Why Homeowners Switch to Tankless

Unlike a traditional tank water heater, a tankless water heater heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, using a high-powered burner or electric element to bring incoming cold water up to temperature in seconds. That means no standby energy loss from a tank sitting full of hot water around the clock, a much smaller footprint on the wall instead of taking up floor space, and — when properly sized — a virtually endless supply of hot water that doesn’t run out partway through a long shower or back-to-back loads of laundry.

For many households, the appeal isn’t just about convenience. Tankless units typically last significantly longer than a standard tank — often 20 years or more with proper maintenance, compared to the 8-12 year lifespan of a conventional tank. They also tend to be more energy efficient, since the unit isn’t continuously reheating a large volume of stored water throughout the day whether you need it or not.

That said, installation is more involved than a simple tank swap. Tankless units often require upgraded gas lines or electrical circuits, specific venting, and sometimes a dedicated water line adjustment. Our network plumbers assess your home’s existing setup before recommending the right unit and installation approach, so you know exactly what’s involved before any work begins.

What Installation Typically Involves

• Sizing assessment — determining the flow rate needed for your household’s peak hot water usage, factoring in how many fixtures might run simultaneously
• Gas line evaluation — gas tankless units often require a larger gas line than a standard tank heater, since they draw more BTUs to heat water instantly
• Venting installation — proper venting for exhaust, following manufacturer and local code specifications, often using stainless steel or PVC venting depending on the unit
• Electrical considerations — electric tankless units may require a dedicated high-amperage circuit, and some larger units need multiple circuits
• Water line adjustments — in some cases, existing plumbing needs modification to properly connect to the new unit’s inlet and outlet

These additional requirements mean tankless installation typically costs more upfront than a standard tank swap, but many homeowners find the long-term energy savings and extended lifespan worth the investment.

Gas vs. Electric Tankless Units

Choosing between a gas and electric tankless water heater usually comes down to your home’s existing utilities and hot water demand. Gas units generally deliver higher flow rates and work well for larger households, but they require adequate gas supply and proper venting. Electric units are typically easier and less expensive to install since they don’t need venting, but they may require significant electrical panel capacity, and very high-demand households sometimes need multiple units working together.

Our network plumbers can walk you through the tradeoffs based on your specific home, your household’s hot water usage patterns, and your budget, so you land on the unit that actually fits your situation rather than a generic recommendation.