Top 5 Reasons to Add A Tankless Water Heater

Dustin Edwards • June 11, 2022

A Tankless Water Heater Is A Great Option for Your Long Beach Rental

Like every home, occasionally there comes a time when equipment needs to be replaced due to damage or it's at the end of its lifespan. A water heater is one of these. Water heaters have evolved over the decades with newer water heaters being tankless. As your water heater ages, consider the options available for replacements for your rental.


We invite you to consider the following five reasons to replace your aging tanked water heater with a new tankless water heater for your Long Beach rental property.


Lower Risk of Water Damage

When compared to a traditional water heater, a tankless water heater does not store any water. A traditional water heater holds anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of water within its tank. Modern plumbing code requires tank-style water heaters to have a temperature and pressure relief valve to prevent ruptures or leaks. Over time the valve may begin to falter, and rust or mineral build-up can clog the pressure valve. It's not uncommon for older, unchecked water tanks to leak or explode causing thousands of dollars in water damage.


Space Saver

Traditional water heaters are big, roughly 60 inches tall and up to 24 inches wide holding 30 plus gallons of water. Many times water heaters will require a small room to keep them from taking up space in the home which can be used for storage or more living space. A tankless water heater on the other hand is normally 28 inches tall by 20 wide and only 10 inches deep because it doesn't need to store any water. This means that it no longer requires as much space as a traditional water heater.


Efficiency

Tankless water heaters only heat up to use hot water when needed. While a traditional water heater needs to maintain water heated continually. A natural gas-powered tankless water heater uses far less gas throughout the day. A gas-powered tankless water heater uses around 200,000 BTUs (British thermal unit) per use, while a tank water heater burns around 50,000 BTUs per hour. The annual savings can be attractive to potential tenants. It is estimated that on average a household can save hundreds of dollars on their gas or energy bills.


Extended Lifespan

The traditional tank water heater’s life span is 8 to 12 years, up to 15 with proper maintenance and care. As they age they will require more maintenance in order to avoid the risk of water damage. Tankless water heaters on the other hand can last 5 to 10 years longer and with proper maintenance, meaning they can last up to 20 years.


Gas or Electric

Both gas and electric-powered tankless water heaters provide all the previously stated benefits. Having the option of either is just an added convenience. Each Long Beach rental property will have unique circumstances, which means each home may require a different solution.


When looking for a gas-powered tankless water heater expect to pay over $1,000. Gas tankless water heaters are more complicated to install. Sometimes needing to reroute gas lines and install a venting system for combustion and exhaust. The overall operating costs, however, tend to be lower due to natural gas costing less than electricity in most areas.


Electric tankless water heaters can cost on average $600 and require dedicated power and the water lines to be rerouted. We highly recommend hiring a reputable electrician to do the installation. Since there is no combustion with electric tankless water heaters, fewer modifications may be required to install. One concern you may have with the electric option is whether or not your home is equipped to run the power necessary for it. If your Long Beach rental property’s power is not adequate to run the electric water heater then this option will be expensive.


There are still more reasons to consider upgrading to a tankless water heating system. If you need more information about switching to tankless water heaters or need help installing a new tankless system we invite you to call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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