From DIY to Done: Finding the Right Pro for Your Tankless Installation

A veteran in uniform stands confidently in front of service vans marked with "Veteran" branding.

Why Finding the Right Professional Matters for Your Tankless Installation

A tankless water heater installation service is your key to endless hot water, lower energy bills, and a more efficient home. If you're tired of running out of hot water or high utility bills, a tankless system can help. However, installation isn't a simple swap; it requires expertise in sizing, venting, gas or electrical upgrades, and code compliance.

What to Look for in a Tankless Water Heater Installation Service:

  • Licensed and certified technicians with manufacturer training
  • Complete system assessment including flow rate, fuel type, and home infrastructure
  • Code-compliant installation with proper venting and connections
  • Post-installation walkthrough explaining operation and maintenance
  • Warranty coverage on both equipment and labor
  • Same-day or emergency service for urgent replacements

Choosing between DIY and professional installation comes down to safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. Modern tankless systems require specialized knowledge—from calculating the right GPM flow rate for your household to ensuring proper gas line sizing or electrical panel capacity. According to industry research, tankless water heaters can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional tanks and last around 20 years with proper maintenance. But those benefits only materialize when the system is installed correctly.

I'm Mike Townsend. My background in the U.S. Army and now leading a veteran-owned home services company taught me that a professional tankless water heater installation service ensures your system operates safely and reliably for decades. For homeowners in Denver, Greenwood Village, and our service area, the right installation partner makes all the difference.

Infographic showing the key steps in professional tankless water heater installation: 1) Home assessment and sizing calculation, 2) Safe removal of old unit, 3) Infrastructure upgrades (gas/electrical/plumbing), 4) Code-compliant installation with proper venting, 5) System testing and customer education - tankless water heater installation service infographic process-5-steps-informal

Why Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater?

Running out of hot water mid-shower on a chilly Denver morning is a common frustration. If this sounds familiar, there's a better solution. Traditional tanks store a limited amount of hot water, and once it's gone, you have to wait for it to reheat. A tankless water heater installation service offers a modern alternative that eliminates this frustration. These efficient units are changing how homeowners across Aurora and Highlands Ranch experience hot water.

sleek, wall-mounted tankless water heater in a clean utility space - tankless water heater installation service

Going tankless is an investment in comfort and long-term savings. Unlike tanks that waste energy keeping 40-50 gallons of water hot 24/7, tankless systems only heat water when you need it. This eliminates standby energy loss and is a game-changer for your utility bills.

The Benefits of Going Tankless

Let's talk about what really matters: how a tankless system improves your daily life and your home's efficiency.

Continuous hot water is the headline benefit. Whether it's back-to-back showers, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry, a properly sized tankless unit keeps the hot water flowing. No more morning shower negotiations—everyone gets hot water when they need it.

Your wallet will thank you too. By heating water only on demand, tankless systems can reduce your energy consumption by 24% to 34% for homes using up to 41 gallons daily. For larger households in Littleton or Broomfield, the savings can reach up to 30% compared to conventional tanks. That's real money staying in your pocket month after month, year after year. At Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we're committed to solutions that deliver both comfort and efficiency—you can learn more about our mission on our About Us page.

Longer lifespan means fewer headaches down the road. While traditional tank heaters typically give out after 8 to 12 years, tankless models routinely last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. That's potentially twice the service life, which makes the investment even smarter over time.

The compact size is another pleasant surprise. These units are often no bigger than a carry-on suitcase and mount right on your wall. That bulky 50-gallon tank taking up valuable floor space in your utility room or garage? Gone. You'll reclaim that square footage for storage or other uses—a real bonus for homes in Arvada or Greenwood Village where every inch counts.

Reduced leak risk gives you peace of mind. Without a massive tank holding dozens of gallons of water, the potential for catastrophic flooding is dramatically lower. You won't worry about coming home to a flooded basement or expensive water damage.

And here's a bonus: government rebates are often available for energy-efficient tankless installations, helping offset your initial investment. We can help you steer these programs and maximize your savings.

How On-Demand Heating Works

The technology is surprisingly straightforward, which is part of what makes it so reliable. When you turn on a hot water tap anywhere in your home, cold water flows into the unit through the cold water inlet. A flow sensor immediately detects this movement and wakes up the system.

Within seconds, powerful heating elements—either gas burners or electric coils—activate and bring the heat exchanger to temperature. As water passes through this heat exchanger, it's rapidly heated to your preset temperature. The hot water then exits through the hot water outlet and travels directly to your shower, sink, or appliance.

The moment you turn off the tap, the flow sensor detects the change and shuts down the heating elements. There's no storage tank keeping water hot 24/7, which means no standby energy loss. This instant heating process happens seamlessly, providing a continuous supply of hot water for as long as you need it.

It's efficient, it's smart, and when installed correctly through a professional tankless water heater installation service, it transforms your home's hot water experience from frustrating to fantastic.

Is a Tankless Water Heater the Right Choice for Your Home?

The right water heating solution depends on your specific situation. After years of working with homeowners in Denver, Castle Rock, and Centennial, we know that while tankless systems offer impressive benefits, the choice depends on your family's routines, home infrastructure, and hot water needs.

Your daily water usage patterns matter. A professional assessment helps determine if a tankless unit is your perfect match.

technician assessing a home's plumbing setup - tankless water heater installation service

Sizing Your New Unit for Peak Performance

Unlike traditional tanks sized by gallon capacity, we size tankless units by flow rate (GPM) and temperature rise. The goal is a unit that can handle your household's peak demand.

When our technicians visit your home, we look at several key factors. Household size and water usage habits tell us a lot about your needs. A family of five with overlapping morning routines has very different requirements than a retired couple. We'll ask about your typical day: Do you often run the washing machine while someone's showering? Does dinner prep mean the dishwasher and kitchen sink are both running?

Each fixture in your home has its own flow rate. A standard shower typically uses about 2.5 GPM, your dishwasher might need 1.5 GPM, and bathroom sinks usually run at 1.0 GPM. We add these up based on what you're likely to use simultaneously.

Groundwater temperature is also crucial in Colorado, as it varies by season. Colder incoming water requires the unit to work harder, which affects its output. This temperature rise—the difference between cold and hot water—directly impacts performance.

The peak demand calculation brings all these factors together. We identify your maximum simultaneous usage scenario and match it with the right unit capacity. Here's a general sizing guide:

Simultaneous FixturesRequired GPM Flow Rate
1-2 fixtures3.5 GPM
2-3 fixtures5 GPM
3-4 fixtures7 GPM

Whether you're in Golden, Lakewood, or anywhere across our service area, our technicians will calculate the exact specifications your home needs. Proper sizing isn't just about avoiding cold showers—it's about maximizing efficiency and ensuring your investment performs beautifully for decades.

Choosing the Right Fuel Type with a tankless water heater installation service

The fuel source for your tankless system is another important decision, and it often comes down to what's already available in your home. Our tankless water heater installation service includes helping you steer these options based on your property's existing setup.

Gas models—running on either natural gas or propane—are popular for good reason. They heat water quickly and typically offer higher flow rates, making them ideal for larger households with heavy hot water demands. But there's a catch: they need proper infrastructure. Your home must have adequate gas line sizing to supply enough fuel, and you'll need a venting system to safely remove combustion gases. If your current gas lines are sized for a traditional tank heater, they might need upgrading to handle a tankless unit's demands.

Electric models offer a different set of advantages. They're perfect for homes without gas service or where running new gas lines isn't practical. These units are typically more compact and don't require venting, which gives us more flexibility in where we can install them. However, they draw significant power, which often means your electrical panel capacity needs evaluation. Many homes require a panel upgrade or dedicated circuits to support an electric tankless system safely.

Propane models work similarly to natural gas units but use propane from a tank. This option works well for homes outside natural gas service areas. The same venting and proper fuel line considerations apply.

Our team at Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric handles every aspect of the installation, from assessing your current infrastructure to completing any necessary upgrades. We've installed countless systems across all fuel types, and we'll recommend what makes the most sense for your home. You can explore our complete range of services on our Our Services page.

Special Considerations for Your Home

Some homes need a bit of extra attention when planning a tankless installation. These aren't dealbreakers—they're just factors we plan for to ensure a smooth, successful upgrade.

Older homes have character and charm, but they were built before modern tankless technology existed. If you live in one of Denver's historic neighborhoods or older areas like Columbine, your home might need some plumbing upgrades to support a tankless system. Sometimes this means installing larger diameter water lines to handle the flow rates tankless units require. Gas lines might need resizing, or your electrical panel might need modernization. During our initial assessment, we'll identify any infrastructure improvements needed and explain exactly what's involved.

Hard water is a reality in many parts of Colorado. When your water contains high mineral content, those minerals can build up inside your tankless unit's heat exchanger over time, reducing efficiency and potentially shortening its lifespan. If your area has hard water—and many neighborhoods in our service area do—we often recommend pairing your new tankless system with a water softener. This protects your investment and keeps your unit running at peak performance for years to come.

High-rise condos present their own unique challenges. If you're living in a condo building in downtown Denver or Greenwood Village, your building's rules matter. Many condo associations have strict regulations about exterior modifications, particularly for venting systems that gas tankless units require. Before moving forward with installation, it's smart to check with your condo board about any restrictions or approval processes.

We know these considerations can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already making a significant investment in your home's comfort. That's exactly why we offer flexible Financing options—to help make your tankless water heater upgrade both achievable and stress-free. Our goal is ensuring you get the right system installed properly, with all the support you need along the way.

What to Expect from a Professional Tankless Water Heater Installation Service

Choosing the right partner for your tankless water heater upgrade is critical. A professional tankless water heater installation service is a comprehensive process that ensures your system operates safely, efficiently, and complies with all local building codes.

At Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we bring military precision to every installation. You can expect a seamless, professional experience that leaves you confident in your investment.

uniformed technician professionally installing a tankless unit - tankless water heater installation service

What a Professional tankless water heater installation service Includes

The journey begins with an initial assessment of your home. Our technicians evaluate your hot water needs, measure your existing plumbing infrastructure, and examine your electrical panel or gas lines. We're looking at the big picture here—not just where the unit will go, but whether your home's systems can support it without upgrades. This planning phase prevents surprises later and ensures we recommend the right solution for your specific situation.

Once we've mapped out the installation plan, we move to site preparation. This means getting the installation area ready, clearing space, and verifying that everything from gas line sizing to venting routes meets specifications. For gas models, we trace the path for proper venting to safely expel combustion gases. For electric units, we confirm your electrical panel has the capacity to handle the unit's power demands, or we arrange for necessary upgrades.

If you're replacing an old tank water heater, we handle the safe removal and disposal with care. Traditional tanks can be heavy and awkward to maneuver, especially in tight utility spaces. We disconnect everything properly, remove the old unit without damaging your floors or walls, and dispose of it according to local environmental regulations. You won't need to lift a finger or worry about hauling that old tank to the dump.

The heart of the installation involves making secure, code-compliant connections. We expertly connect your new tankless unit to your home's water lines, ensuring every joint is tight and leak-free. Whether your unit runs on gas or electricity, we handle the gas or electrical connections with specialized knowledge that only licensed professionals possess. For gas units, this means properly sizing connections and testing for any potential leaks. For electric models, it means installing dedicated circuits that can handle the significant power draw these units require.

Venting installation for gas tankless units is a critical safety step that requires precision. We ensure combustion byproducts are safely vented outside your home, following manufacturer specifications and local codes to the letter. The pressure relief valve is another essential safety component we install to prevent excessive pressure buildup that could damage the unit or create hazards.

Before we consider the job complete, we conduct thorough system testing. We run the unit through its paces, checking water temperature, flow rate, and ensuring there are no leaks anywhere in the system. We verify that the unit fires up when you open a hot water tap and shuts down properly when you close it. Every aspect of the installation must meet code compliance standards, protecting your safety and preserving your manufacturer's warranty.

This meticulous approach to your tankless water heater installation service ensures your system will deliver reliable, efficient hot water for the next twenty years or more. It's the difference between a job done right and a job done twice.

Post-Installation Walkthrough and Education

Our relationship with you doesn't end when the wrenches are put away. We believe you should feel completely comfortable with your new system, which is why every installation concludes with a comprehensive walkthrough.

During this education session, we'll show you exactly how to operate your new tankless water heater. We walk through the controls with you, explaining what each setting does and how to make adjustments. You'll learn how to use the temperature controls to set your ideal hot water temperature. We typically recommend setting your unit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as advised by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This temperature strikes the perfect balance—hot enough for comfortable showers and effective cleaning, but not so hot that it poses a scalding risk, especially for children or elderly family members. Higher temperatures above 140 degrees increase burn risks and can accelerate mineral buildup inside your unit, reducing efficiency over time.

We'll also provide a clear maintenance overview so you understand what simple steps will keep your unit running efficiently. Annual flushing and descaling might sound complicated, but we'll explain exactly what's involved and how our maintenance plans can take that burden off your shoulders. You can learn more about keeping your investment protected on our Maintenance Plans page.

Most importantly, we encourage you to ask questions. No question is too small or too basic. Want to know why the unit makes a certain sound? Curious about what that button does? Wondering how to adjust settings for different seasons? We're here to ensure you feel confident and empowered as a homeowner. And if questions pop up after we leave, our team is just a phone call away. Don't hesitate to Contact Us anytime you need assistance or guidance with your new system.

Maximizing the Lifespan and Efficiency of Your Investment

A tankless water heater is a significant investment. With proper care, it can provide reliable hot water for 20 years or more—nearly double the lifespan of traditional tanks. However, achieving impressive energy savings and low operating costs requires regular maintenance.

Think of it like a high-performance vehicle; it needs regular tune-ups. Our goal at Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is to help you get the most out of your system, protecting your investment for years to come.

technician performing annual maintenance (descaling) - tankless water heater installation service

Essential Maintenance for Longevity

Just like any high-performance appliance, tankless water heaters benefit from regular maintenance. This isn't about complicated repairs or endless upkeep—it's about simple, preventive care that ensures your unit continues to operate at peak efficiency and helps prevent costly issues down the road.

The most crucial maintenance task is annual flushing and descaling. This is especially important if you live in areas with hard water, which includes many parts of Colorado. Minerals in hard water—primarily calcium and magnesium—can accumulate inside the heat exchanger over time, forming a crusty layer of scale. This buildup is more than just an annoyance. It reduces efficiency by acting as an insulator, forcing your unit to work harder to heat water. It restricts water flow, potentially reducing your hot water output. And in severe cases, it can damage the unit's internal components.

The good news is that professional descaling removes these mineral deposits, restoring your unit to like-new performance. During this service, our technicians flush a specialized descaling solution through your system, dissolving the accumulated minerals and flushing them away. It's a straightforward process that makes a dramatic difference in your unit's performance and longevity.

Beyond descaling, we also check for sediment buildup, which can occur in areas with varying water quality. The inlet screen cleaning is another simple but important task. Most tankless units have a small filter screen at the water inlet that catches debris from your incoming water supply. Over time, this screen can become clogged, restricting water flow and potentially triggering error codes. A quick cleaning keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Hard water isn't just tough on your tankless water heater—it affects all your plumbing fixtures and appliances. If you're in an area with particularly hard water, we often recommend installing a water softener alongside your tankless system. This proactive step protects your investment and can significantly extend the life of your unit.

We make maintenance easy with our comprehensive Maintenance Plans. These plans are designed to keep your tankless water heater in top condition year after year, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance. We'll schedule your annual service, remind you when it's due, and handle all the details so you don't have to worry about it.

Understanding Your Warranty and Guarantees

When you invest in a tankless water heater, understanding your warranty and guarantees gives you valuable peace of mind. Most reputable manufacturers offer a manufacturer warranty on their units, typically covering components like the heat exchanger, gas valve, and electronic controls for a certain period—often five to ten years, depending on the model.

But here's what many homeowners don't realize: the quality of your installation is just as important as the quality of the unit itself. Even the best tankless water heater won't perform properly if it's not installed correctly. Improper installation can void manufacturer warranties, reduce efficiency, create safety hazards, and lead to premature failure.

At Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we stand firmly behind our work. We offer a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our installations, alongside a money-back guarantee. This commitment to quality means that when you choose us for your tankless water heater installation service, you're not just getting a new appliance—you're getting the assurance that your system will be installed correctly and backed by our dedicated service for as long as you own it.

Our labor guarantee ensures that any issues related to the installation itself will be addressed promptly and professionally, protecting your investment for the long haul. If something isn't right, we'll make it right—no questions asked, no hidden fees. This level of professional service benefits you in multiple ways: it maximizes the lifespan of your water heater, maintains your manufacturer warranty coverage (which often requires professional installation), and ensures your system operates at optimal energy efficiency from day one.

This comprehensive approach reflects our veteran-led values of honor, integrity, and service. We're not just a service company—we're your neighbors, and we're committed to taking care of our community one home at a time.

Enjoy Endless Hot Water with a Professional Installation

Now you know why so many homeowners in Denver, Aurora, and Arvada are switching to tankless. The benefits are clear: continuous hot water, lower utility bills, a longer lifespan of 20+ years, and a space-saving design.

However, these benefits depend on correct installation. The quality of the installation is what makes a professional tankless water heater installation service so crucial.

Safety is our top priority. Gas connections, electrical work, and proper venting aren't areas where shortcuts are acceptable. Our licensed technicians ensure every connection meets code and operates safely, protecting your home and family. Efficiency follows naturally from proper installation—correctly sized units with optimal settings deliver the energy savings you're investing in. And longevity? When your system is installed right from day one, with proper connections and settings, you're setting the stage for those 20+ years of reliable service.

At Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we bring military precision and dedication to your home. Our veteran-led team respects your investment and builds relationships with our neighbors across Broomfield, Castle Rock, and our entire service area.

The cold showers, the scheduling conflicts over hot water, the worry about your next utility bill—those days can be behind you. With our lifetime warranty on parts and labor and our money-back guarantee, you can move forward with confidence. We're locally owned, we're part of your community, and we're here for the long haul.

Ready to experience endless hot water and the peace of mind that comes with expert installation? Visit our Our Services page to explore our full range of solutions and schedule your consultation today. Your perfect shower awaits.

client reviews

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

I had such a great experience with Veteran. My AC stopped working during a heat wave, and they sent a technician out the same day. He was on time, friendly, and explained everything in plain language so I actually understood what needed to be fixed.

Drew T.

We had two sinks backing up in our home that were very challenging to clear but Jim Knight was persistent and kept working on it until it was completely fixed. Though he had other calls to make that day, he made sure we were comfortable with the outcome before leaving.

Jane F.

What stood out most was their integrity—no upselling, just honest advice and top-tier workmanship. As a veteran-owned business, they bring a strong sense of pride and reliability to their work, and it shows.

Emily R.

Mike’s rethinking how home service should work. No trip or dispatch fees, you only pay when the job begins. Lifetime warranty on all parts and labor. And if you're not satisfied, you get your money back. It's a refreshingly honest approach that puts the customer first.

Orion S.