Energy-efficient design has moved from a luxury to an expectation. Homebuyers across Delaware are looking for comfort that doesn’t come at the cost of higher utility bills and technology is finally catching up. Solar panels, advanced insulation and high-performance HVAC systems are leading the charge, but there’s another unsung hero quietly redefining how we think about hot water.
We’re talking about the tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater. It’s one of the smartest upgrades a home can have, and we include it standard in every new Insight Home. We believe energy efficiency shouldn’t be an upgrade; it should be part of the design from the start.
Save Energy by Heating Only When You Need It
Traditional water heaters keep dozens of gallons hot around the clock. Even when no one’s showering or doing dishes, that tank is working, losing heat through its walls and kicking back on to reheat the water. Those “standby losses” quietly eat away at your energy savings.
Tankless systems change that equation entirely. They only heat water when you turn on the tap. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these systems are about 24–34% more efficient in low-use households and even in high-use homes, they’re still 8–14% more efficient. That’s real energy savings every single day.
For us, that kind of efficiency isn’t optional; it’s built in. Our homes already exceed DOE Zero Energy Ready standards and a tankless system fits right in with that performance-first approach.
Enjoy “Endless” Hot Water That Doesn’t Run Out
If you’ve ever been the last one to shower in the morning, you know the frustration of running out of hot water. Tank systems store a limited amount, so you’re stuck waiting once the tank’s drained, you're waiting. A tankless unit, on the other hand, heats water as it flows through the system. That means the supply doesn’t run out; it just keeps going for as long as you need.
Of course, size matters. The system has to match your home’s water use so that multiple showers, dishwashing and laundry don’t stretch its limits. Once properly sized, you’ll enjoy true on-demand hot water, ideal for big households, large tubs and back-to-back showers. It’s comfort without compromise.
Free Up Space With a Sleek Wall-Mounted Design
One of the most practical benefits of a tankless water heater is how little room it takes. Unlike traditional tanks, which can swallow a whole corner of a closet or utility room, tankless units mount neatly on the wall. That’s valuable square footage reclaimed for storage, shelving or even design upgrades.
In smaller Delaware homes or townhouses, space efficiency matters as much as energy efficiency. A cleaner layout, less clutter and more flexibility for how you use your space, all from a system you’ll barely notice once it’s installed.
Count on a Longer Service Life and Lower Risk of Leaks
Water heaters work hard, and over time, that stress takes a toll. Traditional tanks usually last around 10–15 years, while tankless water heaters can go beyond 20 years with proper maintenance, according to the DOE. Fewer replacements mean less waste and more peace of mind.
There’s also the matter of leaks. When a tank water heater fails, it can release dozens of gallons of water in minutes. ENERGY STAR notes that the rupture risk with tankless systems is practically gone since there’s no large tank sitting under pressure. It’s a difference you don’t think about until it matters, and then it matters a lot.
Venting Is Safer With Sealed Combustion Technology
Safety is every bit as important as comfort. Older gas water heaters use natural-draft venting, which relies on indoor air and gravity to move exhaust gases outdoors. That method can sometimes backdraft harmful gases into living spaces if airflow is disrupted.
Modern tankless systems use sealed combustion technology instead. They pull air from outside and vent exhaust directly back out, keeping the system sealed from the air you breathe. This smarter, safer approach that aligns with how we design every Insight home: tight, efficient and healthy from the ground up.
Pairs Perfectly With Solar for Even More Savings
Tankless systems also play nicely with solar. Because they only heat water when needed, they make excellent partners for solar hot water setups. The tankless unit can be a booster when solar output dips, creating a balanced, efficient system year-round.
Every new Insight Home includes 5,000 watts of solar power standard at no extra cost. That means homeowners start with a built-in foundation for cleaner energy and lower utility bills. When paired with an on-demand water heater, you’re not just saving energy, you’re future-proofing your home for a greener grid.
Understand How Real-World Savings Depend on Usage
Energy savings always come down to how you live. Tankless systems show the most significant reductions in homes with moderate or intermittent hot water use. If you’re washing hands, doing dishes or taking short showers, you’re not keeping a large tank heated all day for those quick bursts.
Larger families or high-use households still benefit, just at a slightly smaller margin. The key difference is efficiency over time. You’re heating exactly the water you use and nothing more. That precision adds up to measurable savings and fewer carbon emissions year after year.
Every Insight Home Includes a Tankless Water Heater, Standard
Smarter home design should feel effortless. That’s why every new Insight Home in Delaware includes a tankless water heater as a standard feature, not an upgrade or add-on. It’s part of a complete energy package that includes 5,000 watts of solar, dense-pack insulation and ultra-efficient HVAC systems.
These features make our homes among the top 1% for energy performance nationwide. And for homeowners, that means lower costs, cleaner air and comfort that never runs out.
Interested in building a more energy-efficient home in Delaware? Contact us today to schedule a tour of our communities and see how our smart home features, like on-demand water heaters, are already built in. Let’s talk about a better way to live, one that’s cleaner, more comfortable and built for the future.
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