How to Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater in Omaha

Thinking about going tankless? You’re not alone. More Omaha homeowners are switching from traditional water heaters to tankless systems for their energy savings, endless hot water, and long-term reliability.

But before you make the investment, it’s important to choose the right system for your home’s size, layout, and water usage — because not all tankless water heaters are created equal.

Here’s what to look for, how to size it properly, and a few pro tips from our McIntosh Plumbing team to help you pick the perfect model.

Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water — they heat it instantly as it flows through the system. That means choosing the wrong size or type can leave you with temperature drops, poor performance, or higher energy bills.

Here are some of the most common issues we see when a tankless system isn’t properly matched to the home:

• Inconsistent temperatures during showers or appliance use
• Low water pressure when multiple fixtures are running
• System overwork, leading to shorter lifespan
• Energy waste from an oversized unit running inefficiently

That’s why sizing and setup matter just as much as brand and price.

With Omaha’s seasonal temperature swings and hard water, efficiency and durability matter. Tankless water heaters offer several big advantages for local homeowners:

• Endless hot water — never run out during showers or laundry days.
• Space-saving design — mounts on walls, freeing up floor space.
• Energy efficiency — only heats water when needed.
• Longer lifespan — typically 20+ years with proper maintenance.
• Great for remodels and new builds where efficiency is a priority.

Plus, newer models are designed to handle Nebraska’s colder winter inlet water without performance drops.

Here’s what to consider before you buy:

1. Fuel Type
Tankless water heaters come in gas (natural or propane) and electric models.

Gas units are ideal for larger homes or high-demand use.

Electric models work best for smaller homes or point-of-use setups.

2. Flow Rate (GPM – Gallons Per Minute)
This tells you how much hot water the unit can deliver at once.

Small homes or couples: 3–5 GPM

Families or multiple bathrooms: 6–9 GPM

Large homes with simultaneous use: 10+ GPM

3. Temperature Rise
Omaha’s winter water is much colder, so choose a unit that can heat incoming water by at least 70°F to maintain consistent temperature.

4. Venting and Installation
Gas models require proper venting, while electric units may need upgraded wiring. Always have a licensed plumber handle installation for safety and code compliance.

5. Hard Water Protection
Omaha’s hard water can shorten your heater’s lifespan. Installing a water softener or descaling system will keep your tankless system running efficiently for years.

• Ask about warranties — choose models with at least a 10- to 15-year heat exchanger warranty.
• Have your water tested — hard water buildup is the #1 reason for early system failure.
• Schedule annual maintenance — professional descaling and flushing prevent performance loss.
• Install a pre-filter — keeps sediment and debris out of the heating elements.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we’ve installed and serviced hundreds of tankless water heaters across Omaha — from compact single-family systems to whole-home upgrades.

We’ll help you choose the right model, handle expert installation, and make sure it’s protected against Omaha’s hard water for lasting performance.

Schedule your tankless consultation today and discover how energy-efficient comfort can last for decades.

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🔥 Endless hot water. Zero guesswork.
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