Considering a tankless water heater? We’ve answered the most common questions about how they work, installation costs, maintenance, energy efficiency, and whether a tankless system is right for your home. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, our experienced team is happy to help.
A tankless water heater is a high-efficiency system that heats water as it flows through the unit instead of storing hot water in a large tank. Because water is heated only when you turn on a faucet or appliance, you’ll have hot water whenever you need it without the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage tanks.
When hot water is requested, cold water enters the unit and passes through a heat exchanger. A gas burner or electric heating element rapidly raises the water temperature before delivering it directly to your plumbing fixtures. The process happens in seconds, providing continuous hot water without waiting for a storage tank to refill.
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular because they offer several advantages:
- Continuous hot water for daily household use
- Lower energy consumption
- Longer service life than conventional tank models
- Wall-mounted design that frees up floor space
- Less risk of catastrophic tank leaks
- Consistent hot water temperatures
Call 781-284-5384 today for a free customized estimate based on your home’s needs.
For many households, they are. In addition to reducing energy waste, tankless systems typically last much longer than conventional water heaters and provide the convenience of continuous hot water. They’re especially beneficial for families that frequently use multiple hot water fixtures throughout the day.
Yes. A properly sized whole-house tankless water heater is designed to supply hot water to multiple bathrooms, kitchens, and appliances at the same time. Selecting the right capacity is essential for optimal performance.
Our technicians can evaluate your home’s hot water demand and recommend the appropriate system.
Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless units don’t have a limited supply of stored hot water. As long as the unit’s maximum flow rate isn’t exceeded, it can continue producing hot water for as long as it’s needed.
Several factors determine the correct size, including:
- Number of bathrooms
- Household size
- Peak hot water usage
- Groundwater temperature
- Simultaneous appliance usage
A professional sizing assessment ensures your system can comfortably meet your family’s daily needs.
Yes. As long as the unit is properly sized, it can easily provide enough hot water to fill a bathtub while supplying other fixtures in the home.
Because these systems operate only when hot water is needed, they avoid the constant energy consumption required to keep a storage tank heated. Many homeowners notice reduced energy usage after upgrading, particularly if they’re replacing an older water heater.
The best choice depends on your home and hot water demand.
Gas models generally provide:
- Higher flow rates
- Faster recovery
- Better performance for whole-house applications
Electric models are often chosen because they:
- Require no venting
- Work well for smaller homes or additions
- Can have lower installation costs
We’ll help you determine which option makes the most sense for your home.
Yes. Routine maintenance is important for maintaining efficiency and extending the life of the equipment.
Recommended maintenance typically includes:
- Flushing the heat exchanger
- Removing mineral deposits
- Cleaning inlet filters
- Inspecting burners and ventingTesting overall system performance
Homes with hard water may benefit from more frequent servicing.
Absolutely. Most homes can be converted from a storage tank to a tankless system. Depending on your existing plumbing and utilities, some upgrades to the gas line, electrical service, or venting may be necessary.
Our licensed plumbers can determine exactly what’s required during an in-home assessment.
Most residential tankless water heater installations can be completed within a single day. If additional plumbing, venting, or gas line modifications are needed, installation may take slightly longer.
Most modern tankless water heaters rely on electronic controls and ignition systems, meaning they won’t operate during a power outage unless they’re connected to a backup power source.
Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand, but they don’t eliminate the travel time required for hot water to move through your home’s plumbing. The farther a faucet is from the water heater, the longer it will take for hot water to arrive.
For homeowners who want faster delivery, a recirculation system may be an option.
Professional installation is highly recommended. Proper sizing, gas piping, venting, plumbing, and code compliance all play a critical role in the system’s safety and efficiency. Professional installation also helps protect your manufacturer’s warranty.
We install and service many of the industry’s leading manufacturers, including:
- Navien
- Rinnai
- Noritz
- Rheem
- Bosch
We’ll recommend the brand and model that best fits your home’s hot water requirements and budget.
Yes. Rich Mathews & Son Plumbing provides professional tankless water heater installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance throughout the North Shore and Greater Boston area. Whether you’re replacing an aging water heater or upgrading to a more efficient system, our experienced team can help you select the right equipment and install it correctly for years of dependable performance.