Tankless Water Heater Options

Purpose

Product knowledge for tankless (on-demand) water heater options that Spartan Plumbing installs.

When to Use

When a customer is considering a tankless conversion or replacement, or when presenting the Best tier in a Good/Better/Best water heater proposal.

Product Information

When to Recommend Tankless

• Customer wants endless hot water (no tank to run out).
• Space-constrained installation — tankless units mount on a wall.
• Customer values long-term efficiency savings.
• Existing tankless needs replacement.
• Home renovation where plumbing layout is being updated.

Brands & Models

Navien — Spartan's primary tankless brand.

• NPE-A2 series: Premium condensing tankless. Highest efficiency (0.96+ UEF). Built-in recirculation pump option.
• NPE-S2 series: Standard condensing. Great balance of performance and cost.
• Key selling points: ComfortFlow technology (built-in buffer tank eliminates cold-water sandwich), dual stainless steel heat exchangers, NaviLink Wi-Fi control.

Key Specs to Discuss

• Flow rate (GPM): How many gallons per minute of hot water. Match to household simultaneous demand. Typical residential: 8-10 GPM.
• Temperature rise: Incoming water temp affects output. In Ohio, winter groundwater is cold (~45°F), so effective GPM drops. Size accordingly.
• Gas line requirements: Tankless units typically need 3/4" gas line minimum. If existing line is 1/2", gas line upgrade is required — include in the estimate.
• Venting: PVC venting (condensing units) or stainless steel. Much simpler than traditional tank venting.
• Electrical: Requires a dedicated 120V outlet near the unit.

Cost vs. Tank Comparison

• Higher upfront cost, but 20+ year lifespan vs. 8-12 years for a tank.
• Monthly energy savings of 20-30% on water heating costs.
• Federal and state tax credits may be available for high-efficiency units.
• Present the total cost of ownership over 15 years — tankless often wins.

Common Objections

• "It's too expensive" → Show the monthly financing cost and lifetime savings.
• "I heard they don't work well" → Explain modern condensing technology has solved the old complaints. Navien's buffer tank eliminates cold-water sandwich.
• "What about maintenance?" → Annual descaling recommended, especially in hard water areas. Spartan offers maintenance plans.

Important Notes

• Always assess gas line capacity before quoting a tankless conversion.
• CO testing is mandatory after installation.
• If the home has hard water, recommend a water softener or at minimum a sediment filter to protect the unit.
• Tankless conversions typically take a full day — set proper expectations on timeline.

Related SOPs

• Water Heater Product Lines & Specs — tank water heaters
• Tankless Water Heater Installation — install procedures
• Financing Options & Programs — payment plans for larger jobs