Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?
Have you heard of tankless water heaters? The idea is that they will save you storage space, use less energy, and give you hot water on demand. But that doesn’t mean they’re immediately the right fit for every circumstance.
We install both traditional and tankless systems here in Cumming, Sugar Hill, and the surrounding areas. Every home and family is different, so we know when tankless works great and when it doesn’t. We’re not here to tell you that tankless is always the best option, because that simply wouldn’t be honest. We’ll walk you through the positives and negatives so you can make the decision for yourself.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless units heat water only when you need it. No big tank, no standby heat loss. Just turn on the tap, and the system kicks on and heats water as it travels through the unit and out of your tap.
Most of the full-house units we install run on gas. They’re better suited to keep up with high demand. Electric tankless models can still work well in smaller homes or when you just need one fixture at a time to run hot.
Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
Endless Hot Water
If you’ve got a big family—or you just hate cold showers—a tankless system won’t run out. It heats water as it flows, so there’s no storage tank that could potentially go empty.
Lower Energy Bills
No tank means that the unit doesn’t need to keep any water hot while it isn’t in use. A traditional tank unit runs 24/7 to ensure that the water in the tank is hot at all times, even when not in use. That can mean lower energy bills, especially in homes that don’t use hot water constantly.
More Space
These units are small. We mount them on a wall, often in the garage or utility room, so they don’t take up any floor space at all. If you’re short on space, that’s a big plus.
Long Lifespan
With proper maintenance, tankless heaters often last longer than traditional tanks. They should last 20 years or more with proper care
Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Higher Upfront Cost
Tankless units cost more to buy and install. The setup is also more complex—sometimes your gas lines or venting could need upgrades.
Limited Flow Rate
If multiple people shower while the dishwasher runs, a single unit can get overwhelmed. Bigger homes may need more than one unit to maintain the desired flow rate.
Maintenance Matters
Tankless systems need regular flushing to prevent scale buildup. This is especially true of areas with hard water, so be mindful of that. The water is rated as moderately hard where we live, but you can check your own water hardness with your zip code here.
What to Consider When Installing a New Water Heater
When we help homeowners decide if a tankless water heater is for them, we consider:
Household size
Hot water usage
Existing plumbing and gas setup
Budget (both upfront and long-term)
Traditional tank systems still work great in many homes. They cost less upfront and can handle large demands easily. But if you want energy savings and never want to run out of hot water, tankless is a great option to seriously consider.
Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters a Good Option?
We get asked this a lot. Electric tankless heaters are efficient, but they often can’t keep up with whole-house demand—especially during colder months.
We usually recommend them for:
Guest bathrooms
Pool houses
Outdoor kitchens
If your electrical panel can support one, it can still be a good option for a small space.
What Does a Tankless Water Heater Installation Look Like?
Here’s what happens if you decide to go tankless:
We inspect your home – We look at water demand, pipe sizing, and gas/electric service.
We recommend the right unit – Size and brand matter. We’ll explain your options.
We remove your old heater – And dispose of it properly.
We upgrade what’s needed – This might include gas lines, venting, or water softeners.
We install the new system – Mounted, connected, and tested.
We show you how it works – And explain how to keep it maintained.
Most installs take one full day. Some jobs run longer if upgrades to your gas lines are needed.
Can I Switch Back to a Tank Water Heater?
Sure, but keep in mind that switching back means removing the unit and re-installing a tank system. That means more plumbing work and another investment. We recommend choosing now based on your long-term plans.
Do Tankless Water Heaters Work with Well Water?
Yes, but maintenance becomes even more important. Wells often bring in hard water and sediment. That buildup can damage tankless units faster. If you’re using well water with your tankless water heater, we highly recommend installing a pre-filter or water softener that will protect your system in the long run.
Local Installation Experience Matters
North Georgia homes aren’t all the same. Water pressure, temperature, usage, and pipe layout all matter.
We’ve installed tankless systems across Cumming, Dawsonville, Alpharetta, Suwanee, and beyond. We’ve also removed systems that weren’t the right fit and replaced them with better setups. That kind of local experience means we know what works, and what doesn’t. It’s important to get a trusted, licensed, and insured plumber to install your new water heater. It could be the difference between replacing it in five years or twenty.
FAQs About Tankless Water Heaters
Do tankless water heaters really save money?
Yes, but savings vary. Homes with low hot water use will see the biggest savings.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
With regular maintenance, 15–20 years is common. The benefit is that they often last years longer than most tank systems.
Can a tankless water heater supply enough hot water for a big family?
Yes, if it’s sized right. In some cases, we recommend two smaller units instead of one big one.
Are tankless water heaters better for the environment?
Usually, yes. Lower energy use means a smaller carbon footprint over time.
Can I install a tankless water heater system myself?
We don’t recommend it. Gas and venting work needs a licensed professional for safety and longevity. Mistakes can be dangerous and costly.
What tankless brands do you install?
We install several, including Rinnai, Navien, and Rheem. We can help you choose what’s best for your home and particular usage needs.
How do I maintain a tankless water heater?
We recommend flushing it once a year to remove scale. We offer that as part of our maintenance visits, so it can be a no-brainer for you.
Are there rebates for switching to a tankless water heater?
Yes! Utility companies often offer rebates for upgrading to a new unit or converting to gas. Check out the rebates from all of the local providers at our Coupons page here.
Georgia’s Most Helpful Plumbing Team
Tankless water heaters can be a great fit, but they aren’t for everyone. Some homes and living situations just aren’t built for them. Others would need upgrades to make it work right. That’s why we don’t push them, and still install plenty of traditional units for anyone interested.
If you’re curious, we’ll walk you through all of the pros and cons for your specific needs. We’ll look at your setup, your water usage, and your long-term goals. Then we’ll tell you what we’d do if it were our house. No sales pitch. Just honest feedback from plumbers who know this area and do this every day.
Reach out to us today for more information or to schedule your installation.
