How many times has your household fought over who gets to shower first before the hot water runs out? Or waited impatiently while your old tank water heater refills and reheats? If you live in Plano, TX, and you’re tired of wasting energy, time, and money on an outdated system, tankless water heaters offer a smarter, more efficient solution. The key, however, is not just installing a tankless unit, but actually learning how to maximize its efficiency so you truly benefit from the technology.
Tankless water heaters are often marketed as “on-demand” or “endless hot water” systems, which sounds great—but that’s only part of the story. Their real value lies in how they deliver hot water precisely when you need it, at the temperature you prefer, while using significantly less energy than a traditional storage tank. For homeowners in Plano, where hot summers and mild winters put a unique strain on plumbing and energy systems, getting the most out of a tankless unit requires thoughtful sizing, professional installation, and smart everyday habits.
Hajek Heating & Cooling has seen firsthand how a properly selected and maintained tankless system can transform comfort and cut waste. Whether you’re tired of high utility bills, planning a remodel, or simply curious about more efficient options, understanding how to optimize a tankless water heater will help you make a decision that pays off for years to come.
How Tankless Systems Save Energy
Traditional water heaters keep 40–50 gallons (or more) of water hot around the clock, whether you’re using it or not. That constant reheating leads to what’s known as standby heat loss—energy spent maintaining temperature instead of delivering hot water when you actually need it. Tankless water heaters operate differently. They fire up only when a hot-water tap is opened, heating water as it flows through the unit. This on-demand process eliminates the energy waste associated with storing hot water.
For Plano homeowners, this difference can be substantial. With long, hot summers, your home is already battling heat gain and high electricity usage from air conditioning. A tank-style water heater sitting in a garage or attic can act like a mini space heater, radiating heat into areas you’re trying to keep cool. A tankless unit, especially when correctly sized and installed by Hajek Heating & Cooling, can reduce that unwanted heat load and help stabilize your overall energy usage throughout the year.
Efficiency also comes from the way tankless systems modulate their burners. Instead of firing at full power every time hot water is needed, many modern units adjust flame size based on flow rate and desired temperature. This means the heater uses just enough energy for the job at hand—no more, no less. Over time, that careful modulation translates to lower gas or electric consumption, reduced wear on components, and a more consistent hot water experience in your Plano home.
Choosing The Right Tankless Unit
Maximizing efficiency starts long before the first drop of hot water flows from your faucet. Selecting the right tankless unit for your household is critical. Undersized units will struggle to keep up with demand, causing temperature fluctuations and forcing the system to work harder than it should. Oversized units may short-cycle and cost more upfront than necessary. Proper sizing takes into account the number of bathrooms, typical simultaneous uses (like shower plus dishwasher), and the temperature difference between incoming cold water and the hot water you want at the tap.
In Plano, incoming water temperature is generally warmer than in northern climates, which is an advantage. Your tankless system doesn’t have to work as hard to raise the water to a comfortable temperature. However, local conditions such as water pressure, existing plumbing layout, and gas line capacity still play a major role. Hajek Heating & Cooling evaluates these factors to recommend a system that balances performance and efficiency without overshooting your real-world needs.
Fuel type is another important decision. Gas-fired tankless heaters are popular because of their high output and efficiency, but they require proper venting and sufficient gas supply. Electric units can be ideal in certain applications, especially where gas is not available, but they may require electrical panel upgrades due to high amperage draws. A careful evaluation of your home’s infrastructure, combined with your long-term energy cost expectations, helps ensure you choose a unit that delivers the best efficiency for your specific situation.
Professional Installation Matters
Even the most advanced tankless water heater can perform poorly if it’s installed incorrectly. Efficiency depends on proper venting, correct gas line sizing, appropriate electrical connections, and thoughtful placement within the home. For Plano residents, local building codes, attic conditions, and garage configurations can all influence where and how a tankless unit should be mounted. A professional installation from Hajek Heating & Cooling helps avoid costly mistakes that can undermine efficiency and shorten equipment life.
One common issue is undersized gas lines. Tankless gas heaters often require a higher gas flow than traditional tank systems, especially at peak operation. If the existing gas line is too small, the unit may not reach its rated capacity, leading to lukewarm water and longer run times that waste energy. Properly sized and routed gas lines ensure that the heater can operate at its designed efficiency, delivering hot water quickly and consistently.
Placement also affects how efficiently your system operates. The farther your tankless heater is from your fixtures, the longer you’ll wait for hot water to arrive, and the more water is wasted down the drain. Strategically locating the unit—or even installing multiple smaller units for large homes—can reduce wait times and water waste. In some Plano homes, placing the unit closer to high-use bathrooms or the kitchen can significantly improve performance and user satisfaction while supporting overall efficiency goals.
Smart Usage Habits For Peak Efficiency
Once your tankless water heater is properly installed, your daily habits play a major role in how efficiently it operates. Unlike tank systems that continuously maintain temperature, tankless units respond to flow. Very low flow rates, such as a slightly open faucet or a slow drip, may not be enough to trigger the heater, causing inconsistent temperatures and unnecessary cycling. Adjusting your habits—like fully opening hot-water taps when in use and fixing leaks promptly—helps your system run as intended.
Temperature setting is another powerful tool. Many homeowners set their water heater to a higher temperature than necessary and then dilute it with cold water at the tap. This wastes energy. For most Plano households, setting the tankless heater to around 120°F provides comfortable hot water while reducing scald risk and energy usage. Hajek Heating & Cooling can help you configure your unit’s set point and explain how small adjustments can impact both comfort and efficiency.
Coordinating hot water usage can also make a difference. While tankless systems are designed to handle multiple fixtures, running several high-demand appliances at once—like a washing machine, dishwasher, and multiple showers—can push the unit toward its maximum capacity. When possible, staggering hot water tasks throughout the day allows the heater to operate in a more efficient, stable range. Over time, this mindful usage can extend equipment life and keep energy bills more predictable.
Maintenance To Protect Efficiency
Like any mechanical system, a tankless water heater needs periodic maintenance to stay efficient. In the Plano area, mineral content in the water can lead to scale buildup inside the heat exchanger. This buildup acts as insulation, forcing the unit to work harder to transfer heat to the water. Left unaddressed, scale can reduce efficiency, increase operating costs, and eventually damage the heater. Regular descaling and flushing, typically once a year, helps keep internal passages clean and heat transfer optimal.
Professional maintenance from Hajek Heating & Cooling includes more than just flushing. Technicians inspect burners, sensors, venting, and safety controls to ensure everything is functioning correctly. They can check for error codes, verify gas pressure, and confirm that the system is modulating as designed. This comprehensive approach catches small issues before they become major problems, preserving both performance and efficiency.
Homeowners can support efficiency between professional visits by keeping the area around the unit clear, monitoring for unusual noises or error messages, and cleaning inlet screens or filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Some modern tankless models include diagnostic features or connectivity that alert you to maintenance needs. Responding promptly to these alerts and scheduling service when recommended is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment and maintain high efficiency year after year.
Local Benefits For Plano Homeowners
Living in Plano, TX, brings its own unique considerations when it comes to hot water and energy use. The long cooling season means your home’s HVAC system is often working hard to counteract heat gain. A bulky tank water heater, particularly if located in the attic or garage, can add to that heat load. By switching to a compact, efficient tankless system, you reduce excess heat and free up valuable space, while also aligning your home with modern energy-conscious standards.
Local utility rates and conservation programs may further enhance the benefits of going tankless. While specific rebates and incentives change over time, efficient equipment often qualifies for financial incentives, making the upgrade more attractive. Hajek Heating & Cooling stays informed about regional opportunities and can help you understand how a tankless installation fits into your broader energy strategy, including any available savings or rebates.
Finally, Plano’s growth and competitive real estate market mean that modern, efficient home systems can be a selling point. A well-installed, properly maintained tankless water heater signals to potential buyers that the home has been updated with long-term operating costs in mind. Even if you’re not planning to sell soon, investing in efficiency now can pay off later by enhancing your home’s overall appeal and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a tankless water heater really save on energy bills? While actual savings vary by household, many Plano homeowners see reductions of 10–30% on the portion of their utility bill related to water heating. The biggest savings come when you replace an older, inefficient tank that runs constantly with a modern, properly sized tankless unit that heats only when needed. Your usage patterns, local energy rates, and system configuration all influence the final numbers, but over the lifespan of the unit, those incremental savings can add up significantly.
Will I truly get “endless” hot water with a tankless system? Tankless heaters can provide continuous hot water as long as demand stays within the unit’s capacity. That means you won’t run out of hot water the way you might with a limited tank. However, if several fixtures demand hot water at once beyond what the heater is designed to handle, you may notice reduced flow or lower temperature. Proper sizing and smart usage—like staggering high-demand tasks—ensure you effectively experience “endless” hot water in day-to-day use.
Are tankless water heaters worth it for smaller homes or condos? Yes, smaller homes and condos can benefit significantly from tankless systems. In compact spaces, the small footprint of a tankless unit can free up storage or living area, and the improved efficiency still reduces energy waste. For households with lower overall demand, choosing a modestly sized unit keeps upfront costs reasonable while still delivering the convenience of on-demand hot water. Hajek Heating & Cooling can help right-size a system that matches your space and lifestyle.
What kind of maintenance should I expect each year? Most manufacturers recommend annual maintenance, especially in areas with moderate to hard water, like much of North Texas. This typically includes flushing the unit with a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup, checking filters, inspecting burners and ignition components, and verifying safe venting and proper gas pressure. Regular maintenance appointments with a professional technician help keep the system operating at peak efficiency and protect your warranty coverage.
How do I get started if I’m interested in upgrading? The best first step is a consultation and in-home evaluation. A professional from Hajek Heating & Cooling will assess your current water heater, inspect gas and electrical infrastructure, evaluate hot water usage, and discuss your goals for comfort and efficiency. From there, you’ll receive recommendations on equipment options, sizing, and installation details. If you’re ready to explore how to Maximize Efficiency with Tankless Water Heaters, a tailored plan ensures your new system is designed and installed to perform at its best in your Plano home.