7 Advantages of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater

Last updated on April 9, 2024

Upgrading from a traditional storage tank water heater to a tankless model comes with many benefits.

Tankless water heaters, otherwise known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, have become increasingly popular as an energy-efficient and space-saving alternative in recent years.

Here are 7 key advantages you can expect from making the switch:

1. Endless Hot Water

The major benefit of going tankless is the unlimited supply of hot water. Tankless heaters provide hot water directly from the water mains when it’s needed, rather than heating and storing a tank full of water in advance.

This means you’ll always have hot water, even for long showers, filling the tub, running the dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, or when several people need hot water at once.

The consistent hot water supply makes tankless units ideal for larger families and homes with busy mornings getting kids ready for school while parents are preparing for work.

The simultaneous hot water demands would strain a storage tank heater, resulting in weak water pressure or cold water when the tank runs dry. But with a properly sized tankless heater based on your peak demand, you may finally have enough hot water for those early morning routines.

You’ll also have peace of mind hosting holiday gatherings with extra house guests or big parties with lots of dishes to wash. The endless supply keeps sinks, tubs, and showers primed with piping-hot water, no matter the competing demands.

2. Energy Savings

Tankless water heaters only heat water as needed, rather than maintaining it at a high temperature in a storage tank with standby heat losses through the insulated walls.

This results in increased efficiency and significant energy savings compared to traditional tank heaters.

Homeowners can expect up to 34% natural gas savings by upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated tankless systems. For electric tankless models, energy savings range from 24% to 34%, according to Department of Energy studies.

These numbers account for both the efficiency gains and standby losses avoided. Based on the national average energy costs, you may save over $300 yearly on electric or gas bills depending on the fuel type.

The energy savings come from both the technology and the sized-for-demand approach. Tankless heaters utilize advanced heat exchangers that extract over 90% of the fuel’s heat input using highly conductive metals.

Burners and heating elements only fire when hot water is needed, thereby reducing waste.

3. Space Saving

Eliminating the large storage tank frees up valuable floor space in your utility closet, laundry room, or basement.

Tankless water heaters are ultra-compact, usually no larger than carry-on luggage tucked up on the wall. Condensing tankless models that recapture additional heat are only slightly larger.

The minimal footprint keeps utility and storage rooms free rather than being cramped by obtrusive tank heaters. Space savings over a 50-gallon standard tank are over 16 square feet – like the size of a hallway closet.

For buyers and renters in smaller homes like apartments and condos, the recovered space makes going tankless an easy choice to keep rooms less cluttered.

4. Longer Lifespan

Another advantage of the tankless design is exceptional durability, with a lifespan ranging from 15-25 years or more. That’s at least twice as long as functional lifespan of an average traditional tank water heater. Properly maintained units can sometimes last 30 years.

Without a bulky tank constantly exposed to heated water, tankless systems avoid internal corrosion and mineral scale buildup that leads to tank failures.

Fewer mechanical components and innovative near-commercial grade heat exchangers also increase reliability and limit costly repairs down the road.

The long lifespan reduces the hassle and expense of draining, removing, and replacing worn-out water heating tanks. One tankless unit can outlive 2-3 standard models over its lifetime.

5. High Flow Rates

Tankless water heaters can have very high flow rates, heating water on demand faster than storage tanks can deliver. The continuous full-capacity operation means consistent temperatures and excellent water pressure reaching fixtures.

There’s no fluctuation or weakening flows as you tap into previously heated reserves like with tank heaters.

Higher-end gas tankless models provide up to 10 gallons per minute (GPM) – enough hot water for two or more demands simultaneously. Electric tankless offerings may supply over 6 GPM reliably.

Upgrading to a tankless unit properly sized for your typical peak hot water draws enables enjoyable high-flow showers and faster sink fills without the frustrating fluctuations of tank heaters.

The endless hot water may also allow you to adjust your household plumbing system by removing low-flow or throttling restrictions previously installed to conserve hot water reserves.

Removing flow restrictors provides full-pressure satisfaction at all fixtures.

6. Environmentally Friendly

The energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low standby losses of tankless water heaters make them a more environmentally responsible option compared to storage tank models. Conserving electricity or gas carries considerable eco-benefits as it:

Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gases emanating from power generation
Conserves natural gas supplies and reduces dependence on fossil fuels
Avoids water pollution and ecosystem risks from energy production
Cuts resource harvesting and transport from reduced energy demands

Tankless models also conserve water by eliminating the need to bleed taps and showerheads while waiting for hot water to reach distant fixtures from a centralized tank. The green benefits align with environmentally conscious lifestyles and consumer preferences trending toward sustainability.

7. Smart Connectivity

Many modern tankless water heaters offer advanced electronics, digital interfaces, Wi-Fi connectivity, and integration with smart home platforms. Some of the convenient features allow:

Monitoring your hot water usage patterns
Customizing delivery temperatures remotely
Setting heating schedules and vacation modes
Receiving maintenance alerts and notifications

All these are accessible via smartphone apps for on-the-go control. Touchscreen controls and digital display interfaces also make on-unit adjustments much easier compared to the analog dials and gauges on outdated tank models.

Smart water heaters can also participate in utility demand response programs.

These programs help balance electric loads by cycling tankless units briefly during peak events. Participation earns bill credits or incentives while barely affecting hot water availability.

From Conventional to Cutting-Edge: The Ultimate Conclusion on Tankless Water Heater Upgrades

Upgrading to a tankless water heater provides countless benefits spanning from reliable hot water delivery, energy savings, flexible installation, to quiet and safe operation.

Although it requires a higher initial investment, a properly sized and installed tankless heater will provide a rapid payback along with 20+ years of efficient and endless hot water. Going tankless takes your home’s comfort and efficiency to the next level.