A tankless water heater heats up water on demand, providing you with immediate hot water whenever you need it. It’s a great device with many advantages. However, it also has some downsides you’ll want to know about before installing one.

The Advantages

• There is almost no limit to your supply of hot water. Many devices can handle up to five applications at once.
• The water heats up immediately. You don’t have to wait because someone in your home took a long, hot shower or washed a few loads with hot water.
• The device is far smaller than a regular water heater, making it an ideal option for small spaces.
• Tankless water heaters have a long lifespan. While a regular heater can last up to 12 years, a tankless unit can last up to 25 years.
• Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, enabling a homeowner to save money on energy bills long-term.
• If a tankless unit malfunctions, it won’t leak more than the average leaky sink faucet. A water tank, on the other hand, can cause a massive amount of damage. This is especially true if the tank is on the second floor and/or the leak is small and goes undetected for an extended period.
• Experts recommend flushing a regular water heater twice a year. A tankless water heater only needs to be flushed once a year.

The Disadvantages

• It is possible to run out of hot water even if you install a tankless water heater. If the heater is the wrong size for the home and too many people are running hot water at the same time, the tankless unit may not be able to keep up.
• Tankless water heaters run on electricity. If the power goes out, you’ll have to make do without hot water unless your unit is hooked up to a generator.
• You will need to have it professionally installed. Not all plumbers can handle the job; you’ll need a trained, experienced plumber to ensure the tank is right for your home’s needs and will function properly.

Is a tankless water heater right for you? That’s a decision only you can make. However, what can be said for certain is that those who do opt for a tankless unit should work with trusted experts to select the right unit and have it professionally installed and maintained.

Knight’s Mechanical plumbers have the training and expertise needed to help you select, install, maintain and fix the tankless water heater that’s just right for your situation. What’s more, all our plumbers receive ongoing training to ensure they remain on the cutting edge of their profession. Get in touch with us at your convenience to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with our team of experts.