Have you ever run out of hot water right when you need it? Stepped into a cold shower or found the sink running lukewarm when you have a pile of dirty dishes waiting?

We’ve all been there. The good news is there’s an easy fix – switching to a tankless water heater.

But the benefits of tankless go way beyond unlimited hot water. Keep reading!

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Tankless heaters provide hot water very differently than traditional tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand without the need to store heated water in a tank.

aThe water is heated as it flows through the unit. So when you turn on your faucet or shower, the cold water enters the tankless water heater. Inside, an electric heating element or gas burner kicks on right away to heat the water as it passes through a network of coils and plates designed for rapid, efficient heat transfer. The water comes out hot and ready to use. This on-demand design means you enjoy a constant flow of hot water whenever you need it.

Tankless units are also super compact, roughly the size of a medium suitcase. So they’re a great choice when utility room space is limited.

Why You’ll Love Switching to Tankless

Here are some of the biggest perks you’ll enjoy:

No more cold showovers – Say adios to unpleasant surprises in the shower. Tankless provides an endless supply of hot water for long showers, deep baths, washing dishes, laundry, and anything else you need.

Lower energy bills – Tankless heaters are way more energy efficient than old tank models. You’re only heating water on demand versus constantly. Expect to save 15-35% on your utility bills!

Added space – The small size of tankless units frees up room for storage or other uses. You can even mount them on a wall.

Long lifespan – Tankless heaters last nearly twice as long as tank heaters – over 20 years! Enjoy years of reliable hot water.

Increased home value – Upgrading to tankless increases your home’s resale value. Home buyers dig energy-saving features.

Help the planet – The energy savings mean a smaller carbon footprint. Using less power benefits the environment.

Safety – No more worries about leaks or floods. Tankless removes risks associated with aging tank units.

With all these amazing benefits, it’s a no brainer to go tankless in Albuquerque!

What to Keep in Mind Before Switching

While tankless offers some sweet advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Bigger upfront cost – Buying and installing a tankless system does cost more initially compared to swapping out a basic tank unit. Make sure to budget accordingly.

Proper sizing – Tankless heaters are sized based on your home’s hot water needs. Undersizing can lead to insufficient hot water flow.

Venting requirements – Tankless units need proper exhaust venting to the outdoors. Your existing ductwork may require upgrading.

Higher electricity use – Electric tankless models have large power demands. Your electrical panel might need an upgrade.

Short wait time – After turning on a faucet, it takes a few seconds for tankless units to heat and deliver hot water. Expect a minor delay.

These are all solvable concerns. With good planning, tankless remains a smart investment for most Albuquerque homes.

Typical Tankless Installation Costs

Here’s what you can expect to budget for a tankless upgrade:

Tankless unit – $600 to $1500 depending on size, features, efficiency rating, etc. Higher end units cost more.

Professional installation – $1000 to $3000 depending on your home’s setup. More complex installs cost extra.

Electrical upgrades – $200 to $800 if your electrical panel needs upgraded to handle a new electric tankless unit.

Venting – $300 to $1000 for proper exhaust venting to the outdoors.

Gas line upgrades – $50 to $500 if your home needs new gas lines for a gas tankless unit.

In total, plan on spending $2000 to $5000 to go tankless. It’s a significant investment, but remember you’ll recoup much of this long-term through energy savings and home value increase.

Many local utility companies and manufacturers also offer rebates up to $300 on new energy efficient tankless heaters. Take advantage of any incentives available. Every bit helps offset the initial cost!

How Much Could You Save Each Year?

Your potential energy savings from using a tankless water heater depend mainly on two factors:

Your current water heater’s efficiency – If your unit is over 10 years old, you stand to save much more with a new efficient tankless model. Old heaters waste energy even when not in use.

Your household’s hot water usage – Homes with high demand stand to benefit most. Here are estimates:

• Use 40 gallons daily – Save 25-35%
• Use 60 gallons daily – Save 15-25%
• Use 80+ gallons daily – Save 10-15%

Of course local energy rates also impact your actual dollar savings. But most Albuquerque homeowners switching from an older tank to new tankless save $200 or more per year on utility bills. That adds up to thousands saved over its lifespan!