Homeowners can save big and reduce waste by investing in a tankless water heater. Unlike standard models, tankless water heaters are less susceptible to corrosion and are far more energy efficient. In fact, high-end tankless water heaters boast 99 percent thermal energy efficiency. Unfortunately, some energy (and a household's savings) can still get lost as the hot water travels from the heater to the point of use. Thankfully, homeowners and their contractors can get the most from tankless water heater with a few related home improvements.

Install boosters
Large homes may need multiple points of installation to create an efficient heating system.  A large bathtub on a third floor, for example, may push a water heater to its limits when being filled with hot water. Even if the water heater has plenty of water, energy and water is being wasted as the hot water travels through pipes and out the faucet. Small tankless hot water heaters make a great sources of localized water heating, according to ToolBase. These compact heaters can be installed directly next to the fixtures where homeowners expect to use a large amount of hot water. This strategy ensures that tankless hot water is always available, regardless of the size of the house. Point-of-use boosters are also ideal for large dish washers as well.

Upgrade fixtures
Homeowners can also improve the efficiency of their tankless hot water heater by installing upgraded fixtures. Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets, for instance, greatly reduces the volume of water used in a home. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that a set of low-flow fixtures could save families up to 60 percent of water consumption. A low-flow fixture draws less water from the heater, demanding less action from the tankless heater throughout the day to deliver hot water.

Add insulation
Cold climates make it even more difficult to run the hot water heater as efficiently as possible. Chilly weather naturally removes heat from pipes inside the home, forcing the tankless water heater to work a little longer whenever a resident is in need of hot water. Thankfully, the solution to this problem is relatively simple. Residents and contractors can further improve the efficiency of the tankless hot water heater by wrapping their pipes in insulation. In addition to cutting down on energy waste, wrapping pipes will also help prevent the plumbing from bursting over winter.