BOOK SERVICETankless water heaters eliminate the problem of having to keep a full tank of water hot. Also called instantaneous or on-demand water heaters, a tankless water heater is a small, wall-mounted water heater that heats water as it flows through the unit. This type of water heater offers:
- Endless hot water: As long as your water tap is open, you can get hot water. There’s no waiting for a large volume of water to get heated up.
- Energy efficiency: Traditional water heaters keep a large amount of water hot 24/7. The tankless water heater is only heating water when you’re using hot water.
- Peace of mind: A leaking or burst hot water heater is every homeowner’s nightmare. No tank means no risk of a burst tank flooding your basement.
At McMahon Plumbing & Heating, we sell and install all leading brands of tankless water heaters, including AO Smith, GE, HTP, and Rheem.
How Tankless Water Heaters Save Space
Tankless water heaters are generally mounted on the wall. A whole-home tankless water heater is usually installed in a utility room or a basement, less often on an exterior wall. Smaller point-of-use tankless water heaters can be installed near the sink, fixture or appliance that will be calling for it. The right location depends on a number of factors including utility connections, having enough space around it so that it can be easily serviced, and making sure it is safely vented.
Wherever it’s sited, replacing a floor-mounted conventional water heater with a tankless model saves space.
Best Suited For
Tankless water heaters are an especially good fit for homes or apartments that:
- Are short on space. Wall-mounted units free up floor space in closets or basements.
- Have gas service. Most whole-home tankless units run on natural gas or propane.
- Use hot water in steady streams, not all at once. Smaller households, or homes where showers and laundry don’t overlap much.
- Want hot water that doesn’t run out. Cold showers should be a choice you make, not what happens because someone else used up all the hot water.
- Are ready for a boiler upgrade. A combi boiler is a single compact unit that heats your home and provides hot water on demand.
What to consider first
- Gas line size. Tankless units can need more gas than a tank at peak demand; your existing line may need an upgrade.
- Venting. New venting is usually required, and placement affects where the unit can go.
- Electrical capacity. Whole-home electric tankless models may require a panel upgrade.
- Flow rate limits. A tankless unit heats a set amount of water per minute. Two showers plus the dishwasher can outpace smaller units.
When another option may be better
We’ll always tell you if a different water heater option might be better in your home.
- A conventional water heater may make more sense if you want the lowest upfront cost, you need a simple installation, or your household uses lots of hot water at the same time.
- A heat pump water heater may make more sense if you don’t have gas, want to electrify, or have basement or utility room space.
Why Choose McMahon?
With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier service and customer satisfaction. We install, service, and repair all types of water heaters. Our team provides energy efficient solutions and expert recommendations to help you reduce energy usage while maximizing your comfort.
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Licensed and Insured
- Serving Greater Boston Since 1952
- AAA+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
Ready to schedule your water heater installation, or want to talk with one of our experts and get a free quote? Get in touch with McMahon today!
