Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters (And Why You Might Be Too!)
By Joanna “JoJo” Jones
If you’re like me, you want things hot and fast. And by the way, I’m talking about that hot cup of coffee in the morning and a warm bath at night after a long day. So, let me tell you why I Love Tankless Water Heaters — hot water when you need it, no waiting, no drama.
That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for tankless water heaters.
Today, I’m breaking down why I love them, how they work, how much they cost, and how they can actually save you money in the long run.
So buckle up — because if you like your water hot and your mornings stress-free, this is one home upgrade you need to know about
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
Hot Water on Demand: No Waiting, No Fighting Over the Shower
One of the biggest pet peeves is that awkward 10-minute “water dance” — you know the one.
Turning on the tap and standing there, freezing, waiting for the hot water to finally show up.
Not anymore.
Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, work by heating water only when you need it — not storing gallons of it and hoping it stays hot.
The second you turn on a faucet, the tankless unit kicks into gear, superheating the water as it flows through the pipes.
No giant water tank to fill. No 30-minute “recovery time” if someone took a long shower before you.
Just endless hot water, right when you want it.
And let me tell you — if you have teenagers in the house, this is a game-changer. No more racing to beat everyone else to the bathroom!
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
Big Space Saver: Bye-Bye Bulky Tank!
Another thing I love? The space-saving magic.
Traditional water heaters are awkward and take up way too much room.
Tankless systems? They’re slim, stylish, and stay out of the way.
Most tankless units are about the size of a carry-on suitcase and mount right onto the wall.
No more bulky tanks hogging your closet, basement, garage, or attic.
I even know homeowners who reclaim that old water heater space for extra storage, a laundry folding station, or even a mudroom bench!
If you’re renovating, building new, or just tired of sacrificing space to a clunky old water heater, tankless is hands-down the way to go.
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
Let’s Talk Money: Costs of Going Tankless
Alright, now for the million-dollar question: How much does a tankless water heater cost?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
| Type | Average Cost Installed |
|---|---|
| Gas Tankless Water Heater | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Electric Tankless Water Heater | $1,500 – $3,000 |
(Source: HomeGuide estimates)
Heads up:
Gas models usually cost more to install because they might require venting upgrades.
Electric models are cheaper upfront but might require a panel upgrade if your home’s wiring is older.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it — installing a tankless system costs more upfront than replacing an old tank water heater.
BUT — and it’s a big but — you’ll save money in the long run (more on that next!).
Lower Utility Bills: Tankless Pays You Back Over Time
Here’s where the magic happens:
Tankless water heaters are way more energy efficient than traditional ones.
Here’s why:
Traditional heaters keep water hot 24/7, even when you’re not using it. (That’s called standby heat loss, and it’s literally money down the drain.)
Tankless heaters only heat water when you actually need it. No waste, no unnecessary heating.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
Homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily could see 24–34% energy savings with a tankless model.
Even homes that use more water (around 86 gallons a day) could still save 8–14% on their energy bills.
Over 5–10 years, those savings can add up to thousands of dollars — easily paying for the higher installation cost.
And let’s not forget:
Many tankless models last 20+ years (compared to about 8–12 years for traditional tanks).
That’s one less major home repair to worry about during that timeframe!
In other words, it’s not just a home upgrade — it’s an investment.
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
What’s Installation Like?
If you’re thinking, “This sounds awesome, JoJo, but installing one must be a nightmare…”
Let me stop you right there.
Installing a tankless water heater is totally doable, but you definitely want to hire a licensed professional.
Here’s what to expect:
A site inspection to pick the right size unit for your home.
Upgrading gas lines (for gas models) or electric service (for electric models).
Possibly adding ventilation (for gas units).
Mounting the unit securely to the wall.
Testing the system to make sure it’s working flawlessly.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your installer pulls the necessary permits.
You want it done right — both for safety and for when you eventually sell your home (because buyers LOVE tankless heaters, trust me).
Installation usually takes about a day, depending on your home’s layout.
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Isn’t for Everyone (But It’s Pretty Close)
I’m always going to keep it real with you:
Tankless water heaters aren’t perfect for every home.
Here are a few situations where they might not be ideal:
Very large families using lots of hot water simultaneously (think running showers, washing dishes, and laundry at the same time).
Older homes without sufficient electric panel capacity (unless you’re ready to upgrade it).
Budget-conscious upgrades where upfront cost is the biggest concern.
That said, for most modern homes — especially households of 1–5 people — a tankless system is a brilliant fit.
Favorite Tankless Brands (From Real Homeowners)
Because you know I wouldn’t leave you hanging without some recommendations, here are a few brands and models that homeowners LOVE:
Rinnai – Legendary reliability (gas models especially)
Navien – Great for bigger households that use a lot of water.
EcoSmart – Awesome, budget-friendly electric options.
Stiebel Eltron – German engineering, super efficient electric models.
Pricing varies, but you can expect to pay between $800–$2,500 for the unit alone (before installation).
Why I Love Tankless Water Heaters
Final Thoughts: Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth It?
Let’s be honest — hot water is one of life’s little luxuries we totally take for granted.
Until you don’t have it… then you notice real quick.
For so many happy homeowners — switching to a tankless water heater was 100% worth it:
Endless hot showers.
Lower energy bills.
Freed-up space.
Longer-lasting equipment.
If you’re remodeling, upgrading your home, or just ready for a serious quality-of-life boost, go tankless.
You deserve it!
✅ Want more home tips, hot deals, and smart upgrades?
Follow my blog or shoot me a message anytime!
New Listings: Macon Georgia
Sign up: Market Reports
Learn More: About JoJo
View More: Macon Listings
Featured: Macon Magazine
Broker: Sheridan Solomon and Associates
Contact Me: Sell Smart with JoJo™