Winston-Salem's Tankless Water Heater Guide
Go Tankless. Never Run Out of Hot Water Again.
Discover how a tankless water heater can eliminate standby energy waste, extend your system's lifespan, and deliver unlimited hot water on demand — with expert installation from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Kernersville.
Tankless water heaters can reduce water heating energy costs by up to 34% compared to traditional tank systems. Find out if upgrading makes sense for your home.
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How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Traditional tank water heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot around the clock — even when you're asleep or away. Tankless water heaters work differently: they heat water only when you turn on a faucet or appliance, using powerful gas burners or electric heating elements to bring cold water up to temperature in seconds.
Here's what happens the moment you turn on the hot tap:
- You open a hot-water faucet.
- Cold water flows into the tankless unit through the inlet pipe.
- A flow sensor detects water movement and activates the heating element or gas burner.
- Water passes through the heat exchanger and reaches your set temperature (typically 120°F) within seconds.
- Hot water flows continuously until you turn off the faucet — no storage tank required.
Because there's no tank holding water at temperature 24 hours a day, you eliminate 'standby heat loss' — the biggest inefficiency in conventional water heating. The result is lower energy bills and hot water exactly when you need it.
Tankless units heat water at 2–5 gallons per minute. Most whole-home gas units exceed 8 GPM.
Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a tankless and a traditional tank water heater is one of the biggest decisions Winston-Salem homeowners face when it's time to replace their system. Use this comparison to weigh the trade-offs across the factors that matter most.
| Feature | Tank Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Lower — 20–30% standby heat loss | Higher — up to 34% more efficient |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years average | 20+ years with proper maintenance |
| Hot Water Capacity | Limited by tank size (40–80 gal) | Unlimited on-demand flow |
| Space Required | Large footprint (50–80 gal tank) | Compact — wall-mounted |
| Installation Complexity | Standard — most homes ready | May need gas line or panel upgrade |
| Maintenance | Annual flush recommended | Annual descaling + filter check |
| Best For | Budget-first replacement, low demand | Long-term value, high-demand households |
If your household uses hot water heavily — multiple showers, a dishwasher, and laundry running simultaneously — a gas tankless unit typically delivers the best return. If upfront cost is the priority and the existing system is straightforward to replace, a high-efficiency tank heater remains a solid choice.
Not sure which is right for your home? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers free no-pressure consultations to help you weigh the options based on your actual usage, home setup, and budget.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters come in several configurations. The right choice depends on your fuel source, household size, and how many fixtures you're supplying simultaneously. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing carries and installs leading brands across all major tankless categories.
Gas Tankless — Whole Home
Natural gas or propane-powered units are the most popular whole-home tankless choice in Winston-Salem. They deliver 6–10+ GPM flow rate, making them ideal for families with multiple simultaneous hot-water demands. Requires adequate gas line sizing and proper venting — typically direct-vent or power-vent configurations.
Featured brands: Rinnai, Navien, Rheem
Electric Tankless — Whole Home & Point-of-Use
Electric tankless units are an option where gas isn't available or for single point-of-use applications (under-sink, bathroom addition). Whole-home electric tankless units require significant electrical panel capacity — often 150–200 amps of dedicated service. Point-of-use models are compact and efficient for targeted hot-water delivery.
Featured brands: Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, EcoSmart
Condensing Gas — Maximum Efficiency
Condensing tankless units recapture heat from exhaust gases before venting, achieving efficiency ratings of 95%+ (EF/UEF). They cost more upfront but reduce operating costs significantly and may qualify for federal energy tax credits. Navien and Rinnai offer leading condensing models available through Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Featured brands: Navien, Rinnai
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Kernersville installs and services Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, and other leading tankless brands. Our technicians are manufacturer-trained to ensure proper sizing, installation, and warranty compliance.
Tankless Water Heater Installation in Winston-Salem
Installing a tankless water heater in a Winston-Salem home is more involved than swapping out a tank — but Benjamin Franklin Plumbing handles every step from the permit to the final test. Here's what to expect:
- Home Assessment — We evaluate your gas line capacity, electrical panel, water pressure, and venting options before recommending a unit.
- Unit Selection & Sizing — We size the unit to your household's peak GPM demand so you never run out of hot water.
- Permits & Code Compliance — We pull the required Forsyth County / City of Winston-Salem permits and ensure all work meets NC plumbing and gas code.
- Gas Line or Electrical Upgrade (if needed) — Many tankless conversions require upsizing a gas line or adding a dedicated circuit. We handle this in-house.
- Venting Installation — Direct-vent or power-vent systems are installed per manufacturer specifications for safe exhaust of combustion gases.
- Unit Mounting & Connection — The compact wall-mounted unit is installed, all water, gas, and electrical connections are made and pressure-tested.
- System Commissioning — We set temperature, test flow rates at multiple fixtures, and walk you through the controls.
Most tankless installations are completed in one business day. Gas line or panel upgrades may add a half-day. We give you an accurate timeline before any work begins.
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Hard water areas like Winston-Salem can accelerate scale buildup — annual descaling is not optional, it's essential.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance in Winston-Salem
Tankless water heaters are low-maintenance compared to tanks — but they are not maintenance-free. Winston-Salem's water supply contains moderate mineral content that causes limescale to accumulate inside the heat exchanger over time. Left unchecked, scale buildup reduces efficiency, restricts flow, and can cause premature failure — voiding your manufacturer's warranty.
Annual tankless maintenance by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing includes:
- Descaling flush: circulating a food-grade descaling solution through the heat exchanger to dissolve mineral deposits (typically 45–60 minutes)
- Inlet filter screen cleaning: removing and rinsing the cold-water inlet filter
- Pressure relief valve inspection
- Venting inspection for blockages, corrosion, or improper sealing
- Gas line connection check (gas units)
- Error code history review and firmware update (if applicable)
- Flow rate and temperature calibration verification
Most tankless manufacturers — including Rinnai and Navien — require documented annual maintenance to keep the heat exchanger warranty valid. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides a written service record after every maintenance visit.
Schedule your annual tankless service today and keep your system running at peak efficiency.
Tankless Water Heater FAQ
Homeowners considering a tankless upgrade in Winston-Salem ask us these questions every day. Here are honest, straightforward answers to the most important ones.
Is my Winston-Salem home a good candidate for a tankless water heater?
Most homes are good candidates, but a few factors determine the ideal choice. Homes with natural gas service and an adequate gas line (typically 3/4" or larger) are excellent candidates for high-performance whole-home gas tankless. Homes on electric-only service can still go tankless but may require a panel upgrade to 200-amp service. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing assesses your home's specific setup before recommending any unit.What size tankless water heater do I need?
Sizing is based on two factors: the number of simultaneous hot-water fixtures your household uses at peak demand, and your incoming groundwater temperature. In Winston-Salem, groundwater averages 55–60°F in winter. A typical 3-bedroom home running 2 showers simultaneously needs a unit rated at 7–9 GPM. We calculate this precisely during your free in-home consultation.How long does tankless installation take?
Most standard tankless installations are completed in one business day (4–8 hours). If your home requires a gas line upgrade, additional venting, or an electrical panel upgrade, we may need a partial second day. We give you an accurate timeline and a fixed-price quote before any work begins — no surprises.Will I run out of hot water with a tankless system?
A properly sized tankless unit delivers a continuous, unlimited supply of hot water as long as the demand doesn't exceed the unit's rated GPM capacity. The key word is 'properly sized.' An undersized unit will struggle during simultaneous peak demand. Our sizing process ensures your unit is matched to your actual household needs — not just the average.Are there rebates or tax credits for tankless water heaters?
Yes. As of 2025, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) allows homeowners to claim up to 30% of the cost of a qualifying high-efficiency tankless water heater, up to $600 per year. Some utility providers in the Triad area also offer rebates for ENERGY STAR-certified units. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can identify qualifying units and provide the documentation you need to claim your credit. Always consult your tax advisor for confirmation.How much does a tankless water heater save on energy costs?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that tankless water heaters are 24–34% more energy efficient than conventional tank heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. For high-demand homes, the savings are still meaningful — typically 8–14% annually. The payback period on the higher upfront investment is typically 6–12 years, after which the energy savings are pure financial benefit.
Have a question not answered here? Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Kernersville at (336) 203-2348 — our team answers 24 hours a day.
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Request Your Free Tankless Water Heater Estimate
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Kernersville provides free, no-pressure tankless consultations for Winston-Salem homeowners. We'll evaluate your home, recommend the right unit, and give you a fixed-price quote — no surprises, no obligation.
Financing available — ask about flexible payment options for qualifying tankless installations.
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