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Tankless Water Heaters: Are They Worth It in Arizona?

Are tankless water heaters the right choice for your home? Find out why they are a perfect solution for homes that use a lot of hot water and have little space.

Every Arizona home uses warm or hot water on a daily basis – it’s essential for washing, bathing, cleaning, and more. While most Arizonans are accustomed to the benefits of traditional, tank-style water heaters, like their mid-range upfront cost, large tank for storing pre-warmed water, and straightforward installation, there are other options that may be better for your family’s hot water needs.

Hot Water Woes in Arizona Homes

If you have a medium to large-sized family and an older hot water heater, you’ve likely learned the hard way that hot water does not last forever. Between long showers, laundry and dishes, and other cleaning, there are many needs for hot water within the home. When your hot water heater is showing its age, a common solution for Arizonans is to install a brand-new traditional model with a larger tank to handle escalating water demands. Unfortunately, these larger hot water heaters take up a great deal of the space that’s at a premium in many Arizona homes.

If you’re beginning to feel like you need endless hot water in AZ, a tankless water heater is a space-saving alternative to those behemoth tank heaters. But is a tankless system worth it for your household? Learn more about the benefits of a tankless water heater and how to determine whether it is a good choice for your home.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A traditional hot water heater uses a tank to heat and hold a limited supply of hot water. By contrast, a tankless water heater heats water as needed instead of holding it in a tank to be heated and stored until use. Tankless water heaters use either a gas burner or an electric element to heat the water as it runs through the pipes to the unit.

Tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or instant water heaters because they instantly heat only enough water to meet the current demands of the home. On-board technology measures demand in gallons per minute (GPM). With this measurement, a tankless hot water heater calculates the need for hot water and creates enough to meet the demand, providing the home with instant hot water, on demand, every time.

Top Benefits for Arizona Homeowners

Tankless hot water heaters offer numerous benefits that Arizona homeowners can appreciate.

Here are our favorites:

  • No More Running Out of Water – When water is heated instantly as you need it, you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water again!
  • No Need to Wait – Since your hot water won’t be stored in a tank that needs refilling and reheating, you won’t have to wait for more hot water, even after the longest shower.
  • Cleaner Water – Your hot water will no longer be sitting in a tank, where it can become stagnant or be exposed to sediment and rust. Welcome to hot, clean water on demand!
  • Longer Equipment Life – Tank sediment and rust caused by standing water can compromise the durability and lifespan of a traditional hot water heater. Not so with tankless models, which instantly heat your water as it travels through the system.
  • Smaller Footprint – Most tankless water heaters are significantly smaller than traditional tank models, making them ideal for compact indoor utility areas. Many can even be wall-mounted, saving valuable floor space.
  • Energy Savings – Tankless hot water heaters use significantly less energy compared to traditional, tank-style water heaters, which can help you save money on your energy bill. Depending on the type of heater you purchase, you may save yourself up to $1,800 over its lifetime.
  • Better Carbon Footprint – Energy-efficient tankless hot water heaters are designed to produce lower CO2 emissions. This can help you protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
  • Ideal for All Households – Tankless hot water heaters only produce as much hot water as you need. Whether you have a high-demand household that staggers showers and operates many appliances at once or a vacation residence with infrequent hot water needs, a tankless hot water heater can be an ideal solution.

Common Myths (and the Truths Behind Them)

Although we’ve just listed several benefits of tankless hot water heaters, there are also some common myths that can prevent Arizonans from taking advantage of them. Learn the truth about tankless hot water heaters.

Myth 1: Tankless Is Always More Expensive

It is true that the initial cost of a tankless water heater installation is more expensive than a traditional tank model. For example, a tankless water heater typically starts at about $1,000, including the cost of installation. However, despite this upfront cost, a tankless hot water heater can save you money in the long run.

Due to their construction and the elimination of large tanks that can develop rust and sediment over time, tankless water heaters typically boast longer lifespans than tank water heaters. Tankless models can last as long as 20 years or more, while most tank models will need replacement after 10-15 years. In addition, the operating cost of these energy-efficient units is generally less expensive than that of traditional water heaters.

Myth 2: Tankless Hot Water Heaters Are Complicated to Maintain

Although tankless water heaters generally have longer lifespans than tank water heaters and aren’t as susceptible to rust and sediment, they do require maintenance. As with traditional water heaters, it is recommended to flush the system yearly and replace or clean the onboard water filter. If you have hard water, descaling is necessary to prevent mineral buildup.

These tasks may seem complex, but scheduling yearly maintenance with a licensed plumber can help you keep your system healthy with little effort. When you hire a plumber, you can ensure that your tankless water heater will provide your home with clean, hot water for years to come.

Myth 3: Tankless Water Heaters Don’t Work Well for Big Homes

Many people find it difficult to believe that a tankless water heater’s on-demand hot water output is suitable for a larger home. The truth is that a tankless water heater can work just as well for a large home as it can for a smaller home. All you’ll need to do is ensure you purchase the right size necessary to keep up with the amount of hot water needed for your home.

A certified tankless installer can help you calculate your water needs based on the number of people living in the home, the number of appliances requiring hot water, and your water usage patterns. Your installer can help you avoid units that are too small for your home and will not be able to keep up with demand, as well as oversized units that might not meet your efficiency needs. Accurate calculations from an industry expert can help you ensure you purchase the ideal water heater with an optimal flow rate.

Who Should Consider a Tankless Hot Water Heater?

Tankless hot water heaters are an ideal option for any household, but there are certain groups who can benefit even more than others:

Large Families

If you have a large family, you’re likely well aware of the high hot water demands imposed on your current water heater. Your family takes more hot showers, washes more dishes, and cleans more clothes than the average household. With its unlimited supply of instant hot water, a tankless water heater is a great option for larger family sizes.

Households With High Hot Water Demand

Other households can also benefit from a tankless hot water heater. For example, if you have appliances that require a lot of water to run, such as a large washing machine, a tankless water heater can prevent your appliances from taking hot water away from your other needs. Large jacuzzi tubs also require a significant amount of hot water, so if you enjoy taking frequent hot baths after a long day, a tankless heater is a great solution.

Homes With Limited Space

Smaller homes mean limited space for large appliances and utilities. If you have a cramped utility space, a tankless water heater is the perfect option as they are much smaller than traditional heaters. Many models can also be mounted to the wall to create more space, if needed.

New Builds

If you’re building a new home, installing a tankless water heater from the start is ideal. The flow rate, gas line sizing, and ventilation can be set up properly without any need for retrofitting. Tankless models have reduced risk of rupture or leak, and their long lifespan means you won’t need to worry about replacement for 20 years or more.

Full System Upgrades

If you live in an older home or have an outdated plumbing system, upgrades will eventually become a necessity. As you’re upgrading your plumbing system, consider installing a tankless water heater. You’ll get the benefit of energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, space-saving, safety, and endless hot water for decades to come.

Why Are Tankless Hot Water Heaters Especially Beneficial in Arizona?

If you live in Arizona, there are several reasons to consider a tankless water heater.

  • Hard Water Performance – Tankless hot water heaters don’t require metal tanks filled with standing water, which can cause rust and mineral buildup, so they perform well with hard water. Many areas of the state are known for hard water, and tankless solutions can help Arizona residents avoid hard water stress on their water heating systems.
  • Low Groundwater Temperatures – During the winter months, the groundwater temperatures drop significantly compared to the hot summer months, placing stress on traditional hot water heaters, which must heat tanks of water at a time. A tankless water heater, however, still runs efficiently, even when the groundwater is cooler.
  • Outdoor Installation Potential – Tankless water heaters can even be installed outside of the home, provided you incorporate the right protections against weather fluctuations. Installing a tankless water heater that is designed to hold up to extreme weather means you can save even more space while accessing hot water on demand.
  • Energy Savings Year-Round – Saving money in any way possible is very important in today’s economy. As tankless water heaters are more energy efficient in comparison to traditional water heaters, you stand to save money on your energy bills each month.

Get a Tankless Water Heater Installed in Your Home

Get hot water on demand – ask us if tankless is right for your home.

Pipe Masters Plumbing & Sewer is proud to serve Phoenix and the surrounding area. We make it our business to ensure all residents have access to quality, efficient plumbing systems. We offer professional water heater installation services, including tankless hot water installations for upgrades, new builds, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about whether you should repair or replace your plumbing system. And, be sure to check out our current plumbing deals and special offers for discounts on water heater installations.

Sources:

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Benefits and savings of ENERGY STAR certified tankless gas water heaters. ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/products/whole_home_tankless_gas_water_heaters/benefits-savings

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