What are the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

There's nothing quite as nice as a hot, long shower. And nothing's more frustrating than having a hot shower suddenly run cold. Most Des Moines homeowners are abandoning traditional tank-based systems for on-demand tankless water heaters. Here are five important advantages of installing a tankless hot water heater with City Wide Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.:

1. Tankless Water Heaters Save Space

Since they do not include the huge 40–50 gallon tank, they're about the size of a compact suitcase. Most of them can even be wall-mounted, sparing precious space.

Tankless water heaters can be installed in cramped areas:

Closets
Basements
Garages
Inside and outside your home

Optimizing square footage is a huge bonus, particularly for smaller Des Moines properties.

2. Constant Hot Water

Tankless water heaters heat water as needed. In theory, tankless water heaters should never run out of hot water. Hot water is ready the second you open the tap; cold water flows through the unit's heat exchanger and gets warmed instantly. Tankless water heaters are perfect for households with families and large households in the Des Moines metro area!

3. Increased Efficiency

Tankless water heaters save you:

Time
Water
Energy costs

Water is only heated when needed so you’re not paying to constantly keep a tank full of hot water, saving you money in the long run.

4. Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

A traditional water heater typically lasts 10–15 years. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, almost doubling the lifespan of traditional units! This longer life span means a higher return on investment.

5. Save Money and Energy

Some key saving facts:

For a notable reduction in energy consumption, tankless units outperform traditional tank models by 30% to 50%.
Homes using about 41 gallons of hot water daily can be 24–34% more energy efficient.
Homes with high water usage (about 86 gallons of water daily) can also be 8–14% more efficient.
Tankless systems significantly reduce water waste, saving up to 8,700 bottles of water per person annually.

In addition, most tankless water heaters qualify for energy tax credits — providing Iowa homeowners with additional savings.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

When a faucet is turned on to hot water, cold water flows through a heat exchanger. A gas burner or electric element heats the water on the spot — no storage tank needed. The average flow rates are 2–5 gallons per minute. For superior hot water delivery, gas tankless models usually outperform electric units in terms of flow rate.

Beneficial tip:

When you require a lot of hot water at once (e.g., multiple showering, washing machine, dishwasher), you might consider two installations or a larger tankless model.

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Applications of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are well suited for:

Bathrooms in out-of-the-way locations
Hot tubs
Booster heaters for washing machines or dishwashers
Solar water heating backup systems

City Wide Heating and Air Conditioning will help you design the perfect tankless system for your Des Moines home.

Professional Tankless Water Heater Installation Services in Des Moines, IA

Installation is necessary to gain the best performance from your tankless water heater. City Wide Heating and Air Conditioning provides professional installation that meets:

Local Des Moines building codes
Safety regulations for gas or electric connections
Manufacturer guidelines for optimum efficiency and longevity

Secondly, we offer regular servicing to make your system last for many years to come.

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

Do tankless water heaters work well in cold climates?

Yes, tankless water heaters can work well even in cold climate areas like Iowa's. A professional installation will see that the system is properly rated to function under winter conditions and provide hot water all year long.

Are tankless water heaters more expensive to install?

The initial cost of installing a tankless water heater is usually higher than a traditional tank model. However, the long-term advantage of lower energy bills and longer lifespan might offset the added upfront cost.

Can a tankless water heater supply several fixtures at the same time?

It depends on the model. Large-capacity tankless water heaters can supply hot water to several fixtures at once, but in very large homes or high-need households, it may be that putting in more than one unit would be ideal.