Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Tankless Water Heaters in Austin, Texas

Finding and installing the best tankless water heater for your home can be a confusing and complicated task. Whether you're a first-time homeowner in Austin, Texas looking to buy a tankless hot water heater, or a veteran property owner who needs reliable hot water for a new addition to their home, it can be difficult to make an informed decision about which water heater is best for you.

At Abacus Plumbing, we understand anyone's apprehension when it comes to making a purchase as important as a water heater. Here, our team of experienced experts answer some of the most common questions we field about buying, installing, and servicing the best tankless water heaters for homes in 78617 and throughout Austin.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

Tankless water heaters are designed to provide hot water on demand. That is, once water is turned on in one of your plumbing fixtures, cold water travels up to the tankless water heater and is run through a series of heat exchangers, quickly bringing the water to a desired temperature and outputting it back into the pipe system in your home. This is much more efficient than the traditional water heater setup, where the water is stored at set temperature all day to be used should you need it. The tankless water heater only uses heat and energy as you use water, meaning you're never wasting money on water that isn't being used.

What Are the Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless hot water heaters offer several advantages compared to traditional storage water heaters. As mentioned, they offer a much more efficient experience, as the water is heated only when it is needed, saving you over 25% in energy costs. Additionally, tankless water heaters also take up significantly less space, allowing you to move your water heater to a more convenient location. This makes them ideal for smaller homes, where space is at a premium.

Finally, they are much more reliable than traditional water heaters, lasting up to two or three times longer than their storage-tank counterparts. With a quality tankless unit, you stand to enjoy hot water for many years to come — a benefit that can help you save even more money in the long run.

Do All Tankless Water Heaters Use Gas?

No. While most tankless water heaters use gas as their fuel source, there are also tankless electric water heaters on the market. The primary difference between these two types of water heaters is that gas is typically more efficient, but electric models cost much less upfront. As such, gas models usually take longer to pay themselves off, but offer significant savings over time.

Are Tankless Water Heaters Difficult to Install?

A tankless water heater's installation can be complex, and is best performed by an experienced professional. There are several considerations that must be taken into account — such as the unit's size, the incoming water temperature and pressure, water output needs, venting, and more — to ensure the unit runs properly and safely. An experienced plumber can guarantee your new tankless water heater is set up properly and working optimally.

How Can I Maintain My Tankless Water Heater?

Even with a tankless water heater, maintenance is important. This type of water heater should be descaled at least once or twice a year in order to avoid any costly repairs, and all of its parts should be regularly inspected for corrosion, debris, and damage. When these parts are checked, any worn-out components should be replaced immediately. Finally, the unit should also be flushed frequently to remove dirt and sediment.

Best Tankless Water Heater

Austin Texas

78617