Why Many Homeowners Are Switching to Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional tank systems offer many benefits, but if you’re dealing with high utility bills and exhausted hot water supplies, it might be time to think about upgrading to a tankless water heater.
Compared to traditional tank units that take up floor space and continually heat water, a tankless system upgrades your setup by heating water on demand and eliminating the limitations of stored hot water. At Chen Plumbing, we help homeowners compare tank systems and tankless water heater benefits with a clear focus on performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, provides hot water as needed. Instead of storing hot water in a tank, tankless units warm cold water in the supply line as it passes through a heat exchanger. When you turn on the hot faucet at your sink, shower, or other fixtures, the tankless unit instantaneously heats water at a rate of 7.6 to 15.2 liters per minute.
Tankless hot water heaters are available in either gas or electric models, depending on your home’s energy setup and hot water demand. Gas models deliver higher hot water flow rates, making them a good fit for larger households. Electric models pair well with smaller homes or in point-of-use applications.
Endless Hot Water for Your Home
Conventional tank heaters store a limited amount of hot water, and once you use the supply up, you must wait for the tank to refill and reheat. Since tankless systems heat water as it flows through the unit, they don’t run out of hot water the way tank units can — they’re only restricted by flow rate. The difference between these options is often more noticeable in cases of back-to-back showers or multiple hot water appliances used within small timeframes.
Improved Energy Efficiency
While a tank system uses energy to continually heat stored water, a tankless unit avoids standby heat loss by warming water only when your home needs it, improving overall energy efficiency by up to 34%.
Lower energy consumption translates to lower utility bills, although your total savings depend on the fuel source, the unit’s efficiency rating, and your household’s hot water habits. Some models also meet ENERGY STAR standards, which helps when comparing options and the ratings of energy-efficient water heaters.
Longer Lifespan Than Traditional Water Heaters
A traditional tank water heater lasts eight to 12 years, but a tankless unit may last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. With a longer service life and delayed system replacements, you get better value for the cost of a tankless water heater in Georgia.
Replaceable internal parts also help extend the working life of many tankless systems. When a component wears out, plumbers can often service the specific part instead of replacing the entire unit. When the tank of a traditional heater becomes corroded and leaky, replacing the system is the most practical solution.
Space-Saving Design
Tank water heaters take up valuable floor space in garages, basements, and utility rooms. Tankless units have a much smaller footprint, instead mounting on the wall or easily fitting in a closet or cupboard, leaving more usable square footage in tight areas.
Lower Risk of Water Damage
A tank water heater holds a large volume of water under pressure. As the tank ages, corrosion and sediment buildup can cause leaks or tank failure. When a tank leaks or ruptures, it allows moisture to invade your home and can damage flooring, drywall, trim, and nearby belongings.
Although a tankless system still has plumbing connections and internal parts that may leak, the risk of a sudden, disastrous flood in your basement is significantly lower than with a tank unit.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Home?
Many homes can benefit from upgrading to a tankless water heater, but the right choice between tankless water heaters versus tank units depends on several factors. These include:
- Hot water demand
- Household size
- Energy efficiency
- Space availability
- Maintenance
Households that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day have relatively low demand and can get optimal efficiency from a tankless system. Higher-demand households may not get the same degree of energy efficiency from one unit, but they can still achieve 8% to 14% improved efficiency. A smaller household may still need a larger unit if two showers, a dishwasher, and a washing machine often run at the same time, and many homeowners opt to install multiple tankless units strategically in their homes.
At Chen Plumbing, we size systems based on hot water demand, fuel source, and other factors. Gas models may require a larger gas line to handle the burner output, for example, while electric models may need upgrades like added panel capacity or new wiring.
Professional Tankless Water Heater Installation in Atlanta
Tankless water heater installation requires careful planning and sizing. Gas units may need venting changes and fuel line adjustments, while electric units may need circuit or panel capacity upgrades. Installations must also comply with local building code requirements and match your home’s hot water demand.
Working with a professional helps you avoid the problems that come from poor sizing or improper installation. A unit that’s too small may struggle to keep up with demand, while a unit installed without the right venting, gas supply, or electrical support may lose efficiency or develop performance issues.
At Chen Plumbing, our licensed plumbers handle tankless water heater installation with precise sizing and code-compliant workmanship. We install tankless water heaters in Atlanta homes, with close attention to proper sizing and other factors. Choose a reputable tankless water heater plumber to prevent common problems caused by improper installation, such as weak hot water output and short cycling, and get the best value from your upgrade.
Schedule Your Tankless Water Heater Installation Today
If you’re comparing upgrade options, Chen Plumbing can help you decide if a tankless system is right for your home and hot water needs. We install energy-efficient hot water systems for homeowners across Atlanta and guide you through sizing, fuel requirements, and installation needs. If you’re ready to speak with a tankless water heater plumber, contact us at Chen Plumbing to schedule an estimate for your installation.
