Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons Guide for Atlanta Homeowners
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If you have had water heater problems and called AllGood out to look at your tank, you may have heard us mention a tankless water heater as a solution. Understanding tankless water heater pros and cons can help you decide whether it's the right fit for your Atlanta home.
In this guide, we'll explain how tankless systems work, what affects tankless water heater costs, maintenance needs, rebates, and how tankless water heaters compare with traditional water heaters to help you make an informed decision.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
A tankless water heater uses a heat exchanger to warm water only when you need it. When you turn on a shower, faucet, or appliance, cold water flows through the unit and is heated as it passes through the heat exchanger.
Unlike a traditional storage tank, a tankless system doesn't keep gallons of water hot between uses. As a result, it can provide a continuous supply of hot water as long as the unit is properly sized for your household's demand.
As noted by Consumer Reports, heating water accounts for about 18% of a home's energy use—and potentially even more with an older electric water heater. Because tankless systems heat water on demand rather than storing it, they can help reduce energy wasted keeping a tank hot throughout the day.
Why Hot Water May Still Take Time to Reach the Faucet
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, but they won’t reach fixtures instantly. How long you’ll wait for hot water still depends on the layout of your plumbing system:
Long pipe runs: Fixtures farther from the unit take longer to receive hot water.
Larger homes: Greater distance between the heater and faucets can increase wait times.
Point-of-use systems: A smaller unit installed near a remote fixture can deliver hot water faster.
On-demand recirculation: Activated when needed, this option moves hot water closer to fixtures, reducing water waste.
Fortunately, a tankless water heater doesn’t run out of hot water in the traditional sense. However, systems can become strained and deliver lukewarm water when overused at a given moment, such as when you take a shower while simultaneously running your dishwasher and washing machine.
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all tankless water heater cost because every installation is different. The type of unit, your home's existing utilities, and any required upgrades all influence the final cost.
The ACEEE estimates that installing a whole-home natural gas tankless water heater typically costs between $2,500 and $3,400. For comparison, the Green Home Technology Center estimates an average installation price of about $889 for a traditional 40–50-gallon storage tank and about $3,000 for a tankless model.
Your final tankless water heater costs may be affected by:
Unit size and capacity: Higher flow-rate models cost more.
Fuel type: Gas and electric models have different equipment and installation requirements.
Labor: Installation complexity varies from home to home.
Permits and inspections: Local code requirements may add to the total cost.
Venting: Gas units often require new or upgraded venting.
Condensate drainage: High-efficiency units may need a condensate drain.
Gas-line upgrades: Larger gas lines may be needed to support the unit.
Electrical work: Some homes require panel or circuit upgrades.
Relocation: Moving the unit to a new location increases labor.
Recirculation systems: Adding on-demand recirculation can improve convenience but increases upfront costs.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Explore tankless water heater pros and cons to help you decide whether installing one is the best option for your home.
Pros
Hot water all the time: Water is heated as it passes through the unit, providing continuous hot water when the system is properly sized.
You can save money: According to ENERGY STAR, “Certified tankless water heaters save a family of four $95 per year, or $1,800 over its lifetime, on gas bills compared to a standard gas storage model.”
Longer Service Life: Tankless systems have a life expectancy of up to 20 years, longer than that of many traditional tank water heaters.
Compact Installation: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than standard water heaters, freeing up storage space and offering more installation flexibility.
Potential Incentives: Many tankless water heaters have earned Energy Star approval. Choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified model may make you eligible for tankless water heater rebates or tax credits.
Cons
Higher upfront cost: Equipment and installation are typically more expensive than a traditional storage tank.
Flow-rate limits: A single unit may struggle to supply hot water to several showers and appliances at the same time unless it's properly sized.
Installation upgrades: Some homes require new venting, larger gas lines, electrical upgrades, or condensate drainage, which can increase installation costs.
Power dependence: Most gas and electric tankless water heaters rely on electricity for their controls, so they won't operate during a power outage without a backup power source.
Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters
Factor | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
Upfront price | Higher equipment and installation costs | Lower purchase and replacement costs |
Operating costs | Often lower because water is heated only when needed | Often higher due to standby heat loss |
Hot-water supply | Continuous when properly sized, but limited by flow rate | Limited to stored capacity, followed by recovery time |
Multiple fixtures | Can support several fixtures if sized for combined demand | Handles simultaneous use until the tank is depleted |
Space | Compact and often wall-mounted | Requires floor space for the storage tank |
Expected lifespan | Often up to 20 years with proper care | Commonly lasts about 8-12 years |
Best fit | Long-term owners seeking efficiency and space savings | Homes prioritizing lower upfront cost and simpler replacement |
Choosing the Right Size for an Atlanta Home
The right water heater size depends on how much hot water you use at once. Your installer will calculate the combined gallons per minute for showers, faucets, and appliances, then factor in the temperature rise needed to heat Atlanta’s incoming water to your preferred setting.
Choosing sufficient capacity helps prevent issues where a tankless water heater runs out of hot water during simultaneous use. Oversizing, however, can unnecessarily increase the cost of a tankless water heater.
Best and Worst Use Cases
You’ve reviewed tankless water heater pros and cons, but which is the best option for your home? The best fit often comes down to your home’s layout, hot water habits, budget, and long-term plans.
A Tankless Water Heater May Be a Good Fit If... | A Traditional Tank May Be a Better Fit If... |
|---|---|
You have a larger household with high hot water demand. | You have a small household with relatively low hot water use. |
Multiple people regularly shower or use appliances at the same time. | You plan to move in the next few years and may not recoup the higher upfront investment. |
You want to free up storage or utility room space. | Your home would require significant gas, venting, or electrical upgrades. |
You plan to stay in your home long term and value lower operating costs. | Your priority is the lowest upfront replacement cost. |
Atlanta Weather and Installation Considerations
While Atlanta has a mild climate, local weather and your home's layout should still be considered when planning the installation.
Plan for winter: Size the unit for colder incoming water during winter months.
Prevent freeze damage: Protect outdoor units and exposed pipes during freezes.
Prepare for outages: Built-in freeze protection requires electricity, so outdoor units may need added protection if power is lost.
Choose the right location: Installing the unit closer to frequently used fixtures can reduce hot water wait times.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Requirements
Routine maintenance of a tankless water heater helps protect performance and service life.
Flush and descale: Remove mineral buildup periodically.
Clean the inlet filter: Clear debris that can restrict water flow.
Inspect vents and condensate lines: Check for blockages, leaks, or drainage problems.
Test water quality: Hard water may require more frequent descaling.
Schedule professional service: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Rebates, Incentives, and the Final Decision
Before replacing your water heater, check for available tankless water heater rebates, tax credits, and other incentives that may help reduce your upfront costs.
Whether you're planning a new water heater installation or comparing your options, AllGood can help you choose the right system for your home. We back our work with our Exceptional Service Guarantee, offer financing options to help make your investment more manageable, and provide emergency plumbing services when you need us.
Call 404-260-0244 or book online to schedule your appointment.