Why Gas Tankless?

 

I am debunking the seven most common myths concerning gas tankless water heaters.

Is it too expensive? Does it take too long to heat water? Do I have to change my gas line?

 

By Sidney Baysinger 

 

Gas tankless water heaters have inevitably grown in popularity over the last decade because of their convenience in supplying unlimited hot water quicker and more energy efficiently. But that doesn't mean there aren't still common preconceived notions behind tankless technologies.

 

Some people often associate tankless water heaters with being too expensive or not providing enough hot water, which are all common myths about gas tankless water heaters. 

 

As a result of these and other common myths, Sidney Baysinger and Stephen Cudney, owners of Sacramento-based "Water Heater Pros" and Phoenix-based "Tankless Pros Az," have recently launched a Tankless Truths Campaign, focusing on dispelling certain myths associated with gas tankless water heaters. 

 

Let's walk through the seven common misconceptions often heard and unveil the truth behind them:

 

 

Myth #1: Tankless water heaters are too expensive to purchase and install

Over the years, gas tankless water heater costs have dramatically decreased, making them more affordable. The shift is seen in the price gap, mainly due to the increase in the cost of manufacturing materials. With this, the cost of tankless units has become more affordable compared to many traditional tank types; factoring in life span, gas tankless water heaters will outlast the traditional tank type up to three times longer, and especially factoring in local energy rebates (due to a gas tankless water heater's improved energy efficiency).

 

 

Myth #2: Tankless water heaters take too long to heat the water

Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for your morning's cold shower to get hot, and often, customers believe having a gas tankless water heater will heighten that problem. Specific models of gas tankless water heaters will come with a built-in pump that will recirculate the hot water to your faucets and showers instantly; no more waiting for that cold shower to get hot, and you can adjust the recirculating times based on your needs for hot water, get piping-hot water whenever you need.

 

 

Myth #3: Upgrading to a gas tankless water heater means I have to change the gas line

Advancements in gas tankless technology have created "condensing technology," eliminating the need for most gas line size modifications. For example, the Navien NPE series incorporates a zero-governor gas valve, using a Venturi effect and creating turbine-forced air technology. These technologies work together to regulate the right mixture of gas and air to produce energy-efficient combustion. 

 

 

Myth #4: Tankless is more expensive to maintain than tank-type water heaters

In areas with hard water, all water heaters must be maintained regularly to avoid scale build-up. Tank-type manufacturers also have stringent hard water maintenance requirements, which are stricter in some areas than those of many tankless products. In addition, tankless units often have notifications reminding customers that they should be flushed.

 

 

Myth #5: Tankless is a new technology that hasn't been proven yet

Asia and Europe have been using this technology for many decades. Gas tankless water heaters have become more prevalent in the USA since the mid-90s. Since then, we have seen a steady growth in gas tankless consumer upgrades from traditional tank-type water heaters, and since 2010, tankless sales have been increasing at an unprecedented rate. 

Some of the reasons for this growth in popularity stem from an increase in new technology, creating many more benefits.

 

 

Myth #6: Gas tankless water heaters won't last that long

Navien brand NPE series condensing gas tankless water heaters are being built to last 25 years (with proper maintenance). Navien gas tankless water heaters also have an energy efficiency rating of 96 percent or better. This is far superior to other tankless brands and the common residential tank types, with efficiency numbers around the 60 percent range. The higher the thermal efficiency, the more consumers can save and qualify for local government and energy provider rebates, which helps lower the total cost of ownership even more.

 

 

Myth #7: Tankless water heaters will only supply hot water to a limited amount of faucets

Although this may be true for most electric tankless water heaters, it is not true with gas tankless water heaters. Properly sized units for your home based on how many bathrooms you have will supply piping hot water at most to all fixtures with all the faucets opened simultaneously—unbelievable, new, advanced technology.