Hot Water Tank - Chimney Liner

by Dan W- North York 11 months ago

I installed a new high efficiency furnace in 2008. At that time, I had a new liner installed in the chimney to accommodate the hot water tank exhaust. Misplaced the paperwork for that job. I am now in the market for a new rental tank (Direct Energy), and am being told that my 2008 Chimney Liner is obsolete because of a new Toronto by-law in 2010. Is this true?

by pueblita IN THE JUNCTION 10 months ago

I am on the line with Direct Energy right now because our rental just died (20year old), just asked the employee on the other line he said law came into effect in 2007!
Hope this helps

by Daniel in Etobicoke 10 months ago

Dan, I had a similar problem as you 3 weeks ago. My Direct Energy water heater started to leak and they would’t help what so ever. I came across this company called Ontario Consumers Home services and had my furnace replaced and I am renting a water heater for them. I would definitely suggest that you give them a call. They offer really good rates and warranty (unlike Direct Energy).

by Daniel in Etobicoke 10 months ago

I can leave you the person’s info if you are interested. He was very useful and knowledgeable.

by Dan W- North York 10 months ago

Thank you to both of you for your responses. As per the Toronto by-law, I spoke to a chimney company yesterday, and apparently there was by-law change in 2010. Something to do with the size of the exhaust pipe coming off the tank, and the size of the pipe going into your chimney.
As for your suggestion Daniel, I’m a little nervous of making a switch in companies. Mainly because I understand that there is a penalty now for cancelling out of a Direct Energy water heater. Not sure how much, but I don’t really want to make the commitment, and find out that it will be very expensive. Did you have to pay a penalty to Direct Energy for getting their hot water tank out?

by Daniel in Etobicoke 10 months ago

When I called Direct Energy they told me the exact same thing, but I feel like they just lie to you so they don’t lose you as a client. When I had my new rental tank put in by Ontario Consumers the only thing that it cost me was less than an hour of my time, which was for the installation. I have a BRAND new high efficiency tank, its the exact same model that I had before, but get this my rental rates are LESS. I find that Direct Energy is terrible, there is no warranty or service all they want is your money and that’s it. The company I’m with now offers 24/7 service if anything goes wrong. From what I know you do not need to get a new chimney liner put in because of this new law (I can’t remember what it is called), and before it was a “code violation”. When I had my new CV50 water tank put in they have to change the chimney liner because of the law that was implemented and the company did it. I would get someone definitely to come in and take a look at your situation. I just have a feeling that Direct Energy is bs-ing you and trying to get more money from your pocket.

by Dan W- North York 10 months ago

Thank you very much for your responses. Did Direct Energy give you a hard time when you told them to come and get it out? How did you handle that? I’ve been hearing of horror stories, and want to make sure it’s not going to be more of a pain in the …

by Dan W- North York 10 months ago

So, I’ve bitten the bullet. I’ve surfed Ontario Consumers website, and liked what I read. I’ve now called them and requested an install. I’ll try and keep you up-to-date of the process. I’m just a little nervous, because of the horror stories I’ve heard. If I have any, I’ll share them with the site. Install is next Saturday (July 21/12)

by pueblita IN THE JUNCTION 10 months ago

Direct Energy came over the next morning… no hassels, as I had called the month before to advise them that my insurance adjuster had come by and said water tank needed to be replaced asap///because we were considering replacing our 1960ish heating boiler, we put it off until it burst and water everywhere! So, 9am they arrived… at first they seemed to think that we had a liner from looking at the external chimney, but upon closer inspection, we didn’t…they gave us a suggestion for a chimney co to put in the liner… we opted to go with them (Walter Townshend), because they actually had good reviews on this site (9/10) and were very efficient. Within 10 hrs of initial call all was done. Opted for a 5.5 liner to accommodate future boiler replacement and cost just under $600/ 2 storey house. Overall experience was good.