Have you been considering a tankless water heater for your Enterprise, AL, home? While it is an interesting concept with a promising future, Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric doesn't currently recommend it. According to them, the technology hasn't overcome some of the initial challenges that make its use impractical. Instead, they recommend a traditional gas water heater.

Why You Should Avoid the Tankless Water Heater

1. Cost

Right up front, you'll be spending more on a tankless water heater than you would on a traditional model. The tankless unit's installation is difficult and expensive. Even after it is installed, it will continue to rack up costs. The heating elements in this system are expensive to replace, whereas gas water heaters are much simpler to repair.

2. Electrical Requirements

A tankless water heater requires so much electricity, most Enterprise-area homes simply aren't equipped to handle it. Homes in this location typically receive 200 amps of electrical service or less, meaning a tankless water heater will likely overload your service panel. You'll have to arrange with your electrical provider to increase your service to 400 amps, which will require upgrades to your system.

3. Difficult Repairs

One of the reasons the maintenance of a tankless system costs so much is the difficulty of replacing burnt-out heating elements. The part itself is expensive, and the repairs are not as easy as they are on a gas water heater. According to Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric, point-of-use tankless units are an exception. Since they service a limited number of features, they undergo less wear and are easier to install and maintain. However, whole-house systems are not recommended.

All in all, a gas water heater is tried and true, while tankless systems have yet to prove their superiority. If you'd like to know more about the pros and cons of both systems, contact Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric today at (334) 347-9212, or read more about their services online.