How Do You Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater for Your Home?

Picture this: You step into the shower on a chilly morning, only to be hit with freezing water because your old water heater couldn’t keep up. Sound familiar? That’s where a tankless water heater comes in—providing endless hot water whenever you need it.

At Better Water Heaters, we specialize in tankless water heater installation in Santa Clara and know that picking the right unit can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best choice.

Why Your Water Heater Choice Matters

A tankless water heater isn’t just another home upgrade—it’s a game-changer. It:

●       Saves energy by heating water only when needed

●       Takes up less space compared to bulky traditional water heaters

●       Provides an uninterrupted hot water supply

●       Lasts longer than conventional water heaters

Choosing the right one ensures you get the most out of your investment while enjoying the comfort of never running out of hot water.

What to Consider When Choosing One?

 

How Much Hot Water Do You Actually Need?

Before picking a unit, you need to figure out how much hot water your household uses. Here’s what to consider:

●       How many people live in your home?

●       How many bathrooms do you have?

●       Do you often run multiple appliances at once (dishwasher, washing machine, etc.)?

Tankless water heaters are rated by flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM). If your home needs hot water for multiple uses at once, you’ll need a unit with a higher GPM.

 

Gas vs. Electric: Which One’s Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are mainly of two types—gas and electric. Here’s how they compare:

 

Gas Tankless Water Heaters

✔ Higher GPM—better for larger households

✔ Works even during power outages

✔ More efficient for heavy hot water use

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

✔ Smaller and easier to install

✔ More energy-efficient for low to moderate use

✔ No need for gas lines or ventilation

If your home already has a gas line, a gas model may be your best bet. But if you want a low-maintenance, energy-efficient option, an electric unit could be the way to go.

 

Think About Energy Efficiency & Costs

One of the biggest perks of going tankless is energy savings. Traditional water heaters continuously heat water, wasting energy when you’re not using it. Tankless models only heat water on demand, lowering your utility bills. Look for models with a high Energy Factor (EF) rating—the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Gas models tend to be cheaper to operate but have a higher upfront cost. Electric models cost less initially but may lead to higher electricity bills over time.

Practical Tips for Making the Best Choice

●       Size matters – Make sure your unit can handle peak usage.

●       Check local codes – Some areas have restrictions on gas vs. electric models.

●       Think about placement – Tankless water heaters are compact, but proper installation is key.

●       Get professional advice – A quick consultation with Better Water Heaters ensures you get the best fit.

 

FAQs

1. Do tankless water heaters really provide unlimited hot water?

Yes! As long as the unit is properly sized, it will supply hot water as needed without running out.

2. How long do tankless water heaters last?

With proper maintenance, they can last 20+ years, much longer than traditional water heaters.

3. Do they require a lot of maintenance?

Not really. Flushing the system once a year helps remove mineral buildup and keeps it running efficiently.

At Better Water Heaters, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit and handle your tankless water heater installation in Santa Clara from start to finish. Give us a call today, and let’s get you set up with the best hot water solution!