Many homeowners hear about tankless water heaters and wonder if they should make the upgrade for their home when they need water heater repair in McKinney, TX. The answer depends on numerous variables.
The more you know, the more informed you will be as a consumer. We answer everything you need to know about tankless water heater repair and installation below.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters deliver water to the different fixtures in your home on demand.
The water enters the tankless water heater through a supply line and then gets heated up in the unit with the help of a gas burner or electric heating element. This means the water isn’t sitting in a tank with a maintained temperature.
A tankless model heats up the water at a rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The actual rate you experience varies based on the temperature rise – the difference between the cold water entering the water heater and the water exiting the water heater.
Inlet water at a low temperature will require more energy to heat up to the desired temperature than warmer incoming temperatures.
When multiple people in the home utilize the hot water at the same time, the GPM gets split among the active fixtures.
Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater
Energy Efficiency
A tankless water heater runs more efficiently than tank water heaters thanks to a more efficient heating process.
Tank-style water heaters heat up water as it enters the tank and keeps it at the set temperature so that it’s warm when you need it. When not using the hot water, even the best-insulated tanks experience some level of standing heat loss, causing the unit to use more energy to reheat the water to the desired temperature.
Since tankless water heaters produce instant hot water on-demand, they don’t need to use energy to make up for heat loss. This allows them to run at shockingly high-efficiency rates that usually far exceed the ratings of tank water heaters.
On average, tankless units use about 10 – 20% less energy than a conventional water heater. Almost all of them qualify for Energy Star certification, too.
Save Space
Tanks take up a lot of space. Tankless units use a fraction of the space, which can be invaluable when you have limited space to work with. You can remove the giant tank and utilize that space for storage or living space.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters can last significantly more than 20 years. Traditional models, on the other hand, usually don’t last more than 10 – 15 years.
You will make up a lot of your initial investment due to how long you can wait before buying a new unit again.
Are you ready to make an upgrade to your water heater? Call Hackler Plumbing at 214-585-1499 to schedule an appointment today!
Tankless Water Heater Installation Costs
One of the main deterrents customers run into is the perceived cost of a new tankless water heater. While it’s true that they require a substantial initial investment, you will find that the value oftentimes outweighs the costs.
To determine if the cost will be worth it, start by comparing the efficiency of your old model and the efficiency of your new model. Also, consider how long you plan to stay in your current home.
Cost of the Unit
Tankless units sometimes cost more than tank models.
One of the largest variables that determine the cost of your tankless heater is the heat source as follows:
- Electric tankless water heater – $650.00
- Conventional gas water heater – $1160.00
- Condensing gas water heater – $1760.00
These are of course averages, not specific quotes, just to give you an idea.
Another important variable involves the unit’s unique features. Some tankless models allow for customizable installation, high-quality components, Bluetooth or WiFI connectivity, advanced safety features, or smart automatization that adjust to your preferences.
Increased Installation Cost
If you have been using a traditional water heater, you will most likely need to make upgrades to your home’s gas lines or electrical wiring in order to support a tankless water heater with greater requirements. If you already have a setup that will support your new device, you can skip that additional cost.
Gas On average, tank-style gas water heater installation costs $561. A tankless gas water heater costs an average of $1144. We can of course give you a specific quote for your McKinney home once we calculate your needs.
Additional Considerations Before Buying a Tankless Water Heater
Naturally, there are certain things to be aware of before buying a tankless water heater to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Tankless water heaters may not be able to provide you with adequate hot water if you have high demand in your home. In other words, installing a tankless water heater might supplement your hot water needs rather than fully replace your tank unit.
For large homes, you may need to install separate under sink units in the remote locations of your home. This may be required if you wish to go “fully tankless” and have all your hot water needs met.
Furthermore, the investment may not be worth it if you plan to move soon after installing the device, especially if it requires an expensive gas line or electrical upgrades. You won’t see the water bill savings or enjoy the unit for the duration of its lifespan, making it a great investment – for the new owners.
Tankless Water Heater Repair
While regular maintenance can ensure your tankless water heater runs properly for a long time, you may still run into a repair from time to time.
The most common cause for damage is sediment buildup affecting the components inside your tankless water heater. All water systems leave behind some amount of mineral deposits but areas with hard water experience more sediment buildup more quickly than areas with soft water.
To avoid needless tankless water heater repairs, ask us about getting professional tankless water heater maintenance about once a year.
Getting Tankless Water Heater Service in McKinney, TX
Tankless water heaters make a great option for people who see the value in the initial investment and plan to stay at their homes for a decade or more. Whether you want to make an upgrade or get tank-type water heater installation, Hackler Plumbing can help.
We offer the best plumbing service in McKinney, TX thanks to years of experience and a passion for customer service. We guarantee that we will be on time and you will be happy with your results.
If you need something outside of your water heater replacement and water heater repair, we can also help with any of your plumbing needs.
Give us a call today!
