Imagine taking a shower and having unlimited hot water. You can do dishes and even laundry at the same time and not have it affect the time you need to wash your hair. There are an uncounted amount of people that like to step into the shower and just unwind. The feel of the warmth of the water relaxing your muscles is unmatched in any other way. Whether it was a long day at work or a rigorous workout sometimes we just need the peace of alone time that comes undistracted in the shower. How do you make this dream a reality? A tankless water heater is your answer.
Advantages of going tankless
Going tankless means that you do not have a traditional hot water heater. It is simpler. You do not need a huge closet, most tankless units fit right under the sink or cabinet. You can attach them to the wall. They work a lot simpler also. You turn on the water then they crank on. They continue to heat the water as long as it is on. Most do hold some reserves so you do not have to wait an eternity to get hot water. Simply turn on the faucet and out runs hot water.
You save money. Your energy bill is lowered because you are not constantly heating a full hot water tank. You only heat the water you need when you need it. If there is still hot water in the reservoir when you turn it off, the water stays hot because it is insulated. There is no running the unit unnecessarily.
There is also the benefit of the lifespan. A tankless unit will outlast the average traditional unit by about 7 –10 years. They also generally need less repairs. If you do have a leak or a problem a tankless is not going to flood your basement. Less water means less mess to clean up in an emergency.
The disadvantages of going tankless
The biggest thing with going tankless is that they cost more. It is going to cost you more in the initial install than it would a traditional unit. You may have to wait a little longer also. They take about an hour more to install, in some cases.
It is essential that you talk to your plumber about whether or not a tankless heater is a good match for your home. You may find that a traditional heater may meet your needs or you may decide to get several little tankless heaters are better suited for you. The only way to know your options is to check them out through your plumber.