If you’re looking for a new water heater for your Beckley, WV home, there are several reasons to consider a tankless model. If you’ve only ever owned storage tank water heaters, though, you may be hesitant to do so. Learning about their advantages may motivate you to take a closer look at why one could be an excellent decision for your home.
1. An Endless Hot Water Supply
Living in a home with a storage-tank water heater means you’ve undoubtedly experienced some variation of the following. You head to the bathroom to enjoy a long, relaxing hot shower. But before long, your hot shower turns into a tepid one, forcing you to cut things short. It happens when someone else in your home uses up most of the hot water in your storage tank. Now imagine never running short of hot water ever again.
Tankless water heaters can make that dream a reality. They activate on demand and produce hot water for as long as needed. That way, you never need to worry about who used hot water, when, and if there’s anything left for you. For best results, however, installing a properly sized tankless heater is critical. Unlike storage tanks with varying standby capacities, tankless heaters have different flow rates and temperature rise capacities.
To choose the correct size tankless heater, you’ll need two critical bits of information. The first is the average temperature of your home’s incoming water supply. The second is the maximum hot water flow rate you require. Add up the different uses of hot water you plan to run simultaneously to get that. For example, count the flow rate of your shower, dishwasher, and washing machine. Then, choose a tankless option rated for that flow rate at your home’s average incoming water temperature.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank models. This increased efficiency stems from two key factors. First, most whole-home, gas-powered tankless systems use condensing technology, which captures and repurposes residual heat from exhaust gases. By utilizing this otherwise wasted energy, the system minimizes fuel consumption and reduces overall heat loss.
Second, tankless units eliminate the standby heat losses associated with storage tanks. In conventional systems, hot water sits in the tank awaiting use. As it sits, it gradually cools, requiring repeated reheating to maintain a consistent temperature. This constant reheating cycle consumes energy even when no one is using hot water.
By producing hot water on demand, tankless models avoid these standby losses entirely. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily can save up to 34% on water heating costs. Even larger households with higher hot water demands can still reduce their energy use by as much as 14%, making tankless systems a smart long-term investment.
3. Longer Lifespans
If you’re used to storage tank water heaters, you probably know they tend to last only eight to 10 years. Replacing one can be a major inconvenience, especially when it fails unexpectedly. Tankless water heaters, by comparison, can last up to 20 years. Some of the highest-quality models may last even longer. With proper installation and regular maintenance, you can avoid the hassle of frequent replacements and get more long-term value from your investment.
Tankless units are also known for their reliability. Because they don’t store water continuously, they’re less susceptible to corrosion. With fewer moving parts, many systems operate for years without needing significant repairs.
4. Space Savings
If you take a close look at your storage tank water heater, the first thing you’ll likely notice is its bulk. Most conventional models are between 50 and 70 inches tall and measure 20 to 30 inches across. That’s a considerable amount of floor space, often in an already crowded area.
Switching to a tankless water heater frees up that floor space. These systems are compact, wall-mounted units. Many whole-home models are roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase. They’re also often easy to install in out-of-the-way locations such as basement walls, utility closets, or even outside in mild climates.
The difference can be significant for homeowners with limited square footage or anyone hoping to reclaim storage space. In many cases, you’ll gain enough room to add items, improve access to other mechanical systems, or simply keep the space less cluttered.
5. Reduced Maintenance
Tankless water heaters require significantly less maintenance compared to traditional storage tank models. Most tankless systems only need professional maintenance once a year, typically including descaling and cleaning the filters. This service usually takes less than an hour; once it’s completed, your hot water will be good to go immediately.
In contrast, storage tank water heaters require more frequent attention. If you have hard water in your home, they may need bi-annual tank flushes, a process that takes time and effort. During this process, a professional plumber must first drain the tank, which can take at least 30 minutes. Afterward, water is run through the tank for several more minutes until it runs clear. After the service visit, it will take time for the system to heat the water in the tank, which usually takes around an hour.
Also, storage tanks have sacrificial anodes, which you must replace periodically. These anodes protect the tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements, like oxygen, that would typically cause damage to the steel lining.
6. Increased Operational Safety
Another reason to consider investing in a tankless water heater is its enhanced safety. Without a large storage tank, the risk of a failure flooding your home is minimal. Tankless water heaters are equipped with multiple safety features that ensure they operate within safe pressures and temperatures. They also have sensors to monitor exhaust to detect any signs of dangerous operating conditions.
In addition, the compact design of tankless units means they have fewer potential points of failure, further reducing the likelihood of a leak compared to a traditional storage tank. If a leak does occur, you can quickly shut off the water supply to a tankless heater, preventing further damage. With a storage tank, however, you must also manage the water it holds in the event of an issue, which can be a significant problem.
7. Simplified Installation
Finally, tankless water heaters are much easier to install than you might expect. Typically, they require only a few modifications to your home’s gas and water lines. Once installed, future replacements are more straightforward due to their compact design. This makes them more convenient to transport into and out of your home.
Trusted Tankless Water Heater Specialists
At Childers Air Plumbing & Electric, we have been serving the residents of Beckley, WV and the surrounding areas since 1951. We install, maintain, and repair water heaters, including tankless models. Additionally, we can help you with all your other plumbing needs, including drain cleaning, leak detection, and installing water softeners. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
