Interested in tankless water heaters but not sure what questions to ask? No problem! We’ve got your back with answers to nine of the most asked questions our technicians run into in the field.
We’ve been in the tankless water heater industry for over 15 years. In that time, we’ve worked with leading tankless water heater brands like Navien and Noritz to put together a strong knowledge base so that we might solve homeowners’ tankless worries and clear up any confusion along the way.
In this article, we’ll cover the top nine questions about tankless water heaters so that you can jump-start your research with a good idea of what makes these machines different than your run-of-the-mill tank-style water heater. With this information, you’ll be able to decide whether pursuing a tankless water heater is worth it for you.
Let’s jump right in with a heavy hitter.
1. What’s the Difference between a Traditional Tank Water Heater and a Tankless Water Heater?
Your average tank-style water heater holds a limited amount of water heated by an under-mounted pilot light. When you’re ready to shower, hot water is pulled from the tank. If you have multiple family members showering in the morning, that hot water supply can run out quickly, leaving you with a cold shower.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters don’t have a tank. Instead, water travels through a series of bends within the heat exchanger to heat the water once a fixture is turned on. In other words, you won’t be running out of hot water mid-shower. But this shouldn’t be mixed up with instant hot water.
2. What Are the Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters have plenty of benefits, but the biggest one is the unlimited supply of hot water we mentioned above. Because the water heats up as it runs through that tankless water heater, you won’t have to worry about running out as you would with a tank-style water heater.
Aside from an unlimited supply of hot water, tankless water heaters also save space. Thanks to the tankless, wall-mounted design, homeowners can reclaim some space in their homes. In areas like Los Angeles County, this is a big perk since space is scarce.
On top of saving space, tankless water heaters can also save homeowners money. Tank-style water heaters have to heat water continuously to ensure hot water is ready at the turn of a knob. Tankless water heaters only heat water when demanded, meaning they save money on energy since they don’t actively heat unless there necessary.
Another area where tankless water heaters can save homeowners money is maintenance. Like a tank-style water heater, tankless water heaters must be flushed once or twice a year. But the difference is that a tank-style needs to have much more water flushed than a tankless water heater, which can translate to a higher maintenance cost.
3. Will I Get Instant Hot Water?
One of the most common misconceptions regarding tankless water heaters is that tankless water heaters provide instant hot water. While tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water, they do not provide instant hot water.
When a tankless water heater is turned on, and then off, some of the previously heated water still stays in the pipes and cools down. When the tankless water heater is turned back on because a fixture demands hot water, that now cold water needs to exit the system so the newly produced hot water can reach the fixture. While the initial jolt of cold water can be jarring, a stream of continuously hot water follows close behind.
4. How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
There’s no set answer as to how much a tankless water heater costs since plenty of variables cause pricing to fluctuate. Typically, a tankless water heater costs between $4,800 to $8,200 when provided and installed by certified technicians.
Factors that can cause prices to rise and fall include the location of the water heater, the brand, water treatment options, premium installation with add-ons like isolation valves, neutralizers, and more.
A way to offset some of these costs is by applying for rebates if you’re a Southern California resident. SoCal Gas offers up to a $1,000 rebate and a $600 tax credit for energy-efficient models.
5. What Kind of Tankless Water Heaters Are There?
There are plenty of different types of tankless water heaters, from various brands like Noritz and Navien to gas or electric. Many brands also offer indoor or outdoor models.
Picking the right tankless water heater comes down to each homeowner’s specific situation. Considering your location, utilities, and any other preferences will help narrow your options.
6. How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?
While tank-style water heaters last an average of 10 years, tankless water heaters can reach up to 20 to 25 years with proper water treatment and maintenance. For some homeowners, the lifespan ups the value proposition of a tankless water heater since they receive unlimited hot water and double the lifespan of a tank-style water heater.
7. Is There Any Maintenance for a Tankless Water Heater?
It’s always considered a best practice to perform annual maintenance or cleaning on water heaters, including both tank-style and tankless water heaters. Maintenance is a must due to the scale build-up that occurs when the water heats.
If you’ve ever noticed white residue around any of your water fixtures, that means you have hard water. That same scale build-up is also happening inside water heaters of both varieties. Performing yearly maintenance reduces the risk of early breakdowns due to scale build-up and keeps your water heater running smoothly.
8. How Long Does It Take To Install a Tankless Water Heater?
Installing a tankless water heater can take some time. Typically, these installations will run about four to six hours. This timeframe means that homeowners can have a tankless water heater installed the same day and have hot water before dinner.
If you’re changing where you want your tankless water heater located, then you can count on an installation time of above six hours since the proper pipes and venting may take some time to dial in.
9. When Should I Consider Upgrading My Water Heater?
There are a couple of signs that you might want to consider upgrading your water heater. One big indicator you need to upgrade is if your water heater is no longer producing hot water or if it’s breaking down. Frequent leaking is also a sign you may need a new water heater.
If you’ve owned your water heater for over 10 years or are stuck in a constant cycle of repairs, it may be time to start looking at some options. Just because your water heater is 10 years old or older doesn’t mean you have to replace it immediately. Instead, it’s really about keeping an eye on whether repairs are happening more frequently or if the performance is dipping.
You’ll be able to stop dips in performance by checking for higher monthly bills, noticeably colder water, longer waits for hot water, and loud noises coming from the water heater. Experiencing these symptoms signals the time for a replacement.
Up to Speed on Tankless Water Heaters
We’ve covered the nine most commonly asked questions about tankless water heaters to give you a broad overview of what it’s like going tankless. Now, you can start your research off on the right foot and get a better idea of whether a tankless water heater is right for you.
After over 15 years of installing and servicing tankless water heaters in Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas, we’ve seen plenty of homeowners make the switch to tankless. While tankless water heaters may not be for everyone, they can improve your home’s comfort if they’re the right fit.
If you’re interested in switching to a tankless water heater, visit our tankless water heater service page or click one of the below buttons to book a consultation.
