Have you heard of the benefits of tankless water heaters and started wondering if you could make the switch? Let’s walk through the benefits of tankless water heaters and the requirements for switching from a tank water heater to a tankless model to help you make the right choice.

Can I Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?

If you’re frustrated because you keep running out of hot water, you need a water heater that takes up less space, or you’re trying to reduce your home’s energy consumption, a tankless water heater could be a good option for you.

Although tankless units can work for most homes, it’s important to assess your household’s hot water needs, budget, and current plumbing setup before making a decision.

I recommend talking through your options with a professional to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best choice.

4 Reasons to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

  1. Space Savings: Without the need for a bulky storage tank, a tankless unit will free up valuable floor space. A tankless heater also offers more flexibility in installation locations, making it ideal for smaller homes without much room to spare.
  2. Continuous Hot Water Supply: Tankless systems heat water on demand, meaning you’ll never again feel the shock of your nice, hot shower turning ice-cold.
  3. Energy Efficiency: By only heating water when it’s needed, tankless water heaters are anywhere from 8%-34% more efficient than traditional water heaters, depending on how much hot water your home uses. Using less energy doesn’t just have a positive environmental impact, it can also save you money on your energy bills.
  4. Add Value To Your Home: Homeowners are more environmentally conscious these days. According to a study by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more and 43 days faster than similar homes without a tankless water heater.

3 Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters

Although endless hot water and energy savings sound like great perks, tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone. Here are a few downsides of tankless water heaters:

Higher Installation Costs: The cost of installing a tankless water heater can be 50-100% more than the cost of installing a traditional water heater.

Required Upgrades To Your Current Systems: In older homes especially, your pipes, water lines, gas line and/or electrical systems may not be able to handle the needs and output of a tankless water heater.

Although that doesn’t mean tankless water heater installation is out of the question, it might be more complicated than in newer homes.

You may need to weigh the benefits of tankless heaters and their cost savings over time with the initial costs of getting your home and current systems up to par.

Lower Water Pressure: The size of your tankless water heater determines the flow of your water. That means it could take longer for hot water to reach your bathtub or sink. It may also mean that the water pressure is not quite as strong as it was with a traditional tank water heater.

Switching to a Tankless Water Heater

Although switching from a tank-style water heater to a tankless system is a little more involved than just replacing your current hot water tank, our team of water heater experts here at Barnett know how to make switching to a tankless unit feel seamless.

First, one of our highly-trained team members will come out to do an in-home estimate. We promise there will be no pressure and no obligation to buy. We will not sell you a water heater you don’t need or want.

Instead, we will lay out your options, along with the pros and cons of each, to help you make the best decision for your budget and your family.

If you decide to go with a tankless system, we will install your new tankless water heater unit quickly and efficiently so that you can get back to life as usual (i.e. steamy showers and clean clothes) in no time.

Should You Make The Switch?

Switching from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless heater has its benefits, like energy efficiency, space savings, and a consistent supply of hot water. However, the transition comes with a higher upfront cost and potential challenges. The best way to make the right choice for your family is with the guidance of a professional.

If you need a water heater expert to lay out your tankless hot water heater options without laying on the pressure, call Barnett at (925) 492-7672 for an in-home estimate.