Aldergrove

604.835.2777

Chilliwack

604.795.5777

24hr Emergency Service

Click to Call Dispatch

Instant Hot Water Systems / Hot Water On-Demand

We understand the frustration of running out of hot water or watching your energy bills climb each month.

Our Instant Hot Water services focus on installing and maintaining advanced tankless water heater systems (also known as on-demand hot water heaters) for homes throughout Chilliwack and Abbotsford.

That means you’ll enjoy a reliable supply of hot water exactly when you need it, with no wasted energy and no more surprise cold showers.

Canadian-Owned & Locally Operated Since 1969

Over 50 years of trusted service in Chilliwack & Abbotsford. We’re proud to be Canadian-owned and not a franchise or chain, deeply rooted in our community.

Expert, Certified
Technicians

Our skilled team includes Red Seal-certified technicians who ensure your instant hot water system is installed and serviced with precision and care. Quality workmanship is our standard.

Lower Energy Bills &
Endless Hot Water

High-efficiency tankless technology heats water on demand, significantly reducing your hot water energy usage (homeowners often save up to 30%) while delivering unlimited hot water to meet your family’s needs.

Transparent Service
& 24/7 Support

We provide clear, upfront quotes and honest advice with no surprises. Additionally, our team is available 24/7 for emergency service, ensuring you’re never left without hot water when it matters most.

Lower Cost, Less Space

Many homes use instant hot water systems not only for their economy, but for space preservation as well.

In small apartment units or single family homes that lack the required space to store a tank system, tankless hot water systems are a great option.

Many designs fit small spaces, so they won’t be in the way or take up precious storage space.

Instant Hot Water Systems can drastically decrease your heating bill.
Tankless hotwater system hot water on demand chilliwack HVAC

Enjoy Instant, Endless Hot Water Supply

Ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower?

With Alpine’s tankless instant hot water systems, that problem becomes a thing of the past. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you can shower, run the dishwasher, and do laundry all at once without ever running out of hot water.

There’s no bulky tank that can be depleted; hot water flows continuously for as long as you require it. Say goodbye to scheduling family showers or racing to be the first in the bathroom – your home in Chilliwack or Abbotsford will have a steady, on-demand hot water supply even on the busiest mornings.

This constant, reliable comfort is a game-changer for busy households and anyone who’s tired of those abrupt cold surprises.

How it Works

Instant hot water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water, and their tankless design means they don’t require storage space for a tank.

They come in both gas-powered and electric types. Gas-powered systems are fueled by propane or natural gas, and will require venting to the outside.

Tankless electric systems use an easy-to-replace, electric element, and require being hardwired to the circuit breaker or electrical panel.

For some large units, you may need to consider upgrading your electrical service.

Tankless hotwater system hot water on demand chilliwack HVAC
Tankless Hot Water on Demand Chilliwack

Save Space with a Compact Tankless Design

If you live in a smaller home or simply want to free up space in your utility area, an instant hot water system is an ideal solution.

Traditional water heaters come with a bulky 40- or 50-gallon tank that hogs floor space (often in your basement or closet) and can even become a flooding risk if the tank corrodes. In contrast, tankless units are compact – about the size of a suitcase – and mount on the wall, keeping your floor clear.

You’ll gain extra storage space and eliminate the worry of a rusty tank leaking gallons of water onto your floors. The sleek, wall-mounted design can be tucked into tight spaces, like a small closet or basement corner, so it’s out of sight and out of the way.

Not only do these modern systems save space, but many also come with innovative features. Select tankless models are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to monitor and control your hot water system remotely or integrate it with smart home systems.

Imagine setting your water heater to “vacation mode” from your phone, or getting an alert if maintenance is needed. It’s a modern convenience that pairs perfectly with the space-saving design. Overall, upgrading to a tankless system means a cleaner, safer, and more convenient home setup.

Energy-Efficient Technology That Lowers Your Bills

Older tank-style water heaters maintain a full tank of hot water 24/7 – even when you’re asleep or away – which wastes a significant amount of energy.

In contrast, a modern tankless unit only fires up when a hot water tap is opened. This on-demand heating means you’re not paying to heat water you aren’t using.

Homeowners in Chilliwack and Abbotsford are particularly concerned about rising utility bills, and rightfully so – energy prices continue to climb.

Switching to an instant hot water system can significantly lower your monthly costs. In fact, heating water accounts for roughly 30% of a home’s energy use, so eliminating all that standby heat loss can lead to noticeable savings on your BC Hydro or FortisBC gas bills.

Over time, those savings really add up, making a tankless system a smart investment for both your wallet and your comfort.

Beyond cost savings, using less energy for hot water is also gentler on the environment.

You’ll reduce your household’s carbon footprint by upgrading to a high-efficiency tankless heater. It’s a win-win: save money each month and feel good about using less energy without sacrificing your comfort.

Instant hot water system hvac chilliwack tankless abbotsford

Hot water
on-demand

Benefits of Instant Hot Water Systems

40_realestate_power_supply

Never Run Out of Hot Water

With Alpine Refrigeration, you’ll never have to choose between taking a piping hot shower, doing a load of laundry, or running the dishwasher.

Better Value Than a Tank

Tankless Water Heaters last up to twice as long, have twice the warranty, and save energy as they only heat water when it is needed.

Technology to further improve your lifestyle

Select models are Wi-Fi ready, allowing you to set hot water schedules or have it on demand, giving you hot water in seconds, not minutes, saving you time and reducing the water waste. They can also be integrated with your smart home technology for greater control.

Save Valuable Space

Small and mighty, the suitcase-sized wall units fit in tight, discrete spaces, freeing up more usable living area in your home. No more storing large quantities of water that could potentially leak on your floor.

Instant Hot Water Systems
Your Home’s Most Important Appliance
Think of how often you use hot water in your home. Whether for showers and baths, laundry and dishes, or pets and hand washing, your family needs a hot water system it can count on, every day, for years to come.

FAQ

An instant hot water system, also known as a tankless or on-demand water heater, is a type of water heating system that heats water only as it’s needed. Unlike a traditional water heater with a large storage tank, a tankless unit doesn’t store hot water. Instead, when you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit and is quickly heated by a gas burner or electric element. This means you get a continuous supply of hot water without running out, and the system uses energy more efficiently by heating water only on demand.
Instant hot water systems work by heating water on the fly whenever you need it. When you open a hot water faucet or start a hot-water-using appliance, cold water enters the tankless unit. A flow sensor detects the water and ignites a powerful gas burner or switches on an electric heating element. As the water passes through a heat exchanger, it’s rapidly heated to the set temperature and sent straight to your tap or shower. Once you turn off the hot water, the unit shuts down. This on-demand process ensures you’re only using energy to heat water when you actually need it, making tankless systems very efficient.
Instant hot water systems offer several great benefits for homeowners. First, they provide endless hot water – you won’t run out of hot water in the middle of a shower because there’s no fixed-size tank to empty. They’re also highly energy-efficient since they only heat water when you need it, which can lead to lower utility bills. Additionally, tankless units are compact and wall-mounted, so they save space in your home (no more bulky tank taking up room). They tend to have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters, and with no large tank, the risk of leaks or floods from a ruptured tank is eliminated. Overall, they deliver convenient, continuous hot water while saving energy and space.
Yes. Instant hot water systems (tankless water heaters) are designed to be very energy-efficient. Traditional tank heaters keep a large volume of water hot 24/7, wasting energy (and money) when you’re not using it. In contrast, a tankless system only uses energy at the moment hot water is needed. This elimination of standby heat loss means significantly less energy consumption – many homeowners notice a reduction in their gas or electric bills after switching to tankless. In fact, you could save around 30% on water heating costs because the unit isn’t constantly reheating water. By heating water on demand, instant hot water systems maximize efficiency and minimize waste, making them an eco-friendly choice as well.
No – with an instant hot water system, you won’t run out of hot water the way you can with a traditional tank. Tankless systems heat water continuously as long as a hot water tap is open, providing a virtually endless supply of hot water. You could take extended showers or back-to-back baths and still have hot water because there’s no fixed storage tank to deplete. The key is choosing the right size unit for your household needs, so it can keep up with your hot water demand. Under normal use, a properly sized instant hot water system will ensure you never experience a cold shower due to running out of hot water.
Yes, a well-sized instant hot water system can supply multiple fixtures at once, but there are limits to be aware of. Tankless water heaters are rated by how many gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water they can provide. If you have several hot water demands at the same time (for example, two showers running along with a dishwasher), the unit will divide its heating capacity among those outlets. High-quality, appropriately sized units can handle a couple of simultaneous uses (like a shower and a sink) without issue. However, if too many hot water taps are on at once and exceed the unit’s flow capacity, you might notice a drop in water temperature. The solution is to install a tankless heater that matches your peak hot water needs (or use more than one unit for very large homes) to ensure everyone gets hot water even during busy times.
Tankless hot water systems are built for longevity. On average, an instant hot water system can last 15 to 20 years or even longer with proper care. This is significantly longer than a typical traditional tank water heater, which often needs replacement after about 8 to 12 years. The reason tankless units last longer is that they have fewer issues with rust and corrosion (since there’s no standing tank of water) and most of their components are replaceable. With periodic maintenance like descaling (to prevent mineral buildup), you can extend the life of the unit. Investing in a quality instant hot water system means you likely won’t need to replace your water heater as often as you would with a standard tank model.
Instant hot water systems do require some routine maintenance, but it’s generally straightforward. The most important maintenance task is flushing or descaling the unit (usually once a year) to remove mineral buildup, especially if you have hard water. This involves running a vinegar solution or manufacturer-recommended cleaner through the heater to keep the heat exchanger clean and efficient. Aside from that, it’s wise to have a professional inspect the system periodically to ensure everything (burners, vents, filters, etc.) is in good working order. Tankless systems don’t have a tank to periodically drain or worry about, but keeping up with these simple maintenance steps will help your instant hot water system run reliably and efficiently for many years. Plus, regular maintenance is often required to maintain the warranty and optimal performance.
Yes, instant hot water systems are very reliable. In fact, many people find them more reliable than old tank-style heaters. With no storage tank, you eliminate the risk of tank leaks or bursts that can occur as traditional heaters age. Tankless units are built with high-quality components and most parts (like heating elements or sensors) can be replaced if they wear out, which means you can often repair a tankless unit rather than replace the whole thing. These systems also typically come with strong warranties reflecting their durability. As long as your tankless heater is installed correctly and maintained as recommended, you can count on it to deliver consistent hot water whenever you need it, day after day.
Generally, instant hot water systems operate quietly. When a tankless water heater turns on, you might hear a soft whooshing sound or a faint click as the gas burner ignites or the electric element powers up, and possibly the sound of a fan running (for gas units venting exhaust). However, these sounds are usually very minimal and go unnoticed in most homes. There’s no noisy heating-up cycle or rumbling like you might hear with some older tank heaters. Once the hot water tap is turned off, the unit shuts down and any sound stops immediately. Most homeowners find that noise is not an issue at all with modern tankless hot water systems – they’re designed to be as quiet as possible.
Absolutely. One of the big advantages of instant hot water systems is their compact, space-saving design. A traditional hot water tank might hold 40 to 60 gallons and take up a large footprint in a utility room or closet. In contrast, a tankless unit is usually about the size of a small suitcase and mounts on the wall. This frees up floor space and can even allow installation in tighter areas (like on a wall in a small basement, garage, or utility closet) that a big tank wouldn’t fit. By going tankless, you eliminate the bulky tank from your home, gaining extra storage or square footage. It’s an ideal solution for smaller homes, condos, or anyone who wants to utilize space more efficiently.
Yes, instant hot water systems are very safe when properly installed. They have multiple safety features built in, such as sensors to prevent overheating and automatic shut-off mechanisms. For gas-fired tankless heaters, professional installation ensures correct venting of exhaust gases (just like a furnace or traditional water heater) so carbon monoxide is safely vented outside. Electric models don’t produce combustion gases and have safety cut-offs to prevent electrical overload. Additionally, because there’s no large tank of hot water that could potentially rupture or leak, some safety risks are actually lower with a tankless system. It’s important to have a licensed technician install your unit and to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, but rest assured that an instant hot water system is a safe appliance for your home.
Both gas and electric tankless water heaters are available, and the best choice depends on your home and needs. Gas-powered instant hot water systems (using natural gas or propane) typically can heat water faster and deliver a higher flow rate, which makes them suitable for larger households or multiple simultaneous hot water uses. They do require a gas supply and proper venting for exhaust. Electric tankless water heaters are extremely efficient (nearly 100% of the electricity is used to heat water) and don’t require venting, making installation a bit simpler if you have sufficient electrical capacity. However, electric models might have a lower flow rate compared to gas and may require your home to have heavy-duty electrical wiring or a panel upgrade to support them. Many homeowners in our area opt for gas units if they already have natural gas service, but electric can be a good solution for smaller homes or where gas isn’t available. We can help evaluate your situation and recommend whether a gas or electric instant hot water system is better for you.
Because tankless water heaters rely on electricity for their ignition and controls, they generally will not operate during a power outage. If you have a gas-fired instant hot water system, it uses an electronic ignition and often a powered fan for venting, so when the power goes out, the unit won’t be able to turn on (even if gas is available). Electric tankless heaters obviously require electricity as well, so they’ll be offline during an outage. This means unlike a traditional tank heater (which might have some hot water stored that can be used during an outage), a tankless unit won’t supply hot water until power is restored. If having hot water during power failures is a concern, you might consider a backup power source for the unit or discuss options with us. In day-to-day use, though, as long as electricity is running, your tankless system will provide hot water efficiently.
While the advantages are many, there are a few disadvantages of instant hot water systems to keep in mind. The upfront cost for a tankless unit and its installation is higher than for a standard tank heater. In some cases, you might need upgrades for your home’s utilities – for example, a larger gas line or additional electrical capacity – to support a tankless system, which can add to installation cost. Also, tankless heaters have a limit to how much hot water they can produce at one time, so if you have a lot of simultaneous hot water usage and the unit isn’t sized correctly, the water temperature could drop (though this is solved by choosing the right unit or using multiple units for high-demand homes). Another consideration is that if the power goes out, a tankless system won’t deliver hot water since it has no reserve (whereas a tank heater would have some stored hot water). Finally, regular maintenance (like annual flushing to remove scale) is recommended to keep a tankless system running efficiently. Despite these drawbacks, most homeowners find that the endless hot water and long-term energy savings make tankless systems well worth it.
Installing an instant hot water system in place of a traditional tank heater is a job best handled by professionals, but it’s a fairly routine upgrade. The process involves removing the old water tank and mounting the new tankless unit (usually on a wall). The installer will reroute the water lines to the new unit, and if it’s a gas tankless heater, they will connect it to your gas line and set up proper venting (often through an exterior wall or roof). For electric models, an electrician may need to ensure your home’s electrical panel can supply the required amperage and install new breakers or wiring if necessary. While some modifications are needed, a qualified technician can typically complete the installation in one day, minimizing any disruption. After installation, you’ll immediately gain extra space where the old tank stood, and you’ll be ready to enjoy efficient, on-demand hot water. We take care of all the details, including safe removal of the old unit, so the transition is smooth.
Yes, there are often rebates or incentives available to help make upgrading to an energy-efficient tankless hot water system more affordable. In British Columbia, for example, utility providers like FortisBC (and sometimes BC Hydro) have offered rebate programs for installing high-efficiency on-demand water heaters. These programs can change over time, but homeowners have in the past received hundreds of dollars in rebates – sometimes up to $1,000 – for switching from an old tank to a qualifying ENERGY STAR® tankless unit. Additionally, there may be federal or provincial energy efficiency incentives or tax credits available depending on when you install. Our team keeps up-to-date on the latest rebate programs in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, and we’d be happy to help you find and apply for any incentives that can reduce the cost of your instant hot water system upgrade.
Absolutely. Alpine Refrigeration installs instant hot water systems for homeowners in Chilliwack and Abbotsford (and surrounding areas in the Fraser Valley). We have been locally owned and operated since 1969 and are very familiar with the hot water needs of homes in this region. Whether you’re in Chilliwack or Abbotsford, our certified technicians can come to your home, provide a clear quote, and install a high-efficiency tankless hot water system that’s perfectly suited for your household. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship and friendly service, so you can trust us to get your system set up correctly and efficiently. Just give us a call to schedule an installation at your convenience!
Yes, we do. Alpine Refrigeration provides full maintenance and repair services for instant hot water systems throughout Chilliwack and Abbotsford. If you already have a tankless water heater (whether we installed it or not), our team can perform routine maintenance, such as annual flushing/descaling and system check-ups, to keep it running in top shape. Should you ever encounter an issue – like fluctuating water temperature or an error code on your unit – our technicians are available to diagnose and fix the problem. We even offer 24/7 emergency service, so if your hot water goes out unexpectedly, help is just a phone call away. Homeowners in Chilliwack and Abbotsford can count on us to keep their tankless hot water systems operating safely and reliably year-round.
The size (capacity) of the instant hot water system you need depends on your household’s hot water usage. Tankless water heaters are rated by the maximum flow of hot water they can produce per minute and the temperature rise they can achieve. To determine the right size, you’ll want to consider how many people live in your home and which hot water activities might overlap. For instance, if you often run two showers at once, or a shower and a washing machine simultaneously, you’ll need a unit that can handle that combined flow rate. We also factor in the incoming cold water temperature in Chilliwack/Abbotsford – in colder months, the unit has to work a bit harder to heat water. In general, smaller households with one or two people may be fine with a lower GPM unit, while larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms will benefit from a higher GPM model or even multiple tankless units. The best way to know for sure is to have us assess your usage and recommend an appropriate tankless heater size. We’ll make sure you get a system that provides enough hot water for all your needs without overspending on capacity you won’t use.

Request a Quote

Submit and we'll contact you within 2 business hours