and efficient choice for homes with limited space and varying heating requirements.
Combi boilers are a great option for Ottawa homeowners who currently heat their homes with standard boilers or for those interested in installing in-floor heating.
If you have questions about boilers or are looking to get a new boiler – Call us today!
The vast majority of water heaters in Ottawa and throughout Canada are powered by natural gas. This is because natural gas was the most affordable heating fuel choice for many decades and is more efficient than its predecessors like oil. However, this has started to change with the introduction of the Canadian Federal Carbon Tax and instability in fossil fuel supply and cost. The Carbon Tax is set to triple in the next seven years and with it increase monthly utility bills for water heaters powered by fossil fuels such as natural gas and propane. It’s worth keeping these economic conditions in mind when selecting a new water heater.
Natural gas hot water tanks are the most common water heaters installed in Ottawa. This is because natural gas has been the most affordable fuel option in Ottawa for decades however, it’s important to keep in mind that utility bills on these water heaters will continue to rise as the Carbon Tax does.
If you have questions about gas hot water tanks or are looking to buy a water heater in Ottawa – Call us today!
Propane is a popular option on the outskirts of Ottawa such as Stittsville, Carp and Manotick, where natural gas isn’t available yet. It is more expensive than natural gas but still generally more affordable than electricity. As noted above the price of propane will continue to rise as the Carbon Tax does.
The homeowner must also work with a utility provider to ensure the propane is stored safely and refilled on a regular basis.
If you have questions about propane water heaters or are looking to buy a hot water heater in Ottawa – Call us today!
Electric water heaters are becoming a much more appealing option for Ottawa homeowners as the Carbon Tax continues to increase to cost of fossil fuels.
If you have questions about electric water heaters or are looking to buy a hot water heater in Ottawa – Call us today!
At Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling we do not believe that water heater rental contracts are in the best interest of Ottawa homeowners which is why we do not offer rental contracts. The long-term trust of our customers is our number one goal and we want to enable you to make the smartest choice for your home and your budget!
The issue with renting your water heater is that monthly fees add up quickly over time, especially when you consider that a typical water heater lasts for 10 years. The reality is that with most rental contracts, you will have paid the same amount as an upfront purchase by year 8 but you will have to continue renting for the rest of the equipment’s life. Most analysis shows that buying can cost up to 35% less than renting, even including a maintenance plan! Ultimately, when presented with the option to buy, especially if financing is available, it is almost always more wise to purchase new equipment as opposed to renting.
Have more questions about the best way to purchase a new water heater? Give us a call! Our HVAC & water heater experts will be happy to walk you through all the details and help you select the best equipment for your home.
| Rent | Buy | Finance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros: | - Low upfront cost. - Maintenance and protection plan included in one monthly payment. | - Lowest cost over time. - Choice of many maintenance & protection plans at different price points. - The maintenance plan can be changed at any time and is not tied to your equipment. Adds to the value of your home. | - Lower upfront cost than buying. - Lower cost over time than renting. - Choice of many maintenance & protection plans at different price points. - The maintenance plan can be changed at any time and is not tied to your equipment. - Adds to the value of your home. |
| Cons: | Highest cost over time. Never-ending monthly fee. No choice of maintenance plan or provider. Does not add to the value of the home and the contract must be transferred on the sale of the home. | High upfront cost. | Monthly fee for a fixed period of time. |
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To help you select the best hot water system for your home we recommend scheduling a FREE consultation with a Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling water heater expert. During the consultation, the advisor will review the following with you:
Schedule a free in-home consultation with a professional comfortable advisor to get start started:
Regular water heater maintenance is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the system. Over time, sediment buildup and corrosion can occur within the tank, decreasing efficiency and increasing the risk of breakdown. Periodic flushing of the tank helps prevent sediment accumulation and increases the lifespan of your equipment. That’s why at Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we offer a comprehensive water heater maintenance plan. Our skilled technicians will clean, inspect, and fine-tune your hot water heater to ensure it operates efficiently and reliably year-round. This will not only extend the life of your water heater but also save you on energy bills and reduce unexpected breakdowns and repairs. Don’t wait for problems to arise, keep your HVAC equipment in top condition with our GOLD Maintenance Plans.
As a GOLD member, you become our priority, receiving discounted rates for maintenance and additional discounts for water heater repairs and other services.
Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling – your Ottawa water heater experts – to learn more today!
We know hot water is a necessity that’s why we offer after-hours emergency water heater repair services at no extra cost! If you have no hot water in your Ottawa home, call us now!
At Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling we specialize in water heater repairs and boiler repairs. Since we have both plumbers and HVAC technicians on our team we are uniquely qualified to work with these systems. Whether you need hot water tank repairs, tankless water heater repairs or boiler repairs our team of experts can do it all!
Just like any mechanical system, water heaters can encounter problems over time. Regular maintenance and timely water heater repairs will extend your system’s lifespan. Here are some of the common water heater repair issues that homeowners may come across:
| Symptom | Troubleshooting Tips | Possible Repairs |
|---|---|---|
| No Hot Water/Too Cold | Check electrical panel and reset circuit breakers if necessary | May require immediate replacement heating element |
| Reset the high-temperature limit on the water heater | ||
| Water Temperature Too Hot | Turn off power to water heater | Use screwdriver to adjust set screw |
| Adjust thermostat temperature to a maximum of 120°F | ||
| Inadequate Hot Water | Adjust usage habits based on household needs | May require longer term replacement heating element |
| Install low flow showerhead(s) | ||
| Water Heater Leaking | Tighten loose inlet or outlet pipes with a wrench | Make require valve replacement |
| Inspect and repair leaking valves or plumbing connections | If tank is badly corroded may require replacement | |
| Inspect tank for signs of corrosion |
Water heaters typically last for 10-15 years however, this can vary depending on the type of water heater, the quality of installation and the frequency of maintenance. Regular maintenance and proper care can extend the lifespan of a water heater. – Learn more about water heater maintenance
Draining your water heater annually is generally recommended to remove sediment buildup that can affect its efficiency and lifespan. However, some water heaters may require more attention and others less due to factors such as the hardness of the water and the type of water heater. It’s best to consult with a water heater expert about your system’s specific needs.
Signs that your water heater may be reaching the end of its life include reduced hot water supply, unusual fluctuations in water temperature, unusual noises such as banging or rumbling, visible signs of corrosion or rust on the tank, leaks or puddles around the unit, and increased energy bills. Regular maintenance and proper care can extend the lifespan of a water heater. – Learn more about water heater maintenance
For immediate service, please use our live chat or call us at (613) 224-0041.
Since 1933, Francis Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been Ottawa’s trusted provider of HVAC and Plumbing services including installations, repairs & maintenance for furnaces, air-conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. We offer after hours emergency HVAC repair services at no extra cost in Ottawa and surrounding areas including Barrhaven, Orléans, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, and Stittsville. Contact us for all your HVAC and Plumbing needs!
894 Boyd Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K2A 2E3
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