Water Heater Repair & Installation in Austin, TX

What is the difference between tankless and traditional water heaters?

A traditional water heater stores water in a large tank – it’s what most of us have always had in our homes. It heats from the bottom continuously and “holds” water at a certain temp for future use. Even when you’re not home, your tank is being heated, continuously. The hot water at the top is what you use when you turn on the tap. It is possible to use up all the hot water in the tank during a period of very heavy use.

A tankless system only makes hot water when you turn on your tap. It can’t run out of hot water! When you turn on the tap, a sensor detects the water flow as the water enters the heater. This activates the burner, and water is circulated through the heat exchanger. It heats the water to the temperature you specify. When you turn off the tap, the unit shuts down. When you’re not using hot water, the tank-less system isn’t using energy. And whenever you want hot water, it’s there for you.

What's the main benefit(s) to a tankless water heater?

There are several benefits, and in consultation with an ABC plumbers, a homeowner can decide which may make sense for them.

• A tankless system takes up less space. A typical tankless unit will use less than half the space of a tank system. If space is at a premium in your home or office, a tankless system could be beneficial.
• For large families consuming lots of hot water, a tankless system could make life easier. Wait times “between” showers & bathes by various members of the family can be eliminated.
• On average, a tankless unit will last several years longer than a tank system.
• A tankless unit is excellent for vacation homes or properties that aren’t used on a daily basis. Unlike a tank system, instead of heating water 24 hours a day, seven days a week, resulting in wasted utilities, a tankless system only heats upon demand.

What kind of water heater do I need?

We install both conventional and tankless water heaters. Your ABC technician will work closely with you to pair you with the heater that best matches your family’s needs. We encourage you to consider a tankless system. They’re smaller, more efficient, and you will never run out of hot water! They’re especially good for active households with lots of folks taking frequent showers, washing dishes and washing clothes.

If a conventional system works better for your household, we also supply and sell several sizes and brands of conventional hot water heaters.

How do costs compare between conventional water heaters and tankless water heaters?

A tankless water heater is more expensive than a conventional one, but it will generally pay for itself in a few years by lowering your energy bill. In addition, a traditional tank heater lasts about 10 years, but a tankless system, if maintained well, is good for closer to 20 years!

Homeowners in Austin and Sunset Valley can get a tax credit from Texas Gas Services for purchasing an energy-efficient tankless heater, which helps you bring down the cost even more.