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Here’s all the details on our program, types of water heaters, and new legislation that could affect you. Either scroll through this section or use the links below to navigate to the information you are most interested in.

Deciding Whether to Buy or Rent Your Water Heater

New Legislation for Water Heaters

Flammable Vapour Water Heater Tanks

Deciding Whether to Buy or Rent Your Water Heater

Before deciding whether to rent or purchase a natural gas water heater, you should be sure that you are comparing “apples to apples” in terms of unit size and type, additional or hidden costs, service, and more.

Comparing Costs and Responsibilities

*If special installation or venting upgrades are required, or if the plumbing must be changed to meet current code, charges may apply.

**As a courtesy, the Installer will remove your old tank and put it outside if you have regular garbage pick-up.

Selecting the Right Tank for Your Home

When you’re selecting a tank, make sure the model you choose is adequate for the needs of your home and your family. Too small, and you might not have enough capacity. Too big, and you’ll be paying for capacity you don’t use. If you decide to upgrade or downgrade your water heater after we have installed it, the installation cost of the replacement unit will be reflected on your Kitchener Utilities bill.

The column on the left will help you identify the size and venting type you require in a natural gas water heater. Kitchener Utilities can assist you in determining the appropriate model and venting type for your needs.

Compare the cost of purchasing or renting once you determine the size of water heater that's right for your household needs.

Types of Natural Gas Water Heaters

Depending on the size, configuration, and construction of your home, you may require a specific type of unit. Location of the gas water heater and the proximity to exterior walls or chimney are important factors. There are four main types of gas water heaters:

• Conventional (REG) – Used when there is an existing chimney and the heater can be vented to the outside through the chimney.
• Power Vented (PV) – Vents to the outside through a wall in the home when there is no existing chimney. It can be located up to 50 feet from an outside wall. A blower motor is located on top of the water heater to vent gases to the outside. This type of tank requires electricity to operate the blower motor.
• Direct Vented (DV) – If located within 8 feet of an exterior wall, it can be vented horizontally through the outside wall. This unit does not require a blower motor and uses outside air for combustion.
• Combination Vented (COMBO) – Uses a domestic water heater to provide efficient space heating and to supply hot water for domestic purposes. Used with Air Handlers for home heating.

See Rental Water Heater Rates for unit descriptions and costs.

Note: Installation costs could vary considerably depending on the type of unit and venting requirements. We’re happy to send a qualified contractor to inspect your home and suggest the right unit and the necessary installation/venting required. If you install a new conventional natural gas rental water heater where there is a chimney that is not being used to vent your furnace, you may be eligible for $210.00 towards a chimney liner. Call us at 519-741-2626 for more details or to request an inspection.

New Legislation for Water Heaters 

Federal and provincial legislation regarding all new water heaters is geared to increasing both their safety and efficiency in two ways:

1. All homes must have an anti-scald mixing valve to regulate the temperature of hot water. A legislated new safety measure, this valve will reduce the risk of burns and scalding. This anti-scald valve will mix your hot and cold water to ensure that the water coming out of your taps does not go above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C).
   
   Kitchener Utilities' rental water heaters include an anti-scald valve rental. The rental rate for the anti-scald valve is $1/month plus applicable tax. Please note: Tankless water heaters do not require an anti-scald valve as they internally regulate the temperature of hot water released.

Please see the Rental Water Heater Frequently Asked Questions for more information about anti-scald mixing valves.

To learn more about this legislative change, visit the 2006 Ontario Building Code, Subsection 7.6.5. of Division B.

2. Water heaters are becoming more efficient and safer. Some new tanks that came out in early 2005 are better insulated to be more efficient and reduce your natural gas consumption. Some tanks* are the new Flammable Vapour tanks, which have built-in safety measures to reduce the risk of combustion if flammable substances are mistakenly released near the water heater.

* 40R and 50R type tanks have been flammable vapour tanks since early 2005.

Flammable Vapour Water Heater Tanks: Understanding Your Options

Since the Spring of 2005, some new conventional vented water heaters have been equipped with flammable vapour technology to increase safety. These tanks are also better insulated than older style tanks – so they can cut your energy costs. The National Research Council has estimated the savings as a result of the higher efficiency water heaters at about $1.67 per month.

These new tanks cost more to produce. If you’re considering buying one of these new tanks, you can expect the purchase price to be substantially greater than for an older style of tank. We are working to keep the rental cost of these new, safer tanks as low as possible. If you choose to rent your flammable vapour tank from us, your water heater rental cost will increase by less than $2.75/month (+ 5% GST) compared to an older style tank. Please see the Rental Water Heater Frequently Asked Questions for more information about flammable vapour tanks.