So you’re finally fed up with all the problems that come with storage tank water heaters like huge storage requirements and high utility bills and have decided to make the switch to tankless water heaters.
This is a great decision as tankless water heaters have countless benefits that can make your life way easier. I myself have experienced the conversion and I have to say a tankless water heater makes life a lot easier. When I first installed a tankless water heater in my residence I faced several challenges like lack of space, lack of knowledge about the procedure, and other such concerns.
However, in the end, it was all worth it. I ended up saving a significant sum of money on utility bills, space in my garage, and the luxury of long hot showers,
As an experienced plumber, I’ve helped many households make the conversion and now I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you have nothing to worry about.
I will be providing first-hand experiences and examples to give you the most authentic and valid information.
So without further ado, let’s GET PLUMBING.!
Is it Worth Converting To A Tankless Water Heater?
Converting to a tankless water heater is worth it because of all the benefits that it offers. Not only do they require less storage space than storage tank water heaters but also last comparatively longer than storage tank water heaters.
You can argue that they are more expensive than storage tank water heaters but over time they can save you a lot of money and therefore are a solid investment.
Moreover, compared to storage tank water heaters they occupy much less space as well, which is an added benefit. In fact, I always recommend tankless water heaters to families with smaller houses as they are compact and easy to store.
pros of tankless water heaters:
- Saves you money over time
- Requires less space
- They are energy-efficient
- They use less water than storage tank water heaters
- They have a longer lifespan
- They will instantly provide you with hot water
- Bacteria cannot build up as there is no water storage
Now when you look at all these pros the answer becomes clear. Yes, it is worth converting to a tankless water heater. To demonstrate how cost-effective tankless water heaters are, let me share a story about my friend John with you.
John, facing high utility bills due to a conventional tank water heater, decided to explore tankless water heaters. After professional installation, his monthly energy expenses decreased significantly by around 30% in the first year.
Over five years, he saved over $2,500, surpassing the initial installation costs and confirming the tankless water heater as a financially wise choice
Factors Behind Conversion
There are numerous factors that can drive you to the tank-to-tankless conversion such as:
- Efficiency: tankless water heaters are up to 50 percent more efficient than standard water heaters which means they can reduce your utility bills. The prospect of lower bills is a very attractive factor that can lead you to the conversion. Personally, this was the main reason I made the switch in the first place, imagine saving upto 20 percent a year on energy bills, SWEET, right?
- Running out of hot water: Tank water heaters can store a finite amount of water anywhere from between 30 to 80 gallons which is why sometimes you may face the ordeal of not having hot water available when you need it. The average water heater takes at least 45 minutes to fully heat so you’ll be stuck without hot water for a while. Tankless water heaters fix this problem because they heat the water as it is required. Finally, you can enjoy those hot showers without having to worry about running out of hot water. How awesome is that?
- Flooding: Tank water heaters are prone to catastrophes such as flooding. This happens when the tank corrodes from the inside and bursts causing a discharge of water into your house. The fear of water damaging your house and belongings is another factor that can lead you to the conversion.
- Longer life: Tankless water heaters can last for 20+ years whereas tank heaters have a maximum life of 15 years. Therefore, tankless water heaters are a great long-term investment. Furthermore, they are also easier to repair because they have removable parts and built-in diagnostic computers.
So, after reading all this are you still wondering if the conversion is worth it? Well then let me make it easy for you. YES, it is!
A friend of mine who owns a storage-tank water heater came to my house to stay the night. He’s really fond of long hot showers and was surprised to know that with tankless water heaters, you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water. He made the conversion a month later.
How to Switch From A Tank Water Heater to A Tankless Water Heater
Here are a few steps you will have to take before switching from a tank water heater to a tankless one.
1. Determine what size water heater you need
To determine the size of the water heater you need to consider things like how many people will be using hot water in your house and how many taps the heater will be catering to simultaneously.
A professional plumber can help you make the right choice and choose the correct size of the heater you need. Usually, a 50 to 60-gallon storage tank is sufficient for 2 to 3 people and an 80-gallon storage tank is enough for 4 to 5 people.
When my family and I decided to make the switch to a tankless water heater, we were faced with the daunting task of choosing the right size for our household. Just like my friend John, who struggled with high utility bills, we wanted to make sure we got it right.
2. Get a price quote from the plumber and electrician
After determining the size of the heater you’ll need. You should contact a professional plumber and electrician who can guide you regarding the cost of the installation and the unit.
Moreover, they can also talk you through other things such as necessary upgrades to your electrical and plumbing systems. This task can sometimes feel tricky and overwhelming. The first time I was trying to contact professionals I felt afraid and a little hesitant, I didn’t know what questions to ask, how to ask them, and other details. Let me share what I learned along the way.
When reaching out to professionals for price quotes, it’s essential to be clear about your requirements and expectations. Make sure to mention the size of the water heater you’ve determined is suitable for your household.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the installation cost, including labor and materials. Additionally, inquire about any potential upgrades needed for your electrical and plumbing systems
Remember effective communication is the key to getting what you want. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Professionals can guide you through the process and provide insights into any necessary upgrades. It’s your chance to gain a clear understanding of the costs involved and ensure there are no surprises down the road
3. Order the unit
Place an order for the unit based on the price and size. Make sure to buy from a well-known brand with good reviews.
4. Schedule the installation
Finally, schedule the installation with your plumber and installation to begin the conversion process.
The installation usually takes a whole day which means the supply of hot water will be disrupted for a while so make preparations accordingly. It’s a good idea to oversee the installation so you can clearly lay out your demands to the plumber and make sure they carry out the installation properly.
Now there are two types of tankless water heaters you can choose from Gas and electric.
Converting to Gas Tankless Water Heaters
The steps you should take before converting to gas tankless water heaters are similar to the ones mentioned above. The only additional step you’ll have to take before the conversion is installing bigger gas lines.
Gas tankless water heaters consume a large amount of gas which is why larger supply lines are needed. A traditional tank water heater uses roughly 30k British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, while a tankless model uses between 90k to 130k BTU/H.
Here are the steps that are involved in the installation of tankless gas water heaters:
- Shut off the gas and water supply to the water heater.
- Attach a flexible gas line to the heater and connect it to the closest gas supply.
- Connect the inlet of the heater to a cold water supply line.
- Attach a hot water outlet pipe to the heater.
- Secure the heater to the wall with a mounting bracket.
- Link the vent pipe to the heater and extend it to the exterior.
- Verify that all connections are leak-free.
- Turn on the gas and water supply and ignite the pilot light.
- Ensure proper operation and adjust the thermostat as required.
Gas water heaters offer you the following benefits
- Gas water heaters will provide you with more hot water because they are twice as fast as electric heaters.
- Gas water heaters are more cost-efficient
- Continuous hot water
- Cost savings
- Better for the environment
Converting to Tankless Electric Water Heaters
Here are the steps that are involved in the installation of electric water heaters:
- Turn off the power supply
- Install a mounting bracket
- Connect the hot and cold water pipes to the inlet and outlet connections on the heater
- Hang the heater on the bracket and secure it in place
- Connect the electrical wires to the heater, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn on the water supply and fill the tank.
- Turn on the power supply and test the heater to make sure it’s working properly.
Electric water heaters use electricity to heat water and bring you the following benefits:
- Electric water heaters are safer than their gas counterparts because they don’t emit harmful gasses.
- Electric water heaters are comparatively cheaper than gas water heaters
- Electric water heaters are much quieter compared to gas models.
- Electric water heaters are also more reliable than gas water heaters because they require less maintenance and have lesser moving parts
When it comes to deciding between electric and gas water heaters it mostly comes down to personal preference as both of these types excel at something. So you should see which one best fits your needs and budget and choose accordingly.
A few things to consider when choosing between the two types are their initial price, operating costs, efficiency, and longevity. Electric water heaters have a lower upfront cost than gas, so they are a pocket-friendly option. However, they are less efficient and also have a higher running cost.
Electric water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan compared to gas water heaters, personally, I went for electric solely for this reason. A longer lifespan is a huge plus point. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, from my personal experience of installations I’ve seen that both types are equally popular. So, in the end, it depends on your needs.
Cost of Converting To A Tankless Water Heater
The cost of converting to a tankless water heater is high because tankless water heaters are complex machines that require expensive parts and therefore have a high manufacturing cost. An average tankless water heater can cost between $1000 to $1500 whereas storage tank water heaters cost only around $300 to $600.
On top of the cost of the unit, there are other expenses like installation and upgrades to the electrical and plumbing systems. This can take the final price to anywhere between $2,500 to $5,000.
This may seem like a huge price to pay upfront, but in the long run, tankless water heaters can save you a significant sum of money.
I myself was hesitant when making the conversion, but after seeing the results I got after a year I realized it was the right choice.
How Hard Is It to Convert To A Tankless Water Heater?
Converting to a tankless water heater is a complicated process that requires plumbing and electrical skills as well as knowledge of local codes and regulations.
So if you decide to do the installation yourself then be very careful but we would recommend you hire professional plumbers and electricians to avoid any problems because life is more precious than money.
Expert advice: hire someone to do the installation for you, It may cost you a significant sum of money however it’s better to not take matters into your own hands and let the professionals do what they do. Installing a water heater is a complicated process.
One slight mistake could end up causing serious damage to either you, the water heater, or the house. So remember to always BE SAFE.
CASE STUDY
Here’s a case study of one of my installations to give you a deeper view of what an installation looks like.
In a real-life tank-to-tankless water heater conversion case study, the Johnson family faced issues with their old storage tank water heater, including space constraints, gas line upgrades, and plumbing modifications. The challenges were overcome through space optimization, collaboration with a gas technician for the gas line upgrade, and plumbing reconfiguration.
The outcome included energy savings, endless hot water, liberated space, and a long-term investment. This case demonstrates the practical benefits and challenges of switching to a tankless water heater, showcasing the importance of careful planning and professional expertise in achieving a more efficient and cost-effective hot water solution for homeowners.
A month after the installation the family called me and told me how happy they were with the installation. Everyday problems they faced like running out of hot water, slow flow of water, and high utility bills, all were solved thanks to the conversion.
Conclusion
The tank-to-tankless water heater conversion is a very good decision and is worth it because of all the benefits that tankless water heaters offer which makes them a fruitful investment.
However, before you make the switch there are certain things you need to be aware of like the initial costs of the process, the size of the unit you will need, and other additional costs associated with the installation.
For the installation, it is recommended that you hire professionals because it is an extremely complicated and delicate process and even the slightest mistakes can prove to be fatal. Finally, when it comes to which tankless heater you should go for, the decision is totally up to you and you should choose the one that meets your needs and budget.
So if you’re someone who’s been thinking about making the conversion to tankless water heaters and still haven’t then what are you waiting for? Start preparing for the conversion now!
FAQs
Can you go from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater?
Yes, you can! Tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because they are energy efficient and can help lower utility bills.
Is it hard to replace a water heater with a tankless water heater?
The installation procedure of tankless water heaters is harder than traditional water heaters because they have special venting requirements and often need larger gas lines because of the higher BTU rating.
Which lasts longer tank or tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters last longer than tank water heaters. They have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. On the other hand tank water heaters have a lifespan of only 10 to 15 years.
