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July 3, 2025
Are you thinking about switching to a tankless water heater? Before you decide, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and the long-term costs of this modern technology.
Compared with traditional water heaters with a pre-set amount of hot water stored in a storage tank, tankless water heaters operate by heating water instantaneously as it flows through the device. When a user opens a faucet for hot water, cold water starts flowing through a pipe that supplies the unit, where it is quickly heated by a gas flame or an electric heating element, providing hot water as it is needed.
This new system is gaining popularity for energy efficiency and constant hot water supply, but is it suitable for your home?
Tankless water heaters are very energy efficient compared to their conventional counterparts. In contrast to conventional water heaters, which use a tank to hold hot water at a set temperature, tankless water heaters work by a different mechanism. This implies that they do not waste energy to maintain the water at the desired temperature when it is idle, thereby conserving energy in the process.
When you have a unit of the desired size, you will never run out of hot water, and this makes it particularly handy for big families or homes with more than one bathroom to accommodate.
Tankless water heaters are compact and can be mounted on walls, freeing up valuable floor space.
A tankless water heater is also in high demand today for its long lifespan, extending up to 20 years, and almost twice the lifespan of a standard water heater model. However, a standard water heater will have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 12 years.
The price of installing a tankless water heater can go anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500, including both the labor and the materials that go into installing the unit; this is considerably higher than installing a standard tank water heater unit.
Depending on the present state and setup of your current plumbing and electrical infrastructure, it is likely that your house will need to have some costly upgrades to support and accommodate a tankless system effectively.
There could be a fleeting lag that takes place between the time you switch on the faucet and the time you actually get hot water running through it. This can happen especially if the water heater is located very far from the fixture itself.
A single tankless unit will be strained to supply hot water to more than one outlet simultaneously. The problem can be solved by choosing to install more than one tankless unit; however, this will mean higher overall costs related to the installation.
| Feature | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $2,000 – $4,500 | $800 – $1,800 |
| Lifespan | Up to 20 years | 10–12 years |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Moderate |
| Hot Water Supply | Endless (on-demand) | Limited to tank capacity |
| Space Requirement | Minimal (wall-mounted) | Larger footprint |
| Maintenance | Yearly descaling needed | Less frequent |
The graph shown below provides a broad visual impression that summarises the various factors of cost, energy consumption, and life of the two systems under comparison:
Within 10 to 15 years, tankless water heaters typically are able to pay for themselves in terms of the energy they conserve, particularly in homes that have a heavy hot water need. However, if a short-term budget limitation is of significant concern to a homeowner, the purchase of a traditional water heater is still a rational and viable option.
Are you yet unsure which of these options is most appropriate to your requirements? You don’t need to figure it out alone.
Selecting the best water heater applicable for your requirements is a significant and far-reaching investment that should not be taken lightly. This is exactly why San Ramon-based Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter offers professional advice as well as professional installation of tankless and conventional water heating systems.
Whether you are in a situation where you require full plumbing services, residential plumbers, or emergency plumber services, you can be sure that their fully trained and experienced staff is here to help you in the best way possible. They have established a reputation over the years for having very fast response times, expert and detailed repairs, and a dedication to providing top-of-the-line customer satisfaction at all levels.
If your current water heater breaks or begins leaking, don’t hesitate. Call same day plumbers or an emergency plumber right away. Delay can result in water damage as well as expensive repairs.
Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter provides 24/7 plumbing services for urgent cases, ensuring your home stays safe and functional.
It is worth investing in a tankless water heater because
But if a tight budget limits you or you are part of a small family where hot water requirements are minimal, then going for an old-fashioned type of hot water system may be more practical and appropriate for you.
Are you prepared to upgrade and improve your existing water heater system? Put your trust in the highly esteemed and well-respected Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter of San Ramon—your reliable and trusted partner for all of your home plumbing needs, same day plumbing repairs, and a full range of all-inclusive plumber services.
Call now at (925) 478-8073 for a FREE consultation and quote!