Can You Run Out of Hot Water With a Tankless Water Heater?

Whether you’re washing the dishes in the kitchen or taking a shower, you want your water heated precisely when you need it. In the quest to achieve unlimited hot water, many homeowners are switching from tank water heaters to tankless units.

These units claim to provide hot water on-demand, but does a tankless water heater run out of hot water at any point? In short, the answer is “no.” Tankless water heaters are specifically designed to provide hot water when you want it. However, there are a few factors that can cause your water heater to work harder than it has to and get in the way of your enjoyment.

Before you decide to schedule a tankless water heater installation in Houston, it’s important to know how these units work and their various limitations. Here is everything you need to know about whether or not you can run out of hot water with a tankless water heater.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

There are several tankless water heaters available, such as those that run on gas, propane, and electricity. As the name suggests, these units don’t have storage tanks — instead, they only heat up water when there’s a need for it.

When you switch on your hot water, the cold water is sent into the tankless unit and warmed up via a heat exchanger. Once the water is hot and ready to be sent out, it’s delivered to the intended faucet or shower for you to enjoy.

These units are known for being energy-efficient, as they don’t need to constantly heat up a supply of stored water. Additionally, there’s less maintenance associated with these systems since there’s no tank to tend to. But can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater? Overall, the answer is no, but your water heater can still become overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with your needs as a result.

Overwhelming Your Tankless Water Heater

Do you have a large family that likes to run appliances, faucets, and showers simultaneously? If so, your tankless water can become overwhelmed. Tankless water heaters are designed to supply a certain amount of water every minute (known as a water flow rate). If your household exceeds this specific amount of water, the water heater will have to use more energy to meet your needs.

Overall, when learning if you can run out of hot water with a tankless water heater, it’s important to note that you should be more concerned about the size of your tankless unit. Professional water heater installers can help you find a tankless system that meets your hot water needs.

How to Determine Your Hot Water Needs

Does a tankless water heater run out of hot water? Of course it doesn’t — but that doesn’t mean every tankless unit on the market will fit your specific hot water demand. In order to make sure your water heater works at peak efficiency, you will need to calculate the GPM (gallons per minute) of water that your family uses.

Additionally, you may want to consider installing two tankless water heaters instead of one. This may be the most appropriate solution for you if your household uses more than 9 gallons of hot water per minute at peak times.

Are you suddenly asking yourself, “Do I need two tankless water heaters?” Reach out to a water heater expert to better understand your household’s needs.

Encountering a Power Outage

So, truthfully, does a tankless water heater run out of hot water? When it comes down to it, the only time your water heater won’t provide you with an endless supply of hot water is during a power outage. Even if your unit runs on gas, it has an electronic ignition that won’t be able to work without electricity.

When discussing if you can run out of hot water with a tankless water heater, it’s crucial to think about power outages. While this issue cannot always be avoided, it’s important for homeowners to know about.

Install a Tankless Water Heater With the Experts

“Does a tankless water heater run out of hot water?” This question may seem easy to answer, but there are many factors to consider. In the end, a properly-installed tankless unit won’t run out of hot water — unless you are faced with an unexpected power outage.

If you’re ready to have a tankless water heater installed, turn to a neighborhood plumber you can trust. We offer services for tankless water heaters in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to see what our experienced water heater installers can do for you!