Written on: July 20, 2026
If your water heater is starting to show its age, or has already called it quits, a tankless model is worth serious consideration.
Unlike traditional tank heaters that store and constantly reheat 40 to 80 gallons of water, tankless units heat water on demand. No tank. No standby heat loss. No running out of hot water mid-shower.
But before you commit, there’s one key question to answer: gas or electric?
When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water travels through the unit and passes over a heat exchanger. A gas burner or electric element heats the water instantly, delivering a continuous stream without any storage tank involved.
The result? Hot water in seconds, on demand, for as long as you need it.
Both types deliver on-demand hot water, but they differ in several meaningful ways.
Electric tankless heaters are compact, easy to install, and work well for point-of-use applications, like a bathroom addition or a kitchen sink. However, they typically struggle to meet high simultaneous demand, like when the dishwasher’s running while someone showers, and operating costs can be significant depending on your local electricity rates.
Gas tankless heaters, whether fueled by natural gas or propane, deliver higher flow rates and faster heating. For whole-home use in a typical single-family home in the Concord area, gas units are almost always the stronger performer.
Many homes in Bow, Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Pembroke, and surrounding towns aren’t connected to a natural gas line. That’s where propane comes in, and it brings some compelling advantages.
Beyond the gas-versus-electric question, tankless water heaters offer real benefits for homeowners:
Choosing the right unit is just part of the equation. Proper installation, including correct sizing, venting, and gas line connections, makes a significant difference in performance and safety. A unit that’s undersized for your home’s demand will leave you frustrated. One that’s oversized costs more than it should.
Johnny Prescott has been serving homeowners throughout Bow, Concord, Hopkinton, Pembroke, Dunbarton, and nearby Greater Concord communities for years. Our trained and experienced team handles tankless water heater installation from start to finish, and that includes helping you identify and claim any rebates your new unit qualifies for, so you get the full value of your investment.
Contact Johnny Prescott Oil & Propane to discuss your home’s hot water needs and get a professional recommendation tailored to your household. The team will handle the installation, walk you through available rebates, and make sure your new system is set up to perform for decades to come.
