Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

If you want to upgrade your water heater, consider a tankless hot water heater. Unlike traditional storage water heaters, tankless models provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a bulky tank. 

Does a tankless water heater sound like it might be the right choice for your household? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of a tankless water heater.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

A tankless water heater, also known as a demand water heater, heats water only when you need it. When you turn on the hot water tap, water flows through a heating element — either gas burners or electric coils — to warm the water instantly. 

This process is far different from traditional water heaters. Traditional water heaters store a fixed amount of hot water, meaning they can run out during heavy use. Tankless models, however, provide a continuous flow, so you never run out of hot water as long as your unit is big enough for your household.

Key Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Switching to a tankless water heater offers several advantages compared to conventional water heaters, from lower energy consumption to a longer lifespan. Let’s explore the main benefits of a tankless water heater:

Energy Efficiency and Lower Bills

Tankless water heaters use less energy because they heat water only when needed, reducing standby heat loss. In fact, tankless models can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than conventional storage water heaters for households using less than 41 gallons of hot water per day. This equates to lower utility bills, making tankless water heaters much more cost-effective over time.

Longer Lifespan and Durability

Here’s a look at water heater lifespans:

• A standard tank water heater can last for as little as 6 to 12 years
• A tankless water heater lasts up to 20 years

Because they don’t store water, tankless water heaters are less susceptible to rust and sediment buildup. This is one of the major problems conventional water heaters face over time. Overall, demand water heaters are a more durable and reliable option.

Unlimited Hot Water Supply

One of the biggest advantages of tankless water heaters is their ability to provide continuous hot water. Who doesn’t love taking a shower where the water never gets cold? This is particularly beneficial for large families or households with high hot water demand.

Space-Saving Design

Tankless water heaters are compact and just need a bit of wall space for mounting. Traditional tank models, on the other hand, take up significant floor space and might take up an entire closet. The small footprint of a tankless unit makes it great for small homes, apartments, and condos.

Potential Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters

While tankless water heaters offer many benefits, they also come with some potential downsides:

• Higher initial cost: Tankless models are more expensive to purchase and install compared to traditional storage water heaters.
• Installation complexity: Upgrading to a tankless system may require additional plumbing, venting, or electrical modifications.
• Limited simultaneous use: Some models may struggle to provide hot water to multiple fixtures at once, especially in larger households.
• Regular maintenance required: To prevent mineral buildup, tankless units need periodic descaling and filter cleaning.

Is It Worth Switching to a Tankless Water Heater?

If your priority is unlimited hot water and energy savings, then switching to a tankless water heater can be worth it. However, if you have a limited budget to work with, then you may want to stick with a traditional water heater.

Here are a few things to consider before making your decision:

• Budget: Tankless water heaters typically have a higher initial purchase and installation cost compared to traditional models.
• Long-term savings: If you can swing the higher upfront costs, tankless models offer long-term savings through reduced energy bills and longer lifespans.
• Hot water needs: If your household frequently runs out of hot water or requires a more energy-efficient solution, a tankless water heater may be worth the investment.
• Household size: Larger households may benefit more from the continuous hot water supply provided by tankless units.

Installation Considerations

Before you install a tankless water heater, you might have to make a few adjustments to your setup. Here is what that might look like:

• Plumbing modifications: Tankless water heaters often require different plumbing connections than traditional units.
• Electrical upgrades: Electric models may need a higher electrical capacity to support the unit’s power demands.
• Venting requirements (for gas units): Gas-powered units typically require upgraded venting to handle the exhaust gases.

You might be wondering — can I replace my 40-gallon water heater with a tankless model? Yes, but ensure the tankless unit meets your household’s hot water demands. We recommend professional installation to ensure optimal performance.

Cost and Efficiency Factors

Although tankless water heaters have higher upfront costs, their energy savings can offset the initial expense over time. In fact, if you choose an ENERGY STAR-qualified tankless water heater, you could save $100 or more a year on your energy bill. Pair that with the fact that tankless water heaters can last twice as long as traditional water heaters, and it’s clear why many people pick this option.

One small thing to note: while tankless water heaters can reduce your electric or gas bill, they won’t decrease your water bill. They won’t increase it, either. You’ll use the same amount of water as you did with a traditional water heater — that is unless you can’t pull yourself out of the shower because the hot water never runs out.

With all of these tankless water heater advantages, you might be interested in upgrading. If so, Roto-Rooter’s expert plumbers can help you choose the right unit for your home and provide professional installation. Contact Roto-Rooter today for efficient and reliable water heater solutions.