Reliance Home Comfort

Had been a reasonable satisfied Reliance customer until today. On the day we purchased our condo we were forced to replace our (owned) hot water tank as it blew the minute the power to the unit was turned on. Called Reliance and opted for the 'hassle-fee' rental option rather than buying again. Good experience overall.

We are now in the process of laying new flooring in our home which requires that the tank be disconnected, lifted and reinstalled in the same location once flooring is laid. Called Reliance to determine cost (I didn't expect the work for nothing!) and at the same time ask them to determine if the tank required service (de-scaling, etc due to very hard water in region) and was told that Reliance couldn't give me a cost for the former (!) and left that to their contractors. Was contacted by authorized contractor today and told "We can remove your tank for $325+HST, take it to our business for any service, for free, and then reinstall. Or we can simply service on site for no charge."

REALLY?!? The service itself may require a complete change in equipment anyway. I don't have an issue with paying some amount for the disconnect & reinstall, but the price quoted is more than a little outrageous considering that the original install cost $0!

Current option being seriously considered: Cancel account with Reliance and have them p/u their unit. Call their competitor and open new account with them and have new, lime free unit installed for $0.