should i go with a tankless water heater

by Dr. Andrew Boehm Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Advantages of having a tankless water heater include:

You never have to worry about running out of hot water
They don’t take up any space
They save you money on energy costs

Full Answer

Are tankless water heaters better than tank?

When it comes to energy efficiency, the newer tankless water heaters truly are better. Rather than heating a bunch of water that may never get used, tankless heaters only heat the water you actually need, which is a much more efficient process. This leads to decreases in energy bills by as much as 30% over a tank-style water heater.

How to switch from tank water heater to tankless?

What Is Needed to Change From a Tank Hot Water Heater to a Tankless Hot Water Heater?

Building and Plumbing Permits. Prior to replacing your tank hot water heater, make sure that you contact your local municipality for information about obtaining building and plumbing permits.
Selecting the Right Product. ...
Gathering the Right Tools. ...
Costs to Replace Your Unit. ...

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

and that's not necessarily a money saver." But if saving energy is important to you, getting a tankless water heater may be worth the expense.

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater?

When you turn on the hot water part of the faucet in your home, the tankless water heater will start to heat the water you need. There's no reservoir that already has hot water in it, which is thought to be better for environmental reasons. Installing a tankless water heater will cost between $1,200 to $5,000 .

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Are tankless water heaters worth the expense?

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.

Should I replace my water heater with a tankless water heater?

Using a tankless water heater can reduce these costs by up to 50 percent, for an average annual savings of $80. They are durable and less likely to fail, causing potentially catastrophic flooding in your home. Tankless units have an average lifespan about twice that of conventional water heaters — 20 years or more.

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Here are six of the most common problems and maintenance concerns for tankless water heaters:Mineral Buildup.System Overload.Cold Water Sandwich.Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage.Ignition Failure.Flame Failure.

How does a tankless water heater affect electric bill?

According to the Department of Energy, tankless heaters are around 24 to 34 percent more efficient than heaters with tanks in homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, or 8 to 14 percent more efficient in homes that use 86 gallons of water or more.

What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 2?

Sizing Guide for Residential Tankless Water heaterHousehold OccupantsUsageCapacity Required (Measured in Gallon)1-2 peopleHigh40-502-3 peopleRegular/Low40High40-506 more rows

How long do tankless water heaters usually last?

Longer Product Life A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

How much does it cost to change a tank to a tankless water heater?

Converting from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless water heater costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Replacing a tank water heater with a tankless model involves retrofitting the existing gas line, venting system, and electrical wiring, and may require bringing old plumbing up to code.

How much does it cost to switch to a tankless hot water heater?

A tankless water heater is one way to ensure that you never again experience any unexpected cold showers. But these devices don't come cheap: the average cost of a tankless water heater, with installation, is approximately $3,000. The total cost depends on the model chosen and whether your home requires retrofitting.

How often should a tankless water heater be flushed?

once a yearOver time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.

What are the pros and cons of a tankless water heater?

Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? 10 Pros and ConsPro #1: Instant Hot Water. ... Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures. ... Pro #2: Longer Lifespan. ... Con #2: Higher Initial Cost. ... Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs. ... Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply. ... Pro #4: Space Savings. ... Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary.More items...•

Why does my tankless water heater go cold during shower?

So to avoid damage to the heat exchanger (and to avoid scalding you with super hot water), your tankless unit will shut itself off, leaving you with cold water in the middle of your shower.

Are tankless hot water heaters tax deductible?

The credit amount for Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heaters, including tankless units, is $300. That means if you installed a qualifying tankless water heater last year, you could get the credit on the return you file in 2020 (for 2019).

How much money does a tankless water heater save?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates gas-fired tankless heaters save an average of $108 in energy costs per year over their traditional tank counterparts, while electric tankless heaters save $44 per year.

How much does it cost to convert to a tankless water heater?

Gas tankless water heaters cost $700 to $4,600, and electric on-demand water heaters cost $600 to $2,500 with installation. Converting or replacing a tank water heater with a tankless system costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Tankless prices depend on the brand, fuel source, and flow rate.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

How much does a tankless water heater cost?

In general, a tankless hot water heater will cost you more upfront—between $800 to $1,150 (plus installation)—compared to a traditional tank water heaters at $450 to $750 (plus installation). Balance the cost of your unit with your ongoing operating costs.

How much more efficient is a tankless water heater than a traditional water heater?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website, tankless water heaters can be 24 to 34 percent more efficient than a traditional tank-style water heater, depending on a home’s daily demand for hot water. Advertisement.

What happens to ground water if you live further north?

If you live further north, your ground water will be colder than if you reside in the southern or western part of the country. The temperature of the water will affect the speed and flow.

Can you use a gas water heater with electric?

If you are considering electric, check for voltage and amperage requirements. The gas version will need some electric to operate, but venting will be the bigger issue.

Does a water heater heat water?

A traditional water heater continuously heats water in the tank, regardless of whether it is being used. By comparison, the newer tankless designs heat water only when there is demand for it. Less stored water to heat means less cost—and let’s not forget, a more compact, wall-mounted design.

Can you run a dishwasher while showering?

If you think you will need to run the dishwasher while someone else is showering, assume a larger gallons-per-minute (GPM) rate will be on order to meet your overall water needs. Take into account water usage, too: A bathroom needs less water than a kitchen, a dishwasher less than a shower, and so on. Advertisement.

What is tankless water heater?

A tankless heater has a flow sensing device that is activated whenever a hot water tap is opened. The unit then heats the water using either a gas burner or an electric element and directs the water wherever it’s needed in your home.

How much does a tankless water heater save?

Department of Energy, heating water accounts for about 30 percent of a family’s energy bills. Using a tankless water heater can reduce these costs by up to 50 percent, for an average annual savings of $80.

How many BTUs does a gas water heater have?

Gas units are available in a large variety of models and sizes for both home and commercial use and range in output from 130,000 to 380,000 BTUs. More BTUs means more heating power. Keep in mind, however, that most conventional gas tank water heaters were not installed with a tankless retrofit in mind. Consequently, your home’s gas piping, meter and main line to the meter may not be sized properly, requiring an expensive reconfiguration and installation. Gas units also require a safe ventilation system, while electric units do not.

How long does hard water last in a tankless water heater?

If you don’t take these steps, hard water can destroy a tankless water heater in only about two years. Also, failure to follow these maintenance requirements can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Tankless units are complicated. Examine the internal workings of a typical tankless unit.

Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed?

They should be drained entirely and their filters replaced monthly. They also need to be flushed on a regular basis. (Tank units need only be flushed every year or so.)

Does tankless water heater mean instant hot water?

Even when taking savings in energy bills into account, it takes many homeowners about 20 years to fully recoup these expenses. "Tankless" does not mean "instant hot water.". Contrary to popular thought, a tankless water heater does not necessarily deliver hot water to your tap any faster than a conventional water heater.

Can you use a tankless water heater during a power outage?

During power outages, tankless units will not produce hot water. Unlike conventional water heaters, there is no backup hot water source during these emergency situations.

Why is tankless water heater better than other types of water heaters?

They are also much smaller than typical water heaters and don’t take as much space. Tankless water heaters can also lead to energy savings. Heating water accounts for 30 percent of ...

What Are the Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters may also take longer to heat your water compared to typical water heaters. Additionally, a tankless water heater won’t heat water during power outages because it runs by electricity rather than gas.

How does a tankless water heater work?

Tankless water heaters use a sensing device that is activated whenever you open a hot water tap. When it senses that a hot water tap has been open, it uses either a gas burner or an electric element to heat water quickly. Once the hot water tap is closed, the heating element shuts off.

Why won't my water heater heat up during a power outage?

Additionally, a tankless water heater won’t heat water during power outages because it runs by electricity rather than gas. If you have additional questions regarding tankless water heaters or you need assistance installing a new water heater, contact the Durham plumbing experts at JD Service Now for a free consultation: (919) 626-3626!

How to contact Durham Water Heater?

If you need assistance installing a new tankless water heater, call the Durham water heater installation professionals today at (919) 626-3626!

Do you need to update your plumbing for a tankless water heater?

If you currently have a water heater, you may need to extend or update your current plumbing to accommodate the structure of the tankless heater. Tankless water heaters may also take longer to heat your water compared to typical water heaters.

How long do tankless heaters last?

Tankless heaters also last five to ten years longer than a storage tank model. Electric models don't produce greenhouse gases, and there's no possibility of flooding due to a ruptured tank. There are also drawbacks to tankless heaters.

How much is the tax rebate for tankless water heater?

There are many benefits to going with a tankless heater. Most units come with a federal tax rebate of $300 and are more efficient than storage tank models -- you can shave as much as 20 percent from your water heating bill [source: Energy Star ].

How much does a whole house electric heater cost?

The time that it takes to get the hot water from the heater to your faucet can increase water waste. A large whole house electric model costs $500 to $700, about the same as a similar storage tank unit. Gas models have a much larger price difference. A whole house gas tankless heater can cost as much as $2,000.

Do tankless water heaters heat water?

Instead of constantly heating water in a stored tank, tankless units only heat water as you need it. Turning on your hot water triggers an electric or gas-powered heat exchanger that quickly heats the water to your preset temperature. There are point-of-use models that only operate one or two fixtures, or whole-house units that take care ...

Is tankless heater more expensive?

Installation of tankless heaters is almost always more expensive as well. To decide which type of heater to go with, add up the total price of purchase and installation for the heaters that fit your needs. Then compare that to the efficiency rating you'll find on the yellow Energy Star sticker on the heater.

Why do tankless water heaters use less energy?

Tankless water heaters allow you to consume less energy because tankless water heaters only need enough power to heat water as it’s being used.

What are the pros and cons of a tankless water heater?

The Pros of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater 1 A tankless water heater provides your house with a constant supply of hot water. 2 Tankless water heaters are small enough to be installed under cabinets, in closets, on walls or even outdoors, with the use of an anti-freeze kit. 3 With a tankless unit, you avoid the risk of flooding due to a ruptured tank. 4 Tankless water heaters allow you to consume less energy because tankless water heaters only need enough power to heat water as it’s being used. 5 Tankless water heaters are more efficient and don’t experience standby heat loss. 6 Some tankless water heater units come with a federal tax rebate. You can get up to $300 off installation! 7 A tankless unit allows you to save on your bill (up to 20 percent!) by using less energy. 8 Tankless water heaters can last longer than storage water heaters—sometimes as much as five to ten years longer.

How long does a tankless water heater last?

Tankless water heaters can last longer than storage water heaters—sometimes as much as five to ten years longer.

How long does it take for water to warm up?

It may take several minutes for your water to warm up to an acceptable temperature.

Can you install a tankless water heater under cabinets?

Tankless water heaters are small enough to be installed under cabinets, in closets, on walls or even outdoors, with the use of an anti-freeze kit. With a tankless unit, you avoid the risk of flooding due to a ruptured tank.

Should I Replace My Water Heater with Tankless?

Before moving forward and investing in a new water heater, we encourage you to compare your options and consider tankless technology. Compare the yellow Energy Guide stickers on your current water heater and the tankless model you’re considering—this will help you come to a decision regarding which model will best suit your needs.