Tank or tankless: which water heater fits your home?

A standard tank heater keeps a set volume of hot water ready to go. It is simple, less expensive up front, and easy to service — but it runs out during heavy use and takes up floor space.

A tankless unit heats water only as you draw it. You get endless hot water and a smaller footprint, and it usually lasts longer, but it costs more to install and needs the right gas supply or electrical capacity.

The deciding factors are usually how many fixtures run at once, what fuel the house already has, and whether the venting and gas line can support a higher input appliance.

Hard water matters too. Whatever unit you choose, sediment shortens its life — an annual flush, and in some cases a softener, is the cheapest maintenance you can buy.

We size the unit to the house rather than to a brochure, and we will tell you honestly when a straightforward tank replacement is the better value.