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Last Revised:12/18/2024
Does your water heater leave you shivering mid-shower? Are rising energy bills draining your wallet month after month? Believe it or not, there’s a modern system that combats both of these issues – the tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional tank-type models that heat water on demand, giving you a reliable supply of water when you need it.
But is a tankless water heater the right choice for your home? The plumbing pros at Mattioni have a long track record of providing homeowners with water heating equipment tailored to their specific needs.
In this article, we’ll break down how tankless water heaters work, explore all the benefits they offer, and help you decide if upgrading is worth the investment. Whether you’re looking to save money, free up space, or achieve higher levels of energy efficiency, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Let’s start by taking a closer look at how a tankless water heater functions to deliver hot water on demand.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Tankless water heaters might sound complicated, but the concept is surprisingly straightforward.
Traditional water heaters use a large tank to store and heat water continuously. Think of hot water storage tanks as if they’re a giant thermos that keeps a ready supply of hot water, even when you’re not using it. While this method works, it wastes a fair amount of energy since it requires constant heating to maintain the right temperature – also called standby losses.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, skip the tank entirely. Instead, they heat water only when you need it:
When you turn on a hot water faucet, cold water flows into the tankless unit which contains a gas burner or powerful electric coils. Water flows through a pipe that’s then heated by one of these elements via a heat exchanger in real time. This process happens almost instantaneously. Hot water leaves the unit ready to use and instantly travels through your plumbing system to wherever it’s needed, so you don’t have to wait for a tank to heat it up.
The key functional difference in a tankless model is on-demand heating; the system only works when you need hot water. When you turn off the tap, the water heater also shuts off, so no energy is wasted keeping a supply of water hot around the clock.
To put it simply, a tankless system acts like a high-speed water heater: it heats water quickly and effectively only when you need it.
The 6 Prime Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are inherently different from traditional tank-type and hybrid/heat pump models. With that unique functionality comes unique benefits – here are the 6 main advantages of a tankless water heater:
1. Endless Hot Water Supply: Never Run Out Again
Have you ever taken a shower right after someone else and been hit with a wall of cold water? Tankless water heaters have many functional perks, perhaps none bigger than kissing cold showers goodbye for good.
Since they heat water as it flows through the unit, tankless models ensure a continuous supply of hot water for the house – even during high-demand periods. For example, a family of four could take back-to-back showers while running a dishwasher without worrying about the hot water running out.
Only in the most extreme cases (like several simultaneous showers and multiple appliances operating) will a tankless water heater run into potential supply issues. The experts at Mattioni have rarely seen this occur, but if by some chance it happens to you, you’re able to install separate water heaters in parallel to support higher hot water demands.
Installing a tankless water heater also lets you cash in on our next benefit: reduced utility bills.
2. How Tankless Water Heaters Lower Your Utility Bills
Tankless water heaters are one of the most energy efficient hot water options. Unlike traditional water heaters that keep a large tank of water heated 24/7, tankless systems heat water only when you need it.
Think of this difference like turning on a stove burner only when you’re cooking versus leaving it on all day. The continuous standby losses that traditional tank-type water heaters encounter can be significant, relative to the energy savings of a tankless model.
In fact, the on-demand water heating process utilized by tankless water heaters can cut energy use by up to 34%, according to the US Dept. Of Energy.
While the installation costs of a tankless water heater may be higher than other options, the immediate savings on your utility bills can relieve some month-to-month household financial strain. Moreover, the long-term savings will eventually offset the initial costs and provide extended financial relief.
3. Tankless Models Have a Longer Average Lifespan
Most people don’t look forward to replacing their water heater. One strategy to ensure you won’t need to make this investment again any time soon is to prioritize the system’s expected lifespan.
When comparing the major options, tankless water heaters offer one of the longest average lifespans.
Tankless units come into contact with water only in small bursts and are durable enough to last upwards of 18 years with proper maintenance. For perspective, this is nearly double the lifespan of a traditional steel tank water heater, which typically requires replacement after 10 years due to constant exposure to water and the resulting corrosion.
Upgrading to a tankless system is an investment that’ll pay off with peace of mind for years into the future.
It’s worth noting that there is another type of water heater that also offers an extended lifespan – plastic tank water heaters. If you’re searching for the longest lifespan, consider tankless and plastic tank models as the best in this category.
4. A Smaller Footprint Frees up Space
Tankless water heaters are unique in the amount of space that they take up in your home. They’re wall mounted and about the size of a small suitcase, freeing up precious floor space in your basement that would otherwise be taken up by a bulky tank. They also don’t require a thermal expansion tank, further reducing their total spatial footprint.
As a homeowner, switching to a tankless water heater can mean reclaiming part of your home. At the very least, it could help you utilize that space for storage, making for a better-organized home with more room in other closets.
This benefit is especially impactful in smaller homes, condos, or apartments where every square foot counts.
5. Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint
Reducing your home’s energy usage isn’t just about saving money – it’s also about minimizing its carbon footprint. A tankless water heater uses less energy than traditional tank-type models, so converting will help you create a more environmentally friendly home.
This is an especially attractive option for homeowners looking to make their homes more sustainable and appealing to future buyers who also prioritize eco-conscious appliances.
Heat pump water heaters are another option that offer exceptional energy efficiency. If improving your home’s efficiency is a top priority, talk with your plumbing pro about both tankless and heat pump water heaters, and which is right for you.
6. No Risk for Water Damage
If you’ve ever experienced a water heater leak and flooding damage, then you know that it’s no joke. A full tank of water can flood your home, causing thousands of dollars in property damage to flooring, furniture, and valuable personal belongings.
While there are ways to prevent or detect leaks before a serious one occurs, tankless water heaters eliminate this risk as they don’t store water in the first place. For homeowners, this is one less thing to worry about and one less potential catastrophe to cover with insurance.
If you’ve had to live through flooding in your home already, then you know how reassuring this perk is. Switching to a tankless model is a choice that protects both your home and your wallet from a potential disaster.
Evaluating Your Water Heater Options for Your Home’s Needs
As you can see, switching to a tankless water heater offers a blend of practical, financial and environmental benefits.
Between lower utility bills, extra floor space, and an endless hot water supply, tankless water heaters have some distinctly unique features. Their design makes them more durable than other options, with a lifespan upwards of 18-20 years when following an annual maintenance schedule.
However, it’s important to critically evaluate all your options, as you’ll most likely only replace your water heater once every 10-20 years. While there’s a lot to be excited about with tankless models and what they offer your home, it’s still important to look at traditional tank-type and hybrid/heat pump units as well.
Ultimately, the hot water needs of your home and your personal priorities will determine which type of system is right for you.
The team of plumbing professionals at Mattioni has helped thousands of homeowners invest in a water heater that fits their needs, and we’re here to help you too. For answers to any remaining questions about tankless water heaters reach out to our friendly team at (610) 400-8510.
You can also book a free in-home consultation directly online, or check out our Learning Center for more resources to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re building a new house or looking to upgrade your current system, a tankless water heater is a forward-thinking choice that can enhance your daily life.
