Enercare Hot Water Tank Rental: Buyout, Cancel, and Compare Costs

If you’re like many Ontario homeowners, you’ve probably glanced at your monthly Enercare bill and wondered: is this rental really worth it? This guide breaks down the true cost of renting versus buying out your water heater, using Enercare’s own 2024/2025 buyout tables and published rental rates. You’ll learn exactly how to cancel, buy out, or replace your Enercare hot water tank—and what each option costs.

Average monthly rental cost: $30–$50 ·
Typical buyout cost: $500–$1,000 ·
Average water heater lifespan: 10–15 years ·
10-minute shower hot water usage: 20 gallons

Can you buy out an Enercare water heater?

What is the buyout process?

• Enercare allows rental customers to purchase the water heater in a single lump-sum payment (Enercare – Water Heater Rental vs. Buyout).
• After buyout, you own the tank and assume responsibility for all maintenance and repairs (Enercare – Rental vs Buyout).

How much does an Enercare buyout cost?

The cost depends on the tank model and age. For example, the 2024 buyout table lists $1,702 for a 0‑1 year old CV40 tank and $2,399 for a PV50 tank of the same age (Enercare – 2024 Buyout Table PDF). The 2025 table is also available, with adjustments for newer models (Enercare – 2025 Buyout Table PDF).

Are buyout fees negotiable?

Enercare does not publicly disclose whether buyout prices are negotiable. The published tables are presented as fixed schedules, suggesting they are standard rather than subject to bargaining.

If your tank is more than 8 years old, the buyout may be minimal—but you’ll face replacement costs sooner. The trade‑off: pay a small buyout now vs. continue renting with service coverage.

The pattern: Older tanks offer lower buyout prices but higher future risk if a replacement is needed soon.

How does Enercare water heater rental work?

What services does Enercare offer?

• Enercare markets its water‑heater rental as a monthly fee that includes installation, maintenance, and unlimited service calls (Enercare – Water Heater Rental vs. Buyout).
• Customers get 24/7 access to more than 700 certified technicians, and same‑day service is available if you call before 5 p.m. (Enercare – Rental vs Buyout).

What is covered under an Enercare rental contract?

Rental coverage includes all parts, labor, and even disposal of a tank that no longer meets code (Enercare – Rental vs Buyout). However, the contract typically has a minimum term, and early cancellation may trigger fees (Enercare – Support – Water Heaters).

The monthly fee for a standard 40‑gallon tank is about $25.87 plus HST (2026 rates). Over 5 years, that’s roughly $1,800—more than the buyout price of a new tank.

The implication: Renting can be convenient but carries a long-term premium that many homeowners overlook.

Should you rent or buy your water heater?

Pros and cons of renting

Pros and cons of buying

Cost comparison over 10 years

Four common scenarios, one pattern: renting costs more over time.

Rates from Enercare’s 2026 published schedule (Enercare – 2026 Rental Rates). Buyout costs from 2024 table (Enercare – 2024 Buyout Table PDF). Assumes 10‑year tank life and no major repairs.

The takeaway: Your expected tenure is the single biggest factor in the rent-vs-buy decision.

How to cancel your Enercare water heater rental

How to return the water heater

1. Contact Enercare customer service or submit written notice to cancel the rental agreement (Enercare – Support – Water Heaters).
2. Schedule a pickup or arrange to return the tank to Enercare. Removal fees may apply.
3. Ensure the tank is accessible and disconnected by a licensed professional if required.

What are the cancellation fees?

Enercare does not publicly itemize all fees, but early termination penalties are common in rental contracts. The exact amount depends on remaining term and tank age (Enercare – Support – Water Heaters).

How long does the process take?

Once notice is given, Enercare typically schedules pickup within a few weeks. Same‑day service is not available for cancellations, only for repairs (Enercare – Rental vs Buyout).

The pattern: Early cancellation often costs less than continuing rental payments for years, but the fees can be a surprise.

How much does it cost to get rid of an Enercare hot water tank?

Disposal fees

If you own the tank (after buyout), disposal costs vary by municipality – typically $20–$50 at a scrap metal facility. Most town transfer stations accept water heaters.

Removal service costs

Professional removal (disconnect, haul away, dispose) costs between $100 and $300, depending on location and tank size (Enercare – Support – Water Heaters notes that rental includes disposal if the tank is no longer up to code).

DIY vs professional removal

DIY removal saves the service fee but requires safely draining the tank, disconnecting gas/water lines, and transporting it. A standard 40‑gallon tank weighs about 150 lbs. For most homeowners, professional removal is worth the $100–$300.

Enercare rental contracts often include disposal of the old tank when you upgrade. If you’re buying out, you may need to arrange disposal yourself – check your contract.

The implication: Disposal is a minor cost, but planning ahead avoids last‑minute fees.

For other home‑related financial decisions, see our guide on Best Pet Insurance Canada May 2026: Compare Plans & Costs.

Compare other services like Equitable Life of Canada: Is It Legit? What It Offers.

“Homeowners are not required to rent a water heater from the builder’s preferred provider. They can purchase outright from the builder or negotiate a better deal.”– CBC Marketplace investigation (paraphrased from public reporting)

“I’d never rent from a big company. Go to a local plumber, buy a high‑quality tank, and own it.”– Reddit user on r/PersonalFinanceCanada

For Ontario homeowners, the choice between renting and buying an Enercare hot water tank comes down to one variable: time. If you plan to stay fewer than 5 years, the flexibility of a rental may justify the monthly cost. But over a decade, buying out the tank saves thousands—and lets you choose the equipment and installer. For homeowners aged 55+ who value predictable service over upfront spending, the rental could still make sense. The clear recommendation: run the numbers with Enercare’s own buyout table and your expected tenure. Then decide.