If you’ve ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, you might be wondering about replacing your old water heater with an instant hot water heater. Tankless water heaters offer a constant supply of hot water on demand, without the large footprint or energy waste of a traditional model.
We’ll explore how a tankless water heater works, how it compares to traditional heaters, and the benefits of switching your water heating system. We’ll also take a look at some key factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous water heaters, heat up hot water on demand. Rather than holding hot water in a storage tank, water is heated up as-needed to deliver to your faucets and appliances.
How does a tankless water heater work?
When you turn on your faucet, shower, dishwasher, or other appliance that demands hot water, it triggers cold water to flow through the heat exchanger in your tankless water heater. Inside the exchanger, the energy source heats the water, which then gets delivered to your faucet. The two most common energy sources for a tankless heater are natural gas and electricity.
Tankless Water Heater vs Traditional Water Heater
Explore how tankless water heaters vary from traditional models, including their advantages for energy, space, and water delivery.
Energy
As well as being more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, tankless water heaters also help to lower your energy bills. Traditional hot water heaters heat up the entire storage tank and then keep the water at that temperature, regardless of how much hot water you need at any given time. Comparatively, a tankless heater only heats the water you need, when you need it, reducing the standby energy loss.
Space
Since tankless water heaters don’t require a storage tank for your hot water, they occupy a much smaller footprint in your home. Many tankless water heaters can be mounted on the wall, giving you even more options for installation space.
Water delivery
With a traditional water heater, the size of the storage tank limits the amount of hot water you can access. Once that water is used up, you’ll have to wait for the heater to heat new water and fill the tank.
A tankless heater doesn’t have this restriction. The on-demand system allows you to access as much hot water as you need. This means plenty of toasty showers during those 30 degree Macon winters.
It’s important to keep in mind that different types of tankless heaters provide different flow rates. Most instant heaters offer a flow rate from 2-5 gallons per minute, with gas heaters delivering more flow than electric models.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Discover how a tankless water heater can make your home more comfortable and affordable.
Energy bill savings
The Department of Energy estimates that for households using up to 41 gallons of hot water per day, a tankless water heater installation is 24% to 34% more energy efficient than a traditional model. Even for homes that use up to 86 gallons per day, tankless heaters can be 8% to 14% more efficient. This can translate to major savings on your power bill.
Longer water heater lifespan
Traditional water heaters typically last 10-15 years, while tankless heaters regularly last 20 years or more. This often means fewer repairs as well. Thanks to its long lifespan and energy efficiency, tankless heaters may also be appealing to potential new home buyers.
Hot water when you need it
No more running out of hot water in the shower — a tankless heater delivers a steady, constant supply of hot water. It’s important to keep in mind that different tankless heaters can meet different demand levels, so if you need to run multiple hot water appliances at the same time, you may want to consider installing multiple heaters.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It for Your Home?
Installing a tankless water heater can mean significant savings for your home. Despite the higher upfront cost, tankless water heaters are a low-maintenance option with a long lifespan. This can reduce your spending on future water heater installation and repairs.
They also offer significant energy savings. Depending on the volume of water you use, the Department of Energy estimates this could save you over $100 per year in energy costs. These savings add up quickly, making the initial investment a good budgeting choice in the long run.
What to Consider Before Installing an Instant Hot Water Heater
When you’re considering installing a tankless hot water heater, the following factors can help you decide which model is right for your home:
Water demand
One tankless water heater is often sufficient for smaller households or homes where you only run one hot water appliance at a time. However, if you expect to run your dishwasher, washing machine, and faucets simultaneously, you may want to install booster heaters. These can help reduce the burden on your tankless heaters so you have enough hot water for all your needs.
Fuel type
Most tankless water heaters use electricity or natural gas, but some models exist that use propane. Consider the types of fuel available for your home when choosing a new tankless water heater.
Tax credits and rebates
Depending on where you live, you may be able to access federal tax credits, state and municipal support for installing a more eco-friendly water heater. Certain areas offer tax credits and rebates for tankless heaters. Georgia renewed the ENERGY STAR water heater tax credit for certain water heaters, which offers a great option for Macon residents.
Call Ricky Heath for Hot Water Heater Installations in Macon, GA
From emergency repairs to new installations, Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling delivers the services you need with care and speed. Our licensed pros provide reliable plumbing solutions here in central Georgia so you won’t have to worry about clogged pipes, slow plumbing, or a clunky hot water heater.
Whether you’re looking for an inspection, advice, or a new hot water installation, we provide the expertise you need at a price that works. Contact us today to book your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run out of water with a tankless water heater?
While you can run out of water with a tankless heater, it’s less likely than with a traditional heater. With a traditional model, you run out of hot water when the hot water tank is drained. With a tankless model, you only run out of hot water if you simultaneously run too many hot water appliances.
Is it safe to drink hot water from the tap with a tankless water heater?
Whether it’s safe to drink hot water from the tap depends on the material of your pipes rather than the type of hot water heater you have. A tankless water heater or a traditional heater won’t affect this, since in both cases the water is heated before it moves through the pipes.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The primary downside of a tankless water heater is the upfront cost. Tankless heaters are more expensive to purchase than traditional models. However, the energy bill savings and longer lifespan often make it the more affordable choice in the long run.
