Why Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Advantage Air HVAC • August 8, 2022

Nothing is worse than running out of hot water halfway through your shower. Traditional water heaters are limited to the capacity of the tank, so for enough water to get through a storm, you have to get a bigger tank. But keeping a large amount of water hot always uses a significant amount of energy. Approximately 25% of your home’s energy costs result from your water heater. So, getting a more extensive water heater is only going to make your electricity bill go up.

Tankless water heater, benefits of tankless water heaters, energy-efficient water heater near Lexington, Kentucky, KY

Though fortunately, that’s not the case with tankless water heaters. A tankless option only provides hot water when needed, increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Thus, a tankless heater can significantly reduce your utility cost. The pros at Advantage Air HVAC are here to answer your questions about the advantages of tankless water heaters and help you make the switch.

How Do They Work?

Tankless heaters heat water as it is being used. A natural gas burner or an electric heating component is used to power a heat exchanger that warms water as it flows through. While the initial cost of a tankless water heater is higher, the savings on utility costs will quickly make up that difference. Tankless heaters also have a much longer lifespan than traditional ones; you can expect your tankless water to last between 18 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance. On the other hand, a conventional tank-style water heater generally lasts 10-13 years.

A water heater without a tank also eliminates “standby loss,” or the energy wasted when your water heater starts to heat the tank of water after it has cooled. This process occurs even when you aren’t home and drives up your utility costs.

What About Maintenance?

Tankless water heaters require very little maintenance, but if your heater shows signs of needing repair, you want to get that taken care of quickly to prevent long-term damage. Signs that your tankless water heater may need repair include:

  • Your water isn’t heating at all or not heating enough
  • Your hot water is cloudy or has a foul odor
  • The tank itself is leaking or making noise

We have plenty of expert technicians on staff who are ready to help you with any maintenance. So, when it is time for your tankless system to get a repair, don’t worry about who you need to call.

Saving Space

You can save significant space by switching to a tankless heater. Traditional water heaters have tanks that hold between 40-60 gallons and average 60” high by 24” wide. Compare that to a tankless water heater that measures 28” tall, 20” wide, and 10” deep.

A Safer Option

In addition to all the other benefits of tankless-style water heaters, they are also a safer choice. Since there is no actual tank, there is zero risk of your water heater tank exploding. If you have hard water, a tank water heater will eventually begin to erode, and the sediment from this will settle and finally run through water lines to the water in your home. With a tankless water heater, there is no chance for this sediment to form.

Contact Us

Hopefully, this information will help you make the best water heater choice for your home. If you have more questions, contact the team at Advantage Air HVAC. We have over 30 years of industry experience and are happy to help. You can count on us for water heater installation, routine maintenance, and repairs. We’re located in Lexington, KY, and are happy to serve the areas of Versailles, Winchester, Georgetown, Paris, Wilmore, and Nicholasville, KY.

April 30, 2026
Kentucky is notorious for its seasonal temperature ranges and for how quickly the temperature can swing within a span of 24 hours. According to the National Weather Service, Lexington sits in a humid subtropical climate zone where winters can drop below 26 degrees Fahrenheit and summer heat can easily push past 85 degrees. Because of the rapid temperature swings in the region, an HVAC system could be working flat out to cool your property in the afternoon. By the following morning, it might need to switch to heating mode. Because of the year-round demand that this places on HVAC equipment, the system is under higher-than-average strain and uses more energy. According to Energy Star, HVAC systems account for roughly 50% of your home's total energy use, so a failing system can quickly drive up your bills and leave you uncomfortable in your home. 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When your HVAC unit starts making unusual sounds, it's best to get help from a qualified pro. 5: You Notice Burning Smells From The System You also shouldn't be able to smell anything coming from your unit. A burning smell from the system indicates overheating or an electrical fault, and if you even suspect that such a smell is coming from your HVAC unit, you should switch the system off immediately. 6: There's a Musty Smell or Noticeable Mold Growth A musty smell coming from the system isn't an immediate emergency, but the consequences could also be severe, as it might indicate mold or mildew growth inside the ducts. This can cause mold to be distributed everywhere in your home, potentially causing health problems for you and your family. This is a massive concern for anyone with respiratory conditions, so don't hesitate to call a HVAC repair company. 7: You're Seeing Rising Energy Bills When do rising energy bills signal an HVAC problem? 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When your home suddenly feels like an oven in summer or an icebox in winter, panic can set in quickly. But before picking up the phone for emergency HVAC repairs, there's a smarter way to respond. This isn't just about convenience - it's about saving time, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and protecting your system from further damage. Acting calmly and using a strategic checklist puts the power in your hands, even during an HVAC emergency. You don't need to be a pro - you just need to know what steps to take. Here's how you can troubleshoot effectively and know exactly when to call for help.
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