The Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater in the Summer

Many households are making the switch from traditional to tankless water heaters. Let’s explore the potential pros and cons of an on-demand system for your home. We’ll also look at why summertime is the best time if you choose to move forward with this upgrade.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

Traditional water heaters store and heat water in a tank. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, which is inherently more efficient. These systems heat cold water instantly via a heat exchanger. They also provide as much hot water as you need up to the maximum flow rate.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are a popular home upgrade because they provide many potential benefits. Let’s explore how those may apply to your home.

Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters don’t waste energy heating water you’ll eventually use. The average household can lower its water heating energy consumption by up to 34% with a tankless system. That results in a lower environmental impact and a smaller monthly bill. Note that those savings can drop dramatically if you have a large household that uses a lot of hot water. At 86 gallons or more, savings can drop as low as 8%.

Lifespan

The average storage water heater lasts 15 years. The average tankless water heater lasts 20 years, and even longer lifespans are possible with regular maintenance. That’s a big part of why the total cost is lower for tankless models.

Endless Hot Water

Tankless water heaters provide a limited volume of hot water. If you use it all, you’re out until the tank refills. How long that takes depends on the system’s recovery rate. On-demand systems don’t run out. You may experience low hot water pressure. Even then, you can lower the demand on the system to restore it to the full flow rate.

Sizing for Extra Demand

You can size a tankless water heater for a higher capacity than you need daily. The higher potential flow rate is nice to have when hosting guests and large gatherings. While it’s technically possible with tank models, it isn’t practical. That’s because you’d be paying to heat that extra capacity day in and day out.

Installation Footprint

Tankless water heaters are relatively small, and you can easily install them on a wall. Many people install them in attics, basements, and other out-of-sight locations. For many households, the switch frees up a lot of valuable space in the garage. If you currently have a water heater closet, you can repurpose that space for something else.

Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are a strong investment for most households. That said, there are several potential downsides to consider before you make this decision.

Higher Initial Cost

On-demand water heaters have a lower cost of ownership. The issue from a cost perspective is that they are more expensive initially, and that can make budgeting difficult. Rebates, tax credits, and other energy incentives can help to offset some of this burden. Another consideration is whether you need any ancillary home improvements. While they’ll be worth it in the end, they can cause your upfront costs to skyrocket dramatically.

Greater Installation Challenges

Replacing a tank water heater is a straightforward job. Switching to a tankless water heater requires a conversion that’s complex in comparison. Many homes built before 2023 require surge protection installation. Older homes may need other electrical panel upgrades or even a replacement. An older house may also need plumbing upgrades to accommodate the new system.

Maintenance

Tankless water heaters require less maintenance. Still, they’re much more susceptible to maintenance issues. You should adhere to a strict maintenance schedule as recommended by your manufacturer and installer. If you have hard water, you should consider installing either a local anti-scale device or a whole-house water softener.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Install a Tankless Water Heater

You can upgrade your home with a tankless water heater any time of year. Yet, summer is often the ideal installation period for many reasons.

Peak Demand

The average household uses over 50 gallons of hot water a day. Summertime usage can be twice that amount because people shower more often and participate in more activities. Peak demand, which is an important concept for tankless water heaters, will be higher in summer for most families. By installing in summer, you’ll know immediately if the sizing is accurate. You’ll also more easily identify other potential issues affecting the system’s peak performance.

Higher Groundwater Temperature

Another important concept in on-demand water heating is temperature rise. Rise is the difference between your groundwater temperature and the target hot water temperature. Manufacturers provided flow rate estimates within the context of temperature rise. At a greater rise, a water heater works harder and uses more energy. A summer installation allows the new equipment to acclimate under less harsh conditions than winter would provide.

Prepared for the Cold Months

A summertime installation readies you for the cold weather ahead when your hot water is arguably most important. You’ll enjoy a highly efficient and reliable system that delivers all the hot water you need when you need it. If there are any kinks to work out, you’ll be able to navigate those long before you’re dealing with frigid temperatures.

Installer Availability

Plumber availability is generally higher in the summer, and there are a couple of reasons for this. While homeowners do schedule summertime home improvements, they’re often HVAC-related. Construction slows in summer, and people have more vacation time. There are fewer emergency calls as well, as those tend to be higher during the fall and winter.

Installation Times

The average tankless water heater installation takes 4-6 hours. Summer installations often take four hours or less because the weather isn’t slowing the installers. Equipment acquisition is often faster and easier because water heaters and material stocks are higher. If your home needs plumbing and/or electrical upgrades, summer makes those easier as well.

Pricing and Promotions

Installers may offer lower pricing along with promotions due to demand in summer. Coupons and other specials can make a significant difference in your initial costs. Most energy incentives will be the same from season to season. That said, there may be summer-specific incentives available locally, such as through your utility companies.

Permit and Inspection

In most jurisdictions, tankless water heater installation requires a building permit and inspection. This process can often be easier in the summer months because staffing is higher. There’s often less demand on the government system during this period from builders as well. The sooner a city inspector signs off on your new system, the sooner you can begin enjoying it.

Professional Tankless Water Heater Installation in Flat Rock

Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling is a plumbing company located in Flat Rock, MI. We’ve been installing and servicing water heaters throughout the region for over 15 years. Our company employs licensed plumbers who install and service all water heater brands, including tankless water heaters. We often have specials and other promotions available to help you save even more.

Our team provides in-person consultations and free quotes for installations at no charge and without obligation. We also offer flexible financing options on approved credit. Ready to rethink your water heating systems and plumbing? Contact us today!