Tankless Water Heater Guide: What Homeowners Should Know

Residential Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, provide hot water only when you need it—eliminating the standby energy losses of traditional tank-style units.

Today’s models include natural gas and liquid propane tankless water heaters, with Energy Star certified condensing and non-condensing options available. These systems are compact, efficient, and capable of delivering a continuous supply of hot water.

Unlike traditional tanks, a tankless water heater does not store water. Instead, it heats water as it flows through the system using a gas burner or electric element, offering improved energy savings and reliability.

Key Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

  • Energy Efficient: Heats water only when needed, helping reduce energy bills.

  • Unlimited Hot Water: Delivers a constant supply as long as water is available.

  • Space Saving: Installs on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space.

  • Longer Lifespan: Typically lasts longer than traditional water heaters with proper maintenance.

Important Considerations

  • Professional Installation Required: Tankless systems require specific plumbing and venting and must be sized correctly for your home. A licensed plumber—like our team at Instant Hot Water Co—can ensure proper installation.

  • Sizing Matters: Larger households with multiple simultaneous water demands may need a higher-capacity system or even more than one unit for optimal performance.

How to Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater

1. Determine Your Hot Water Needs

Think about:

  • The number of people in your home

  • Number of bathrooms and appliances

  • How often multiple fixtures are used at the same time

2. Choose a Power Source

Options include:

  • Natural Gas – Efficient and reliable

  • Propane – Great for off-grid or rural areas

  • Electric – Easier to install, ideal for smaller homes

3. Size the Unit Correctly

You’ll want to select a unit based on:

  • Flow rate (GPM - gallons per minute)

  • Desired temperature rise

  • How many fixtures you plan to use at once

Need help choosing? Our experts at Instant Hot Water Co are here to guide you.

How It Works

When you open a hot water tap:

  1. Cold water flows into the unit.

  2. It moves through a heat exchanger.

  3. A gas burner or electric element heats it instantly.

  4. Hot water is delivered straight to your faucet or appliance—on demand.

No tank. No waiting. No wasted energy.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Tankless water heater installation is more complex than traditional systems. It may involve:

  • Gas line upgrades

  • Specialized venting

  • Adjustments for hard water

  • High-altitude calibration (especially here in Colorado)

Our licensed technicians are experienced with tankless systems across Colorado, and we’ll ensure your unit is installed safely and correctly the first time.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Whether you're replacing an old water heater or installing a tankless system in a new home, we're here to help.

Contact Instant Hot Water Co today to schedule a consultation or learn more about the best tankless system for your home.