
A South End, Boston condo owner recently woke up to a common and frustrating problem: no hot water. Living in a condo building, the issue wasn’t just about comfort, but also about the potential risk to the neighbors if something went wrong with the existing system.
When the homeowner contacted us, we booked an appointment to evaluate the current water heater. Our expert plumbing team talked with the homeowner about standard water heaters vs. tankless water heaters, especially as a practical solution for a Boston brownstone. Traditional water heaters with storage tanks can be bulky, and in tight city spaces like closets or small utility areas, every inch matters. Plus, if a tank leaks or fails, it can cause significant water damage, especially in a multi-unit building.
Tankless water heaters don’t store water. Instead, they heat it as needed, which means: no water heater floods! By eliminating the chance of water leaks from the water heater, it also conserves lots of space. They’re compact enough to fit into areas where a standard water heater wouldn’t be an option. In this case, the tankless unit was installed in a closet without taking up valuable living space.
For this homeowner, the result was immediate: consistent hot water, a more efficient system, less concern about potential damage to the units below, and a new compact tankless water heater that doesn’t take up space in their city home. She was also excited to learn that when the water heater’s not on, it’s not wasting energy to keep it hot when you need it like a standard one does! When she travels, she can have peace of mind and also save energy.
City homes often come with space and structural limitations, but this project is a good example of how the right equipment can adapt to those challenges. A tankless water heater isn’t just about saving space, it’s also about safety and efficiency in places where both matter.
FAQs:
- How do tankless water heaters work?
- Tankless water heaters heat water instantly as it flows through the unit, eliminating the need for a storage tank. This provides a continuous supply of hot water on demand.
- Are tankless water heaters worth it over a standard water heater?
- They can be worth the investment due to their energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and longer lifespan compared to traditional models. They also save space for those with limited room for the standard water heater.
- Should I get a tankless water heater?
- If you want to save space and energy, a tankless water heater could be a great fit. If you like the idea of endless hot water since there’s no tank to run out, it might also be a great option.
If you’re considering upgrading your water heater to tankless, let the team at 128 walk you through the best options for your home. Visit our tankless water heater page here to learn more and give us a call at 888-CALL-128!