Tankless Water Heater Questions

How do tankless water heaters work?

Rather than storing large amounts of heated water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit. When a hot water fixture is turned out, cold water is brought into the water heater through a pipe. As it passes through, either a gas burner or electric heating element heats the water. This means tankless water heaters can deliver a constant supply of hot water on demand.

What are the benefits of using a tankless water heater?

Most homeowners in Austin choose to go with tankless water heaters because they are more energy efficient, which is better for both the environment and your bank account. Tankless water heaters can reduce energy use by 24-34% compared to conventional water heaters. They also have a much higher lifespan, outlasting conventional water heaters by 10-15 years. Even though tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront, the energy savings and longer lifespan can result in a lower overall cost.

In addition to cost savings in the long run, tankless water heaters offer greater convenience. They take up less space and can be installed in tight areas. In some cases, they can even be installed on the exterior of your home.

Finally, many homeowners love tankless water heaters because they provide hot water right when you need it and don’t run out of heated water. They can continuously deliver a supply of hot water for as long as you need.

Are there any downsides to using tankless water heaters?

As we mentioned, tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost. If you are switching from a conventional water heater to a tankless model, installation costs can also be higher due to these main installation needs:

• Removal of old unit
• Reconfigure the existing piping
• Add new pex piping
• Install new gas piping (tankless water heaters requires at minimum 3/4 inch gas lines)
• Add condensate line
• Redo the gas venting completely and seal the roof properly
• Install an inline water filter (for water that enters the unit)
• Reconfigure the pain drain
• Add the proper expansion tank designated for the unit
• Install hot water circulating unit

The other major downside is that tankless water heaters can be output challenged. While they produce a constant supply of hot water, they can only produce so much hot water at a time. It’s important that you install a tankless water heater that is sized for your home, so you don’t create too much/too little demand when running multiple fixtures at one time. Tankless water heaters are rated by gallons per minute rather than tank size. It’s important to choose the correct gallons per minute model when deciding which tankless water heater to go with.

Should I go with a gas or electric tankless water heater?

While most homeowners choose to use the power supply type already in their home, you may have a choice between a gas or electric tankless water heater. However, Reliant does NOT recommend electric tankless water heaters because the elements burn out constantly making these systems unreliable. The only exception may be a vacation home where the system is not used frequently. Otherwise, gas tankless water heaters are the only way to go, but there are a few important things to consider.

In terms of cost, gas tankless water heaters are generally more expensive upfront and require more complex installation. However, gas prices are currently cheaper than electric prices, meaning your monthly cost of energy will likely be lower with a gas unit. Gas units also require a bit more maintenance as they are more prone to mineral scale buildup. We recommend calling Reliant to flush both types of tankless water heaters once per year, but it’s especially important for gas tankless water heaters.

The other major consideration is the hot water output. Gas-powered tankless water heaters are able to deliver a significantly higher flow rate than electric units, making them a better fit for high hot water needs. If you have a larger household or an above average need for hot water, you should go with a gas tankless water heater.

What size tankless water heater do I need?

We highly recommend that you speak with a licensed plumber to decide what size tankless water heater you need. They will take into consideration the number of bathrooms & hot water fixtures in your home, the number of residents, your daily routines, and your power type. Give our office a call to discuss your needs with one of our plumbing pros.

Where should my tankless water heater be located in my home?

Most homeowners choose to locate them where their old water heater was, but tankless water heaters are very small and flexible in their placement. However, tankless water heaters do have very particular venting requirements as they vent more exhaust than conventional water heaters. You will need to consult with a licensed plumber on the specific location in or outside your home to ensure venting requirements can be met.

How long will a new tankless water heater last before I have to replace it?

Tankless water heaters can stay in healthy operation for up to 20 years, which is often double the lifespan of a conventional water heater. With proper maintenance, some tankless water heaters are even outliving their 20-year expectation. With inflation rising, the sooner you switch over to a gas tankless water heater system, the better you will be in the long run. Call Reliant today and make an appointment with one of our water heater specialists.