Tankless Water Heater vs Tank Water Heater
- arcticplumbing
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
What type of water heater is best for you? First, you need to know the pros and cons of each water heater to determine your best option.
Tankless Water Heaters
Pros
Endless Hot Water - Continuous supply of hot water that never runs out
Energy Efficient - Water is only heated on demand, which minimizes energy loss
Saves Space - Takes up less space in closets or rooms and can sometimes even be put in places like a crawlspace
Longer Life - If maintained properly, often times they can last up to 20+ years
Cons
Flow Rate Limits - Additional units may be required to serve larger homes or other higher demand applications
Potential High Initial Costs - Unit prices have become more comparable recently, however they still run higher than tank water heaters
May Require Upgrades - In some cases gas pipe size may need to be increased and/or upgraded electrical may be required to meet the demands of a tankless water heater. An Exhaust vent also needs to be run and must be at least 3 feet from any window as it exits the house, which can sometimes prove tricky, depending on the location of the unit. The extent of additional work that is sometimes required is normally the main contributor to higher initial costs
Maintenance - Annual descaling (cleaning) is highly recommended as neglecting to do so can result in significantly shortening the lifespan of your tankless water heater
Tank Water Heaters
Pros
Lower Initial Cost - The units and installation are generally less expensive even if minimal upgrades are required to meet newer plumbing codes
Simpler Install - Install is generally straightforward and can be done more quickly
Cons
Inefficiency - When hot water is not in use, the water in the tank gradually loses temperature and needs to be periodically reheated which results in much higher energy use & loss
Limited Hot Water - When the tank is in high use and becomes depleted, hot water runs out until the tank has time to refill & heat the water up to temperature
Shorter Lifespan - Tank water heaters typically last 10-12 years. Some outliers last longer, but some rare ones also fail as soon as 8 or less years. Our general rule of thumb we tell people is that if your water heater is over 10 years old, you're on borrowed time
Higher Damage Upon Failure - When a tank fails and leaks, or a relief valves blows off, it can cause a major flood that can ruin floors and even ceilings if the water heater is on an upper floor
Summary
Both water heater options are more than sufficient to provide you with hot water for years to come. If you are looking for the quickest, most inexpesive install, or if the work required for a tankless water heater is too extensive/expensive, then your best bet is a standard tank water heater. But as long as you're willing to keep up with some minimal maintenance, if you're looking for continuous hot water, long-term cost savings in energy costs, and long term security in your investment, then a tankless water heater might perfect for you. Regardless which water heater you go with, your first step is to consult with a plumbing expert who can help you determine which option is best for you!
Great info! Sounds like a tankless water heater is the way to go as long as it’s feasible