UBCNews - Business - Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth It? Walton County Plumber Says Yes & Here's Why

Episode Date: November 17, 2025

So here's something that might surprise you: the average hot water faucet runs for 2 to 4 minutes before the water gets hot. That is a lot of wasted water, energy, and money for households. It could be as much as 11 thousand gallons of water per year for one home. Anthony Wimpey Plumbing City: Covington Address: 1052 Dixie Rd Website: https://anthonywimpeyplumbing.com/

So here's something that might surprise you. The average hot water faucet runs for two to four minutes before the water gets hot. That is a lot of wasted water, energy, and money for households. It could be as much as 11,000 gallons of water per year for one home. You know, that statistic always gets people's attention when I share it with clients. And honestly, it's one of many reasons why I tell homeowners in our area that tankless systems are definitely worth considering. The technology has come so far,

and the benefits really add up over time. Let's start with the big question everyone's thinking about. Can I actually save money on my energy bills with a tankless water heater? Absolutely. The savings depend on your fuel type, though. Gas-fired tankless water heaters can save households over $100 annually, while electric models typically save around $44 per year. But here's the thing. The actual savings also depend on your usage patterns. If your family uses 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, you could see energy efficiency improvements of 24 to 34% compared to traditional tank systems. Mm-hmm. That's significant.

Even households using around 86 gallons a day typically see about 14% better efficiency. The key difference is that traditional tank heaters are constantly reheating water. even when you're not home. That's called standby heat loss. Tankless units only heat water when you actually turn on a faucet, which eliminates that waste entirely. Right. And I imagine there are other practical benefits beyond just the utility savings? Oh, definitely. Space is huge. These units are about the size of a small suitcase and can mount right on the wall. I had one client who reclaimed their entire utility closet after we installed a tankless system and turned it into a one storage area. Talk about a win-win. Plus, you get endless hot water supply. No more strategic shower scheduling in busy households, you know? Have you ever found yourself in that morning rush

where everyone needs hot water at once? Oh, absolutely. And that endless supply is what I mean when I say, you never run out of hot water. It's truly unlimited when properly sized. That brings us to what people should consider when they're shopping for a tankless system. First, you need to think about your groundwater temperature. In our region, groundwater temperatures can vary, so it's important to check your specific area's conditions. I see, go on. Flow rate is critical, too. You need to calculate your peak demand. Like, can you run the dishwasher while someone's showering? Most tankless units produce between two to five gallons per minute. Electric models typically have lower flow rates than gas units. So that's something to factor in based on your home setup.

That flow rate consideration really highlights the importance of proper system sizing. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When you're ready to consider tankless water heater options for your home, find experienced professionals who understand your local conditions. Anthony Wimpy Plumbing brings over 30 years of experience to Walton County area installations and repairs. They'll help you determine the right-size system for your household's needs and ensure proper installation for optimal performance. Learn more at anthonywimpyplumbing.com.

Picking up on that system sizing, how do you handle situations where a single unit might not meet a large household's demands? Sometimes we recommend multiple units, especially for larger homes. You might install one dedicated unit for the master bathroom and another for the rest of the house. It increases the upfront cost, but it ensures everyone gets consistent hot water when they need it. Let's talk about that upfront cost. What should people expect? Installation typically runs between $1,200 to $3,500, depending on your home's existing setup. Yeah, it's more than a traditional tank system initially. But here's the thing. Tankless units last 15 to 20 years, while tank heaters usually need replacement after 8 to 12 years,

so you're looking at potentially twice the lifespan? Are there any incentives that help offset those costs? Definitely. Energy Star qualifying propane, natural gas, or oil-powered tankless units can be eligible for federal tax credits covering up to 30% of the total cost, with a maximum of $600. This applies to systems installed through 2032, so there's still time to take advantage of that program.

What about maintenance? Are there things homeowners should know? Regular flushing is important, especially if you have hard water. Mineral buildup can reduce efficiency and lifespan. I actually had a customer who ignored maintenance for years, and by the time we serviced their unit, the mineral deposits had cut their flow rate nearly in half. Wow, that's a pretty dramatic drop in performance.

Exactly, but simple annual maintenance prevents those issues completely. It's really not complicated. Just basic care keeps these systems running smoothly for decades. So to everyone listening who's been on the fence about this upgrade, what's your bottom line recommendation? If you're planning to stay in your home long term and you want both energy savings and that convenience of never running out of hot water, tankless systems are absolutely worth it.

The technology is proven, the savings are real, and properly installed units just keep delivering year after year. Perfect Insights. For more information on tankless water heater installation and to connect with experienced professionals in your area, visit anthonywimpyplumbing.com. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time.