Here’s what you actually need to know before spending $3,000+ on a water heater upgrade.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Traditional tanks can store 40-80 gallons of hot water. While Tankless heaters skip the storage and heat water instantly when you turn on a faucet. No tank, no waiting, no running out mid-shower.
According to Energy.gov, tankless systems can be 24-34% more energy efficient for homes using less than 41 gallons daily.
The Costs of Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional tank: $800-$1,500 installed, lasts 8-12 years
Tankless: $2,500-$4,500 installed, lasts 20+ years
You’ll also need to budget for annual maintenance ($150-$200) to prevent mineral buildup And Some homes need electrical panel upgrades too, which adds another $1,000-$2,500.
Why Florida Homes Are Different
Florida’s groundwater comes in at 70-75°F year-round. Northern states see 45-50°F. That matters because your tankless unit doesn’t have to work as hard to heat the water. This Means smaller units work fine here, and you’ll see better efficiency than homeowners up north in colder weather
Gas vs. Electric
Most Florida homes run electric, so that’s usually your best bet. Gas units cost more to install and require venting, but they handle higher flow rates better. Unless you’re already on natural gas, stick with electric.
Sizing Your Water Heater
Here’s where people mess up. You can’t just buy any unit and hope it works.
You Need to Calculate your peak demand: how many showers, faucets, and appliances run at the same time? Each shower uses about 2.5 gallons per minute. A dishwasher uses 1.5 GPM.
Are you a Family of four with two showers running simultaneously? You need a unit rated for at least 5 GPM with a 48°F temperature rise. The Department of Energy recommends adding 25% extra capacity as a buffer.
Common Water Heater Problems
Hard water: Florida’s water will clog your unit if you don’t descale it annually.
Flow limits: Run three showers and the dishwasher at once? Even a good tankless unit might struggle.
Cold water: Brief bursts of cold water between hot flows when you stop and start.
The Best Water Heater Brands for Florida
After installing hundreds of units across the Treasure Coast, these hold up best:
- Rinnai – Industry standard, handles Florida water well
- Navien – Good for larger homes
- Rheem – Solid mid-range option
- Stiebel Eltron – Premium electric units
Skip the cheap units from big box stores! They fail fast and you will end up paying more in the long run
When To Skip Buying A Tankless Water Heater
We recommend not to buy a tankless water heater if:
- You’re in a small home (1-2 people)
- You’re on a tight budget
- You never run out of hot water currently
- You’re not staying in the home long-term
Sometimes replacing your existing tank with a newer model makes more sense.
Installation Processes
For This We Recommend not treating this like a DIY project.
You need proper sizing, code-compliant mounting, and potentially electrical upgrades.
Get quotes from licensed contractors. We provide upfront pricing and same-day installation for most systems across Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast.Get a quote here.
So Is A Tankless Water Heater Worth It ?
For most Florida homes with 3+ people? Yeah, tankless makes sense. The energy savings add up, and 20+ year lifespan beats replacing a tank every decade.
But if you’re happy with your current setup and not maxing out capacity, the extra $2,000-$3,000 might not be worth it.
If your current water heater is acting up, we can help you figure out whether repair or replacement makes more sense. No sales pressure, just honest advice.
Call or text us at (772) 202-6671 — we’re available 24/7.