Running out of hot water mid-shower is frustrating. Traditional tank water heaters can only store so much heated water before they need time to refill and reheat. If you’ve ever been the last person in line for a morning shower, you know this problem all too well. Tankless water heaters promise to solve this issue by heating water on demand, notes leading property management team hcmpm.com. No storage tank means no waiting for water to heat up between uses. But are they really worth the higher upfront cost? And do they live up to the hype? In this guide, we’ll explore how tankless water heaters work
Tankless water heaters promise to solve this issue by heating water on demand. No storage tank means no waiting for water to heat up between uses. But are they really worth the higher upfront cost? And do they live up to the hype?
In this guide, we’ll explore how tankless water heaters work, their benefits and drawbacks, and whether they’re the right choice for your home.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike traditional water heaters that continuously heat and store water in a large tank, tankless water heaters (also called on-demand water heaters) heat water only when you need it. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit, where either a gas burner or an electric element heats it instantly.
This means you get a constant supply of hot water without the limitations of a storage tank. No more cold showers or waiting for the tank to refill.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
The process is straightforward:
- You turn on a hot water faucet or appliance
- Cold water travels through a pipe into the tankless unit
- A flow sensor detects the water movement and activates the heating element
- The heating element (gas burner or electric coil) rapidly heats the water as it passes through
- Hot water flows out of your faucet at a consistent temperature
The entire process happens in seconds, delivering hot water continuously for as long as you need it.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Endless Hot Water Supply
The most obvious advantage is never running out of hot water. Whether you’re taking a long shower, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry, a properly sized tankless water heater can handle multiple hot water demands simultaneously.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters typically use 24-34% less energy than traditional tank models for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. Even for homes using around 86 gallons per day, they’re still about 8-14% more efficient.
Why? Because they eliminate standby heat loss. Traditional tanks constantly reheat water to maintain temperature, even when you’re not using it. Tankless units only heat water when you need it, reducing wasted energy.
Space Savings
Traditional water heaters take up significant floor space with their bulky tanks. Tankless units are compact and wall-mounted, typically about the size of a small suitcase. This makes them ideal for smaller homes, apartments, or if you want to free up space in your utility room.
Longer Lifespan
While traditional tank water heaters last about 10-15 years, tankless models can last over 20 years with proper maintenance. Although the initial investment is higher, the extended lifespan can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
Cleaner Water
Because tankless systems don’t store water, there’s no risk of rust or scale buildup contaminating your hot water supply. This means cleaner, fresher water for bathing and cooking.
Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
Higher Upfront Costs
Tankless water heaters cost significantly more than traditional models, both for the unit itself and installation. Professional installation can be complex, especially if you’re switching from a tank system, as it may require upgrades to your gas line, venting system, or electrical service.
Limited Flow Rate
While tankless heaters provide endless hot water, they have a maximum flow rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM). If multiple people are using hot water simultaneously—say, someone’s showering while the dishwasher runs—the system might struggle to keep up.
You may need to install multiple units or a larger capacity model to handle peak demand, which increases costs.
Inconsistent Temperature in Hard Water Areas
In areas with hard water, mineral buildup can affect performance over time. Regular maintenance and descaling are essential to keep your tankless water heater running efficiently. Neglecting this can lead to reduced flow rates and temperature fluctuations.
Installation Complexity
Retrofitting a home with a tankless system isn’t always straightforward. Gas models may require larger gas lines and special venting. Electric models might need electrical system upgrades to handle the higher power demands. These factors can add to installation costs.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Consider a tankless water heater if:
- You have a small to medium-sized household with predictable hot water needs
- You’re looking to reduce energy costs over time
- You need to save space in your home
- You’re building a new home or doing a major renovation
A traditional tank water heater might be better if:
- You have a large household with high simultaneous hot water demands
- You’re working with a tight budget and need lower upfront costs
- Your home lacks the infrastructure for a tankless system (and you don’t want to invest in upgrades)
- You live in an area with very hard water and don’t want the maintenance hassle
Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater
If you decide a tankless system is right for your home, here are key factors to consider:
Size and Flow Rate: Calculate your home’s peak hot water demand by adding up the flow rates of fixtures you might use simultaneously. Choose a unit that can handle this demand with a buffer.
Fuel Type: Gas-powered tankless heaters typically have higher flow rates than electric models, but they require proper venting and a gas line. Electric models are easier to install but may have higher operating costs depending on your local utility rates.
Energy Efficiency: Look for models with high energy factor (EF) ratings. The higher the EF, the more efficient the unit.
Professional Installation: Work with experienced professionals like PG Plumbing, Sewer & Drain to ensure proper sizing, installation, and integration with your home’s existing systems.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To get the most from your tankless water heater:
- Flush the system annually to remove mineral buildup
- Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer
- Schedule professional inspections to catch potential issues early
- Install a water softener if you have hard water
Regular maintenance prevents performance issues and extends the life of your unit well beyond the typical lifespan of traditional water heaters.
Making the Switch
Tankless Water Heaters offer compelling benefits: endless hot water, energy savings, space efficiency, and longevity. However, they come with higher upfront costs and require careful sizing to meet your home’s needs.
The key is evaluating your specific situation. Consider your household size, hot water usage patterns, budget, and long-term plans for your home. For many homeowners, the energy savings and convenience make tankless systems worthwhile investments.
If you’re considering making the switch to a tankless water heater, consult with the experts at PG Plumbing, Sewer & Drain. They can assess your home’s hot water needs, recommend the right system, and handle professional installation to ensure optimal performance.
