Tankless Water Heaters: Debunking the Myths

We’re betting that you’re tired of waking up with a cold shower in the morning because all of your family members have sucked the hot water tank dry. We’re also betting that you may be hesitant to switch to a tankless water heater because you’ve heard a lot of things about them and can’t figure out what is fact and what is fiction.

You may have heard that tankless water heaters are the greatest thing since sliced bread, or you may have heard that they create more problems than solutions.

We’d like to end the confusion once and for all, and take this opportunity to debunk some popular tankless water heater myths and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Exactly Does Tankless Mean?

Many people may not fully understand what a tankless water heater is. In the simplest terms, tankless water heaters heat water as it is sent through the unit itself, and do not retain water like a hot water tank does.

Myth: You Can’t Switch from Tanks to Tankless

This really depends on the brand of tankless water heater you choose and whether you get a professional installation. If done correctly, it is a lot easier to switch between systems.

Most traditional water heaters were not put in place with the idea of handling a tankless water heater retrofit in the future. We are lucky to have brands of tankless water heaters that fit with your existing system, making the switch easier.

Our recommended brands were designed with your home in mind, so there is very little extra work when and if you do decide to switch. However, certains brands will require you to make big changes, including a different gas line size or alternative venting requirements. Make sure the brand you choose will work with your existing set up so that converting to a tankless water heater doesn’t become unnecessarily complicated and expensive.

The most important thing is to make sure that your tankless water heater is properly installed by a licensed professional. Improper installation coupled with inappropriate parts will give you more problems than solutions.

Myth: They Are More Expensive

One of the most popular myths surrounding tankless water heaters is that they are just not worth it. People feel that the higher upfront cost of the heater and the installation make it not worth the investment.

While tankless water heaters may have a higher upfront cost, they have the potential to provide money-saving opportunities down the road by making your water heating process more efficient. If installed properly, you will see an increase in efficiency.

Additionally, with so many people choosing to go tankless and looking for a tankless water heater in their dream homes, adding one could make your home more desirable should you ever sell it.

It’s understandable that costs are a concern. We are happy to do what we can to address those concerns. We have models that can be installed easily and affordably with your existing pipes, cutting down on those upfront costs. There are also financing options that can result in low monthly payments, making the dream of having a tankless water heater possible.

Remember: We only recommend brands and products we know to be of excellent quality, including when it comes to energy-efficiency. However, changing gas prices mean we cannot guarantee the exact dollar amount of savings.

Myth: They Aren’t That Energy Efficient

Energy efficient HVAC systems are all the rage when it comes to preserving both your wallet and the environment. Tankless water heaters have energy-saving features that make them a superior option for efficiency and savings.

Different models will have different efficiency ratings and features, but overall a tankless water heater has a wealth of energy-saving potential. This is due to the majority of tankless water heaters requiring less gas and energy to work.

After switching to a tankless water heater with a high energy-efficiency rating, some households have reported up to 40% in energy savings when using certain tankless water heaters.

Myth: All Tankless Models Deliver Hot Water Instantly

We’ve heard people complain about their tankless water heater problems, and found that these complaints come from a common misconception that all tankless water heaters are the same. This is especially true when it comes to the myth surrounding how quickly your tankless water heater will deliver hot water. Tankless has become synonymous with the term ‘instant’, which is false if that particular model does not have recirculation technology.

A tankless water heater without recirculation capabilities will take a few seconds to deliver your hot water. A recirculating tankless water heater will cycle a small amount of water through the heater, giving you hot water as soon as you need it every single time.

We carry models that include recirculating features to give you as much hot water you want exactly when you want it.

Tankless Water Heaters: Yes or No?

This isn’t a decision we can make for you, but we can help you get all the information you need to make it.

If you do choose to go tankless, the most important thing to remember is that it won’t work for you unless it is properly installed by licensed professionals. We’re committed to giving you the best value for the best products and services the first time around. We’re so certain of this that we’ll guarantee it.

Request a quote or call 1-888-535-2720 to book an appointment with our friendly team of professionals.

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