Replacing a water heater is a 10–15 year decision. Here’s the honest trade-off, without the sales pitch.
Tank: simple and cheaper up front
A tank unit costs less to buy and install, and it doesn’t care about hard water as much. The catch: you pay to keep 40–50 gallons hot around the clock, and it lasts 8–12 years.
Tankless: efficient and long-lived
Tankless heats on demand, never runs out, and often lasts 20+ years — but it costs more up front and needs the right gas or electrical service to do the job.
How to decide
- Big household, lots of back-to-back showers? Tankless earns its keep
- Tight budget, simple swap? A quality tank is no shame
- Hard water either way? Plan on annual flushing
When to call a pro
Gas line sizing, venting, and electrical are where tankless installs go wrong. We’ll quote both and tell you straight which one actually fits your home.
Often Missed
Tankless units often need a larger gas line. Get that verified before you fall for the spec sheet.