Both tank and tankless whole-house water heaters have their advantages. Tank-type water heaters have a lower upfront cost and are often easier to install when replacing a similar type tank water heater. Although they have a higher upfront cost, tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water on demand, take up less space, and require less energy to operate.

The advantages of whole-house electric and gas tankless water heaters are potential lower energy usage, smaller space requirement, and continuous hot water. Although there may be a higher upfront installation cost for tankless there may be potential savings over time, depending on usage, local energy costs, incoming groundwater temperature, and other factors.

What is recommended for maintenance?
Most whole-house tankless units will require annual descaling of the unit, but with A. O. Smith’s built-in anti-scale technology, available in select models, your water heater’s life can be extended. The anti-scale technology helps change the chemical makeup of the scale so it will pass through the heat exchanger without sticking to the walls and negatively impacting the water heater’s performance.

A. O. Smith gas tankless models have a 15-year limited warranty, and the electric tankless models have a 5-year limited warranty. However, if properly maintained, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years for gas tankless and 10 years for electric tankless.

Tankless water heaters help you save energy due to the unit only providing heat when you are using hot water, rather than heating the tank continuously when not in use.

Due to the growing popularity of tankless technology, adding a tankless water heater can certainly improve the appeal to a prospective buyer.

How much does it cost to install a tankless hot water heater?
The cost of installation can vary depending on the current plumbing of your home. A. O. Smith recommends contacting a licensed contractor to begin the evaluation process.

What size tankless water heater do I need for my house?
After evaluating your desired water supply, your home’s climate and current piping, a licensed contractor will be able to provide an exact recommendation for your home. Use the XPERT^™ Product Selector to get an initial recommendation on which water heater would be right for your home.

Where should I install a tankless water heater?
Electric tankless water heaters can be installed in any location within your home with the appropriate hookups. Their compact size frees up valuable space within your home. For gas tankless water heaters you will need to utilize specific venting, which will impact where you can install throughout your home.

How do you vent a tankless water heater?
No venting is required for A. O. Smith whole-house electric tankless water heaters, but for gas tankless water heaters you will need to consult with your local plumbing contractor to determine the best venting for your home.

The one that fits your specific hot water needs! Talk with your installer about your specific energy options (natural gas, liquid propane or electric), usage requirements, and venting requirements to determine the option that best fits your needs.