If you’re looking to upgrade your home water heater system to a tankless one, it’s important you understand what your different Foster City tankless water heating options are. Going tankless isn’t just about getting rid of that big bulky water heater in your garage or storage closet, it’s about choosing the best Foster City tankless water heating unit for your needs. In this blog post, we outline some of the key features of tankless water heaters to help you choose which is right for you.

The Difference Between Storage and Tankless Water Heaters

Let’s start with the obvious: tankless water heaters do not have large storage tank of hot water. Say goodbye to that big, ugly hot water heater, and hello to a slimmer, sleeker water heating unit. Unlike traditional storage water heaters that store 20 to 80 gallons of hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters (also known as demand-type water heaters) connect directly to cold water pipes and heat water on-demand when a hot water tap is turned on.

While tankless water heaters have the advantage of never running out of hot water, since the water will continuously be heated as long as the tap is on, it may take longer for the water to reach the desired temperature. Water pressure with a tankless unit may also be lower than that of a storage water heater system.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters: Gas-fired and Electric

There are two main types of tankless water heating units, each with its own set of pros and cons. For example, gas-fired tankless water heating units are larger in size than electric units; however, they are also more powerful and the better option for those looking for a replacement for their storage water heater. Additionally, gas-fired tankless water heaters are cheaper to run, as gas is cheaper than electricity.

Electric tankless water heating units are great for homeowners looking to upgrade their water heating needs in just one room, like a bathroom. The small size of electric units means they can be installed in a bathroom, hidden away under a sink, and they have the added bonus of being nice and quiet. While the lifespan of an electric unit is shorter than a gas-fired unit, and they are also more expensive to purchase and run, in the right setting, an electric unit could still be a good option.

Maintenance for Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless water heating units require proper maintenance and care in order to maximize their lifespan. How often maintenance should be done depends on a number of factors. One of these factors is water hardness. The harder your water, the faster the build up of minerals. Descaling (getting rid of the mineral buildup) is an important part of tankless water heater maintenance.

Flushing your tankless water heating system should also be performed regularly—it is recommended this be done every 6 to 12 months. Follow the instructions for flushing your system as provided by the manufacturer. If you’re unsure how to descale or flush your system, have a professional plumbing service like Performance Plumbing come out and help you.

Ask Performance Plumbing About Tankless Water Heating 

If you’re leaning toward a tankless water heating system, but still have questions, contact Performance Plumbing today! Our licensed professional plumbers are here to answer any questions you have about your Foster City tankless water heating project. Give us a call or send us an email and we’ll make sure you get the answers you need.