Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

illustration of set different water heaters with shadows on white background

Buying a quality water heater is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. You and your family will rely on it daily for more than a decade, and if you want it to last and provide the best performance, you have to get the best possible model. As plumbing contractors, we recommend tankless water heaters for everyone who wants to cut down on monthly expenses, save energy, and enjoy continuous hot water consumption.

Tankless or instantaneous water heaters can be up to 35% more energy efficient than traditional storage tank models. They are safer for the environment and more convenient for large families that need lots of hot water. The benefits of tankless water heaters don’t end here by any means. If you want to learn more about these units, follow our guide and read through all the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

Understanding how a tankless heating system works might help you decide whether that’s something you want to get for your home or not. Luckily, the secret behind this unit is a simple one. A tankless water heater features an electrical heating element or gas burner that heats the water as it passes through the unit. Therefore, the tank is not needed at all. The water is heated instantly and leaves the heater hot and ready for use.

This kind of system is called on-demand and is capable of delivering a constant supply of hot water. The only limitation is set by the flow rate. Each appliance has a specific flow rate or capacity to deliver a certain amount of heating at a given time. Thus, how much hot water you’ll have in your household depends on the flow rate of your tankless water heater.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Just like any other water heater, the tankless unit has specific advantages and disadvantages. We listed the main pros and cons of tankless water heaters below, so you can make an informed decision when buying a new unit for your home.

Tankless Water Heaters Advantages

Endless Supply of Hot Water. One of the main benefits of tankless water heaters is continuous water output. Unlike traditional units with limited storage tanks, these models can produce hot water as long as there’s fuel or energy to heat it. That means you and your family can enjoy hot showers at any time. With tankless water heaters, you don’t have to wait in line and pray there will be enough warm water at your turn.
Long-Lasting Construction. All tankless water heaters feature rugged construction for enhanced longevity. Thanks to the sturdy and quality materials, these units have a long lifespan and low to no operating costs. They can last for over 20 years. Plus, tankless water heaters have a positive impact on the environment.
Energy Saving. Because the water stored in traditional heaters sits there for a while, the heater turns on and off to keep it warm and uses a lot of energy. On the other hand, tankless water heaters warm up water instantly, which prevents energy loss and lowers energy bills. Thus, the other option is ideal for families who want to have continuous hot water output and also reduce energy use and monthly expenses.
Space Saving. As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t have tanks, which makes them easy to install in limited spaces. In fact, they are usually mounted on walls to stay out of the way.
Low Risks of Leaks and Damage. Because these water heaters don’t have tanks, minerals can’t build on the walls and cause corrosion and leaks. This makes tankless water heaters safe for use and reduces the risk of having floods and other damages in the household.

Tankless Water Heaters Disadvantages

Inconsistent Temperatures. One of the main disadvantages of tankless water heaters is the inconsistent temperature. When the hot water is used in several places simultaneously, the heater might be unable to send enough of it to all outlets. Also, the heater doesn’t always turn on, especially when the faucet is only slightly opened, so you might need to use cold water when brushing your teeth.
High Installation Cost. The other two things that drag people away from tankless water heaters are the cost of the unit and the installation. Each one of these units makes a significant investment, and a lot of homeowners are not able to afford it in the first place. Also, it takes quite some time to make up for the high initial cost.
Requires Some Time to Warm Up Water. We have to warn you about another potential disadvantage of tankless water heaters. It might take some time for the units to deliver hot water. While tank-style heaters warm up a large amount of water and put it on disposal, tankless ones do it as the water passes through the unit. Therefore, you might have more hot water with tankless water heaters but have to wait for it a little.

Things to Consider When Buying a Tankless Water Heater

If you decided to get a tankless water heater after reading this, take a look at the following considerations. We listed some things you might want to consider when choosing the best tankless water heater for your home.

Gas or Electric

The two main types of tankless water heaters are powered by gas and electricity. Gas tankless water heaters allow for high water pressure and lower energy consumption but can be less efficient than their counterpart. Electric units, on the other hand, prove to be incredibly efficient but can use more energy than the gas water heater. Before you go out there to buy a tankless water heater, read on thoroughly on both types and weigh up the pros and cons.

Hansen Family Plumbing only installs GAS Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Size

You should also figure out what size of tankless water heater you need. First, look up the flow rate of each available unit. The flow rate stands for gallons per minute of hot water you can use at any time. You can calculate it by summing up all your appliances that use water. This will allow you to determine the flow rate you need from your new water heater. Also, consider how much temperature rise you need. Most homes need units that can provide a flow rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute and a temperature rise of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

In the previous sections, we covered the basics of tankless water heaters. Still, to avoid any confusion and provide you with some extra information, we answer some of the frequently asked questions about these units.

How to install a tankless water heater?

Installing a tankless water heater is not an easy job. You have to deal with either gas pipes or electrical wires. Therefore, we always recommend professional help for people who are installing tankless water heaters. Professionals can mount units of all sizes and styles without much effort and eliminate DIY mistakes.

How much does a tankless water heater cost?

The high price is one of the main drawbacks of tankless water heaters. These units can cost up to three times more than storage heaters. Although there are tankless water heaters in different styles and sizes, you can expect to pay even $5,000 in total.

How long does a tankless water heater last?

One of the main benefits of a tankless water heater is its longevity. Most of these units can last for more than 20 years. They also feature inexpensive and easily replaceable parts. With regular maintenance and replacements, you can increase the lifespan of tankless water heaters even more.

Schedule a Gas Tankless Water Heater Consultation or Installation

If you’re looking for a professional team to consult about your brand new tankless water heater, call us today! Hansen Family Plumbing and Air is a residential plumbing contractor that offers all plumbing services in the Great Phoenix area. With more than 13 years of experience in the industry, we offer our clients unmatched professionalism and high-quality plumbing solutions at an affordable rate. Whether you need a consultation or full plumbing service, Hansen Family Plumbing and Air is there for you!