Tankless Water Heaters: Are They Right for Your Buffalo, NY Home?Published: July 18, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of home appliances, tankless water heaters have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tank-style models. But are they right for every home?

At Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling — your Buffalo, NY home comfort specialist — we're here to help you navigate the world of tankless water heaters and decide if they're a good fit for your Western New York home.

But First — What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters that constantly heat and reheat a reservoir of water, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. When you turn on a hot water tap, the unit activates and heats the water as it flows through a heat exchanger. This eliminates the need for a bulky storage tank and can potentially lead to significant energy savings.

The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters

• Endless Hot Water. Tankless water heaters provide a continuous stream of hot water, eliminating the frustration of running out in the middle of a shower.
• Energy Efficiency. Since they only heat water when needed, tankless water heaters can be significantly more energy-efficient than traditional models, potentially lowering utility bills.
• Space Saving. These units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space in your home.
• Longer Lifespan. Tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than traditional models, lasting up to 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

The Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

• Higher Initial Cost. Tankless water heaters usually have a higher upfront cost than traditional models.
• Installation Considerations. These units need proper gas or electric connections and may require modifications to your existing plumbing system. Cellino’s professional technicians can help you assess your home's suitability for a tankless water heater installation.
• Flow Rate Limitations. Unfortunately, they have a limited flow rate, meaning they may not be suitable for homes with multiple hot water demands happening at the same time.
• Vent Requirements. Tankless water heaters require proper venting to expel exhaust fumes. This may involve additional installation costs.

Cost Saving Potential

While the initial cost of a tankless water heater is higher, the potential for energy savings is serious! The Department of Energy estimates that compared to traditional models, these models can be up to 34% more energy-efficient. Whether the cost savings outweigh the upfront investment will depend on your hot water usage patterns and local energy costs in Buffalo, NY.

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

• Are tankless water heaters worth it? They definitely can be! Tankless models offer endless hot water and are energy-efficient, making them great for long-term investments.
• Are tankless water heaters more efficient? Absolutely! Since they heat water on-demand, they eliminate standby energy loss that plagues traditional tank heaters.
• Can tankless water heaters leak? Any water heater can develop leaks. However, tankless models generally have fewer potential leak points compared to traditional tanks.
• Will tankless water heaters freeze? In colder climates like Buffalo, properly preparing your tankless water heater is important. Although they're usually equipped with freeze protection, it's always best to consult your emergency plumber for specific recommendations if a problem or concern crops up. 

Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling: Your Water Heater Experts in Western New York

Considering a tankless water heater for your house or mobile home? Wondering if it can handle well water or hard water? We can answer all your questions and more! The plumbing professionals at Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help! We’ll assess your hot water usage patterns, evaluate your existing plumbing system, and recommend the best water heater option for your home. We’ll also discuss our various financing options to make a tankless water heater a possibility for you.

Contact Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today at (716) 557-1222 to schedule an estimate and discuss your hot water heater options!