Several tankless water heaters are available and can be differentiated based on how they heat water, the fuel used, and whether the unit is designed for whole-home or point-of-use heating.

rpz valve3/4

One of the main drawbacks preventing people from switching to a tankless water heater system is that it costs about three times as much to purchase and install as a tank-style water heater. According to HomeGuide, the average cost to install a tankless water heater ranges from about $800 to $3,500.

An important consideration when purchasing a tankless water heater is the installation process. Due to the complexity of the project and the professional know-how necessary to ensure a water heater is working correctly, it isn’t recommended that a DIYer attempt to install one.

Space-Saving Sizes: Smaller homes can get on-demand access to hot water without having to dedicate a large area to a bulky water tank.

Tankless water heaters take up much less space than traditional tank-style heaters and are typically more efficient. These systems heat water as needed instead of continually maintaining the heat level of an entire tank of water. On-demand hot water is achieved by running a cold water line into the tankless water heater so that the water flows through the heating element. The element rapidly heats the water during the brief period when the water is inside the heater. The heated water exits the water heater and flows to the open faucet.

RPZ valveleaking

Multiple Units for Larger Properties: Generally, larger homes and families will have a higher demand for hot water. To keep up with this demand, you may need to install more than one tankless water heater or invest in a high-end tankless water heater with a very high flow rate. This ensures water is heated to an optimal temperature. A family with four people in a home with four or fewer bathrooms shouldn’t require more than one tankless water heater.

Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters are smaller alternatives to whole-home tankless water heaters. As the name suggests, instead of heating the water for the entire home, point-of-use water heaters are set up near a single faucet, shower, or appliance to rapidly heat the water at the point of use.

RPZ valvesymbol

A tankless water heating system is a relatively new product developed with several fundamental changes to improve the way water is heated in your home.

RPZ Valveprice

Maintenance on a tankless water heater averages $45 to $200 per year for a professional to visit your home and service your unit. Most models will have a five-year chamber and one-year parts warranty. If you want an extended warranty, check with your dealer to see if one is available before purchasing.

If you don’t have a go-to plumbing company, take some time to research local options and compare the pricing, installation process, and warranties of each before deciding on the right company to complete the work.

When a tank-style water heater reaches the end of its life, the heating system’s efficiency is often greatly diminished as the worn-out heater attempts to keep up with demand. It may be time to familiarize yourself with tankless water heater pros and cons so you can decide whether to replace your water heater with a model similar to what you have or possibly switch to a tankless water heater.

The price of these systems can increase or decrease depending on the size, flow rate, fuel, and type, so it’s important to discuss your options with a professional plumber before deciding on the best tankless water heater for your home.

Long-Lasting Durability: Tankless water heaters last for up to 20 years before needing to be replaced. For comparison, tank-style water heaters have an average life of about 12 years.

Most plumbing companies can remove an old tank-style water heater and install a new tankless water heater, although the cost of this service varies depending on the size, type, and fuel the water heater uses. For instance, while a non-condensing tankless water heater is more affordable than a condensing unit, you might end up paying more for labor to have a non-condensing water heater installed because a stainless-steel exhaust system is required for it to function properly.

RPZ valvehow it works

Limitless Hot Water: Users don’t need to worry about the shower suddenly getting cold, which can happen when a tank-style water heater runs out of hot water.

Due to this heating method, tankless water heaters don’t need to be active constantly. Additionally, there’s no limit to the amount of hot water, so users don’t need to worry about running out midway through a shower. Find out more about tankless water heater pros and cons to help you decide if a tankless system is right for your home.

When installing a tankless water heater, homeowners are eligible for a federal rebate of 30% of the project cost, with the average being $600.

Limited Flow Rates: Reduced flow rates can lead to poor heating efficiency and low-temperature water. Before deciding on a tankless water heater, ask an experienced plumber about the appropriate flow rate for your home. Remember that, in most cases, the higher the flow rate, the more costly the water heater.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

RPZ valvepool

On-Demand Heating: The user can turn on any hot water faucet and instantly get hot water. Tank-style water heaters take more time to heat the water stored in the tank.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters don’t rely on a heat exchanger. Instead, the water rapidly heats when it flows directly through the electric heating element inside the tankless water heater. These systems are typically less expensive to install than a gas tankless water heater but more expensive to buy.

While there are several key benefits of tankless water heaters, several limitations might cause you to reconsider whether a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home.

Gas tankless water heaters burn propane or natural gas to heat the water as it flows through the system. There are non-condensing and condensing options:

High-Efficiency and Energy-Saving Designs: Tankless water heaters help reduce energy costs and keep more money in your pocket. They only activate when hot water is needed instead of continuously using energy to heat and reheat a standing tank of water, even when hot water isn’t being used.

However, when considering the high price of a tankless water heater, it’s also necessary to remember that these systems are more efficient than a traditional tank-style water heater, so you reduce your yearly energy costs and save money in the long run.

High Purchase and Installation Costs: The price of a tankless water heater can be a restrictive factor. Installing a tank-style water heater typically costs about $900, while the average cost to install a tankless water heater can exceed $3,000.