Read This Before Buying a Tankless Water Heater

Is your water heater nearing the end of its life—or are you looking to upgrade to a more efficient, modern solution? Tankless water heaters are gaining popularity in Phoenix homes, promising hot water on demand and better energy efficiency. But is this upgrade right for you? Before you take the plunge, let Precision Air & Plumbing guide you through the facts, the pros, the cons, and what truly matters for your comfort and budget.

Unlike traditional tanks that store hot water for later use, tankless water heaters warm up water as soon as you turn on the faucet. The result? Virtually limitless hot water at your fingertips—and more space in your utility closet.

When you go tankless, here’s what happens:

• The system detects incoming water flow and instantly activates a powerful gas burner or electric element.
• Water is quickly heated as it travels through the unit—no need to wait for a tank to refill or reheat.
• Tankless systems typically deliver 2–5 gallons of hot water per minute, with natural gas models often outperforming electric ones in terms of speed and capacity.

If you’re interested in lower utility bills, tankless is worth considering:

• Heat on Demand: No standby energy loss from heating water you’re not using.
• Lasts Longer: Tankless units can last 20 years or more—almost double the life of a standard tank.
• Less Maintenance: With no tank to flush, upkeep is simpler and less frequent.
• Space Savings: Less bulky than traditional heaters, ideal for tight spaces or new construction.

But keep in mind: These benefits shine brightest with moderate hot water use. If your household often has multiple showers, laundry, and the dishwasher running simultaneously, you’ll want to make sure your new system can keep up—or consider multiple units for maximum coverage.

A tankless system may require some upgrades to your home’s plumbing or electrical setup:

• Gas Models: May need larger gas lines or new venting.
• Electric Models: Often require updated panel capacity (some pull up to 120 amps).
• Relocation: If you move your heater’s location, new pipes (and sometimes new wiring) may factor into your cost.

Older homes may need additional upgrades before a tankless system can be installed safely and efficiently. Precision Air & Plumbing always recommends a professional in-home assessment before you commit.

Tankless water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Tankless Purchase & Install: $1,000–$7,500 (depending on unit size, fuel type, and necessary upgrades)
• Traditional Tanks: $800–$2,000 (installed)

While tankless systems tend to cost more up front, they can save you up to 34% on hot water energy use for homes with moderate daily needs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Tankless units also last longer—further improving your long-term ROI.

• High Demand? If you run multiple appliances at once, make sure your system is sized for simultaneous use.
• Budget: If sticking to a tight budget is key, a newer high-efficiency tank or even a hybrid model may be a better fit.
• Alternatives: Ask about newer tank models with improved insulation, “point-of-use” heaters for problem spots, or system upgrades like pipe insulation for faster hot water delivery.

Replacing a water heater isn’t a typical DIY project. Precision installation is crucial—for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Our experts handle every detail, from assessing your home’s needs to seamless installation and code compliance. We take the guesswork (and the heavy lifting) out of the upgrade.

Don’t leave your comfort to chance. Schedule a free in-home consultation with the experts at Precision Air & Plumbing. We’ll answer your questions, size up your home, and give you honest advice on tankless and traditional solutions—so you make the best choice for your family and your budget.

Call us at 602-349-6922 or click here to schedule online today.

PS: We stay ahead of the latest rebates and tax credits, so you could save even more on your upgrade this year. Don’t wait—hot water comfort is just a call away with Precision!