Tankless Water Heaters

Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling installs, maintains, and repairs tankless water heating systems in DE, MD, & PA.

The luxury of a tankless water heater: Nearly limitless hot water. This is your first-class choice if you like to take LONG BATHS & SHOWERS without worrying about losing hot water. The lifespan of a tankless water heater can be more than 20 years. That is double the lifespan of a standard water heater. You’d have to buy two standard water heaters to own one tankless water heater. Pair that with lower operating and energy costs, tankless water heaters are a wise investment everyone can afford, not just the rich and famous. Call us today to schedule a FREE estimate at 302-738-4144 (DE&PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD).

A tankless water heater is an excellent alternative to the traditional “tank” water heater. They are affordable and flexible, accommodating many replacement situations. Enjoy endless hot water in a small, sleek, compact design. Typically, the unit hangs on your wall and out of the way.

No longer worry about running out of hot water, water pressure, or planning when to shower in your home.

What is a Tankless (or On-Demand) Water Heater?

Traditional water heaters are large tanks connected to a burner or electrical heating element. When turned on, the tank fills with heated water and distributes it to the piping. This water heater is ubiquitous in homes across DE, MD, PA, and around the globe. They aren’t particularly energy-inefficient. The heated water in the tank must be reheated periodically to maintain the proper temperature, even when the water is not being used. This wastes electricity or gas.

Tankless water heaters, or demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide only hot water as needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money. Here, you’ll find basic information about how they work, whether a tankless water heater might be right for your home, and what criteria to use when selecting the suitable model. Check out the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn if a tankless water heater is right for you, and our #AskEnergySaver discussion on water heating for more answers on efficient water heating.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, have no storage tank. They are “on-demand” systems, heating water only when the homeowner needs it. Without a bulky storage tank, they can be installed in tight spaces, helping to save room inside the home.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater?

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes with hot water — around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve even greater energy savings of 27%–50% if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet. ENERGY STAR® estimates that a typical family can save $100 or more yearly with an ENERGY STAR-qualified tankless water heater.

The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater. Still, tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years.

Tankless water heaters can avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. However, although gas-fired tankless water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot light. This can sometimes offset the elimination of standby energy losses compared to a storage water heater. In a gas-fired storage water heater, the pilot light heats the water in the tank, so the energy isn’t wasted.

The cost of operating a pilot light in a tankless water heater varies from model to model. Ask the manufacturer how much gas the pilot light uses for the model you’re considering. If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot light, you can always turn it off when it’s not in use to save energy. Also, consider models with an intermittent ignition device (IID) instead of a standing pilot light. This device resembles the spark ignition on some gas kitchen ranges and ovens.

Here’s why you should consider switching to a tankless water heater:

1. Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years, double the lifespan of a standard water heater. You’d have to buy two standard water heaters to match the longevity of one tankless unit.
2. Cost-Efficiency: Not only do tankless water heaters last longer, but they also offer lower operating and energy costs. This makes them a wise investment for everyone, not just the rich and famous.
3. Space-Saving Design: Tankless units are compact and typically hang on your wall, freeing up valuable space in your home.
4. Endless Hot Water: Forget about running out of hot water or dealing with water pressure issues. A tankless water heater ensures your household’s continuous and reliable hot water supply.

Installation and maintenance of Tankless Water Heater

Hillside installs and maintains tankless water heaters in New Castle County, DE, Cecil County, MD, and Southern Chester County, PA. We have trained and qualified tankless water heater technicians who can install your on-demand water heater.

• We provide cost estimates in writing.
• We provide references.
• We are a Torch Award Recipient, and A+ Rated Better Business Bureau company in DE.

Tankless water heaters are generally considered safe when installed and maintained correctly. However, like any appliance, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Professional Installation: Ensure a qualified and licensed technician installs your tankless water heater. Proper installation prevents gas or water leaks and other potential hazards.
2. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential for gas-powered tankless heaters. Proper venting ensures that any exhaust gases are safely removed from your home. Follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes for ventilation.
3. Gas Leak Detection: Install gas leak detectors near your tankless water heater to detect leaks early. Regularly check for any unusual smells, which can indicate a gas leak.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially if you have a gas-powered tankless water heater. CO is colorless and odorless, making detectors crucial for early detection.
5. Water Temperature Settings: Adjust the water temperature to a safe level to prevent scalding. Most tankless heaters allow you to set a specific temperature, reducing the risk of excessively hot water.
6. Annual Maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance with a professional technician to ensure your tankless water heater operates safely and efficiently.
7. Water Quality: Ensure that your water source meets local quality standards. Poor water quality can lead to scale buildup inside the heater, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage.
8. Child Safety: If you have children, consider installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showers to prevent accidental burns.
9. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your tankless water heater for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Address any issues promptly.
10. Emergency Shut-Off: Know how to shut off your tankless water heater and gas supply in an emergency.

Hillside Maintenance Plans

Replacement Parts, Inspections, Tune-Ups, Adjustments, and more. See what plan is right for your needs.

• Heating Maintenance Plan
• Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan