Frequently Asked Questions about Your Water Heater
Do you have a question about the safety, reliability or efficiency of your water heater? Check out our collection of frequently asked questions, below. These represent the more common queries our service advisors hear about water heater rentals.
The answers provided are direct from our in-house experts, with a little help from Natural Resources Canada at www.nrcan.gc.ca. If you have a different question, or would like more information, call a Utilities Kingston service advisor at 613-546-1181, extension 2285. We’d be glad to assist.
My water heater is 15 years old. It is still functioning well, but I am concerned about its efficiency. Should I switch to a new water heater?
Water heaters account for 17 percent of the energy consumed in the average Canadian home. However, newer models of traditional water heaters have improved their energy efficiency by only about five per cent. While there is little in the way of energy savings to be gained by switching to a newer model, when it's time to replace a water heater, rent ENERGY STAR to be sure you’re getting a high efficiency product.
There are many effective free or inexpensive measures you can take to save on water heating energy consumption. To learn ways you can start saving today, check out the FAQ that follows.
How can I save on water heating energy consumption?
There are many effective free or inexpensive measures you can take to save on water heating costs.
Insulate water pipes.
Install pipe insulation on an electrically-heated tank around as much of the incoming cold water pipe and the outgoing copper hot water pipe as you can conveniently access.
Safety reminders: Gas water heater pipes should only be insulated by a professional. Never insulate plastic water heater pipes as they can overheat.
Maintain a moderate tank temperature.
Gas-fired water heaters are easy to adjust. They have a temperature control on the outside that can be adjusted by turning it away from the “very hot” setting. Because there are usually no numbers stated on this dial, you will have to retest the water temperature several hours after the adjustment.
Adjusting the temperature of an electric water heater will usually be more difficult. You may want to consider having a qualified service person make any adjustments.
Use an insulating jacket for an electric water heater tank.
Safety reminder: Do not add insulation on the outside of a gas- or oil-fired water heater.
Set a timer and use off-peak electricity to heat water.
Turn off your water heater if your home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time.
Reduce the amount of heated water consumed by your family:
Take a shower instead of a bath. Use our five minute shower timers to help family members take shorter showers and save on water heating cost.
- Utilities Kingston shower timer.
- Reduce the water flow while you soap up or apply shampoo.
- Turn the hot water down or off while you shave or wash dishes.
- Wash and rinse clothes in cold water.
- Green energy hero on washer and dryer.
- Install water-saving shower heads.
Install water-saving aerators on the kitchen and bathroom faucets. Ask us for a free water and energy conservation kit, which includes water-saving aerators. Just call 613-546-0000 and say “Conservation”.
Be aware: know how your household uses hot water and then view our energy and water conservation tips. To learn more ways to save water, energy and money - or to get your free shower timer and conservation kit - contact a Utilities Kingston conservation expert today. Just call 613-546-0000 and say “Conservation”.
Will I save energy by switching to a tankless model?
A tankless water heater has a gas burner that heats flowing water and does not have a storage tank.
Singles and small families can potentially save energy using a tankless water heater. However, if turned on and off frequently in a day, a tankless water heater can be more energy draining and costly than stored hot water tanks. Therefore, we don’t typically recommend them for larger families.
If you’re concerned about the heat dissipating from a traditional tank that stores hot water, consider this: during 6-8 months out of the year, this heat is dissipating into a space that you are already trying to heat up, so it’s not truly lost.
Is the venting pipe for my water heater up to code?
Gas- and oil-fired water heaters require proper venting to safely remove combustion gases.
When we install a water heater, our certified installer ensures that the venting is safe and up to current building code. Code changes from time-to-time, but your venting will remain in compliance until it is time to replace your water heater. At that time, your venting may be need to updated to present-day provincial natural gas code.
What’s the deal with this mixing valve?
In accordance with Ontario Building Code, a mixing valve is required at either the outlet of the heater, or at each individual fixture. The device is intended to cool the water as it leaves the device, to prevent occupants from scalding.
Are there any fees not included in the installation of my water heater?
Utilities Kingston provides an installation allowance for water heater rentals. Generally, this covers the cost of installing the unit. However, additional costs may incur for the installation of the venting pipe and mixing valve. Ask your installer up-front to provide you with any costs that might not be covered by the allowance.
It takes a long time for my shower to heat up. Is there something wrong with my water heater?
Typically this is due to the location of your water heater with respect to your shower. Often water heaters are installed in one end of the house, while bathrooms are located in the opposite end of the home. It takes time for the hot water to travel from your water heater, through your home’s plumbing before it reaches your shower.
If you are involved with new construction, carefully consider the location of your water heater to minimize the distance hot water travels through your pipes.
Where can I find a list of local installers?
A list of installers used by Utilities Kingston is available from our website. You may wish to contact an installer yourself, or alternatively, we can book the install for you. Call us at 613-546-1181, extension 2285.
How do I determine the right size water heater for my household?
The most effective method to determine the right size of tank is to consider if your existing tank meets your needs. If it does not (there are times when you run out of hot water) or if you do not have past experience to guide you, try to estimate your hot water needs. Here's some help from home-water-works.org and energy.gov.
Hot water use varies depending on the number of people in your home and the types of appliances that are installed, as well as how your family uses them. Some types of appliances, such as large soaker tubs and whirlpool tubs require a lot of hot water when they are used, but they may be used only infrequently.
Contact a Utilities Kingston service advisor for help choosing the right water heater for your needs at 613-546-1181, extension 2285