If your water heater just failed, the fastest fix is usually a new tank. If you have time to plan, it's worth comparing tankless.
| Tank | Tankless | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, more if gas line or venting must change |
| Hot water supply | Limited to tank size | Continuous, limited by flow rate |
| Space | Large footprint | Wall-mounted, compact |
| Typical life | 8–12 years | Up to 20 years with care |
| Upkeep | Annual flush | Annual descaling |
Tankless fits well when
- You have natural gas with enough capacity
- You're tired of running out of hot water
- You need the space
A tank fits well when
- You need hot water back today
- Your gas line or venting would need major changes
- Your household's hot water use is moderate
We install both and will give you both prices. See water heaters.
Written by the Ace Mechanical team. We've been fixing heating, cooling, refrigeration and plumbing across Hampton Roads for more than 30 years. Questions about your own system? Call (757) 495-7782.
