Nothing is worse than hopping in the shower only to discover there's no hot water left. If your water heater can't keep up with the demands of the household, consider installing a tankless model. Tankless water heaters essentially work on-demand by heating water as it’s needed, so they never run out. Here’s what you should know about installing one in your home. 

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

After drawing cold water into the unit through a pipe, a tankless water heater uses a gas burner or electric element to heat it. Models that rely on gas devices tend to heat the water faster and therefore have a higher flow rate—up to 5 gallons per minute. Because the water is heated on demand, there is no need for a built-in storage tank. 

Why Tankless Water Heaters Are a Good Investment 

Although tankless water heaters are more expensive than traditional models, they tend to pay for themselves over time. While an average water heater will last for eight to 12 years, for example, the tankless versions are designed to last for 20 years. They can also eliminate a considerable amount of waste. If you install small units at the point-of-use, hot water will be readily available as soon as you turn on the tap. Finally, they don't need to use energy when on standby because they don’t have to keep water in a storage tank hot.

If you want to upgrade to a tankless water heater, turn to a plumber at Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. Based in Lexington, KY, this family-owned and -operated business has been serving residential and commercial clients throughout Fayette County since 1890. They offer everything from HVAC maintenance to bathroom remodeling. To get in touch with someone on their team and discuss your water heater needs, call (859) 252-3519 or complete the form on their website.