Updated: May 9
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among homeowners looking to lower their utility bills and stop worrying about running out of hot water. But are they actually worth the higher upfront investment?
For some homes, a tankless water heater can get water to your fixtures more quickly, save you hundreds of dollars every year on utility bills, and give you the unlimited supply of hot water you've been looking for. For others, a traditional tank system may still make more sense depending on the household size, water usage, and budget.
If you’re considering upgrading your water heater, here’s what homeowners throughout Metro Detroit should know before making the switch.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, tankless systems heat water only when it’s needed.
When you turn on a faucet or shower, cold water travels through the water heater and is heated instantly before reaching your plumbing fixtures, translating to no unused or wasted hot water that you've paid to heat, and a SIGNIFICANTLY more efficient water heater, keeping your utility bills as low as possible.
This means:
No large storage tank for hot water
Drastically improved efficiency
Reduced standby heat loss
A quite literal endless supply of hot water
Many Southeastern Michigan homeowners choose tankless systems for their energy savings and compact design.
The Biggest Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Energy Efficiency
One of the main reasons homeowners upgrade to tankless systems is energy efficiency.
Traditional tank water heaters continuously heat stored water throughout the day, even when hot water isn’t being used, and every gallon of hot water heated and not used is unnecessary money coming out of your pocket.
Tankless systems only operate when needed, which drastically reduces energy consumption, and this often translates to hundred of dollars of savings within just the first year of operation.
For larger households in Metro Detroit, these savings quickly add up over time.
Endless Hot Water
There's nothing more frustrating than hoping in the shower after a long day of work to discover that you're out of hot water.
Tankless systems can continuously heat water on demand, giving you a limitless supply of hot water, making them ideal for:
Larger families
Homes with multiple bathrooms
Back-to-back showers
High hot water usage
Stop stressing over your kids using up all the hot water before you take your shower!
Longer System Lifespan
While the average lifespan of a standard hot water tank is only 8-12 years, tankless water heaters often last significantly longer than traditional tank systems when properly maintained.
Many systems can last:
15–20 years or longer
with regular maintenance and flushing
While the installation cost of a tankless water heater is undoubtedly higher than your standard hot water tank, you're almost guaranteed to see your money back over the life cycle of your system.
Potential Downsides to Consider
At WeatherWise, we're big fans of tankless water heaters for a large number of reasons, but this doesn't mean they're perfect for every household!
More Expensive Installation Costs
A big factor to consider is the higher upfront installation costs of a tankless water heater. While even the largest hot water tanks generally land somewhere between $1,500-$3,000, a tankless water heater generally costs between $4,000-$6,000 depending on the difficulty of the installation!
While homeowners can count on seeing their investment pay off over time, the higher upfront cost isn't always in the budget when you have ten other projects you're working on!
Installation generally involves:
Gas line upgrades
Venting system modifications & installation
Electrical updates - A dedicated circuit for your water heater
Plumbing alterations
Especially for older homes throughout Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County, this additional work can increase installation costs.
Supplying Enough Water to All Fixtures.
In most Metro Detroit households, even a mid-tier tankless water heater can keep up with the hot water needs of most families, however there is a limit to the amount of hot water your system can move at once!
Michigan being a state with a colder climate most of the year also means that the temperature of the water entering our homes is colder as well. While this is generally no problem with standard hot water demands, but if you find that your household:
Uses more than two showers at the same time
Has several high powered hot water fixtures in constant use
Has appliances that require of 7GPM of hot water in use simultaneously
A tankless water heater might not meet the demands of the hot water you're using! While there are ways around this issue with systems like boosters or circulator pumps, these add up to make installation more costly, and there comes a point when what you'll save no longer feels worth the overhead!
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth the Cost?
For many homeowners, yes — especially long-term.
While a typical hot water tank can sometimes be the best fit for your home, a tankless water heater tend to make more sense if:
You plan to stay in your home for the next 10 or more years
Your household uses a lot of hot water
Energy efficiency and monthly savings matters to you
You want to save space
Your current water heater is nearing the end of its life span
However, homeowners with smaller households or lower hot water demand may still find traditional tank systems more cost-effective.
Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters
As with anything, both systems have their pros and cons depending on your specific household and budget.
Traditional Hot Water Tanks:
Usually cost less upfront
Are simpler to install
Guarantee you a set amount of water (Ex: 50 gallons)
Tankless systems:
Offer higher efficiency and more long-term savings
Have double the lifespan of a traditional tank system
Save space with smaller wall mounted units
Provide limitless hot water
The best choice often depends on your long-term goals and household usage.
Common Signs It May Be Time to Upgrade Your Water Heater
Like anything mechanical, water heaters are prone to failure with enough time. Although sometimes it's painfully obvious, there are other times where your water heater can look pristine right up until the moment it's leaking all over your floor! If two or more of the following symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to reach out to the experts.
Older than 10–15 years
Leaking at the tank or copper fittings
Producing odd smelling or discolored water
Consistently running out of hot water
Requiring frequent repairs
Constantly having to relight the pilot
Don't ignore the signs!
Especially if your water heater lacks a drain pan or automatic shutoff, a failed water heater can be more than just a mild inconvenience, it can be a total catastrophe that causes thousands of dollars in water damage. If you believe your water heater is on it's last legs, reach out today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tankless water heaters really save money?
They can reduce energy usage over time because they only heat water when needed instead of constantly heating a storage tank. The average efficiency of a standard hot water tank is around 60% where are most tankless water heaters are 95% efficienct and beyond!
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Tankless systems can last 15–20 years or longer with proper maintenance.
Can a tankless water heater run out of hot water?
Tankless systems provide continuous and virtually limitless hot water, but extremely high simultaneous demand can still exceed system capacity.
Are tankless water heaters good for Michigan homes?
Yes. Tankless systems fit perfectly into most Michigan homes when properly sized and professionally installed.
Thinking About Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater?
WeatherWise Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional water heater installation and replacement services throughout most of the Metro Detroit area.
Whether you’re considering a tankless upgrade or replacing an older system, our Climate Control Experts can help you determine the best solution for you and your family specifically!
