Tankless water heaters are one of the fastest-growing segments of the water heating industry, with 10% annual growth projected between now and 2030.

Several factors are driving this growth. Increasing consumer interest in efficiency and convenience over the last several years has inspired both greater awareness of tankless water heater technology on the part of homeowners as well as creating a surge in the number of tankless products available compared to five or 10 years ago.

Tankless water heaters can be an ideal alternative for a growing number of consumers. It’s important, however, for homeowners to recognize that tankless technology is not a perfect one-size-fits-all solution. The efficiency and performance of tankless heaters are suited for many situations, but the right application for any homeowner always depends on a wide range of considerations. It’s essential that homeowners work closely with a plumbing professional who can help them understand all of their water heating options.

The fast-rising popularity of tankless water heaters presents an opportunity for plumbing professionals to enhance or expand their sales. More importantly, plumbers and their teams can leverage growing interest in tankless technology to establish themselves as a partner to their customers. Educating homeowners about the full range of options available to meet the needs of their home empowers them to make informed decisions for their families. Instead of a simple transaction, plumbers can take each interaction with customers as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship built on trust.

Consumer interest in tankless technology is at an all-time high — and growing fast. Today’s homeowners are increasingly attracted to the many benefits of a properly sized and installed tankless water heater, such as:

• Energy efficiency and savings;
• Space-saving size and flexibility; and
• Rebates and other financial incentives.

Transitioning from a conventional water heater to tankless can be a complex process and depends on a wide range of factors. In most cases, the skill and experience of a trained professional are required to assess the circumstances and determine the best solution.

While many homeowners who are interested in a tankless water heater may have conducted extensive research on their own, they will still benefit from the experience and insights of a trained professional.

Consumers can easily overlook inconvenient truths about their home’s situation if they’ve been influenced by what they’ve read on the internet. Without a full appreciation of the complexities involved, they are vulnerable to outdated or misleading information or projections that simply don’t apply in their case.

A plumbing pro can quickly and accurately assess the homeowner’s situation and discuss in detail the benefits (and any potential drawbacks) of the available options.

Further, a trained expert has access to personal experience and institutional knowledge, awareness of local codes and regulations, as well as tools and other resources, so they can dig deeper into the details to explore considerations a homeowner might easily overlook. Plumbing pros can distinguish between hype and real-world applications, helping their customers set realistic expectations at the start of the process.

There are several key factors that play a significant role in the success of any new water heater installation. Some of these, such as the size and age of the home, the current water heating configuration and power supply, gas pipe sizing and proper gas pressure to the supply can be even more critical when it comes to tankless installations. A trusted plumbing professional can advise homeowners on how their decision can be impacted by the full range of considerations, including:

• Water heater size and capacity;
• Fuel type, availability and capacity;
• Upfront equipment and installation costs;
• Operational efficiency;
• Expected equipment lifespan; and
• Maintenance.

The benefits of tankless technology have been heavily promoted and celebrated. There are, however, some potential disadvantages or challenges that should be communicated to the general consumer.

Older homes may require complex or expensive gas or electrical upgrades to provide sufficient capacity for the high-power levels used in on-demand water heating.

For a typical residential application — a single-family home with two bathrooms, standard shower heads, a dishwasher and washing machine — a tankless unit will usually be sufficient. But homeowners with high-end fixtures and luxury features, such as a car wash shower head or large soaking tub, can experience challenges or inconveniences with on-demand water heating systems, which do not have the buffer of hot water capacity.

There are many benefits of tankless heaters that homeowners can take full advantage of but professional guidance from a trained plumbing expert can make all the difference when it comes to a successful tankless installation.

Consumers who commit to a tankless solution based on hype and promise may be disappointed and frustrated – not just with the technology but with the plumbing industry in general. On the other hand, homeowners who are engaged and advised by a trusted professional can enjoy all the convenience, efficiency and value of a properly installed tankless water heater for many years to come.

As tankless water heater technology continues to evolve and consumer awareness grows, further innovations will emerge to enhance the performance of tankless heaters while also driving continued upgrades in efficiency capabilities for storage-type heaters. Both water heating technologies will continue to have important roles well into the future. Growing demand and investment in innovation, however, will require industry professionals to be prepared to keep their customers informed and meet their evolving expectations.