Why bother
Tank heaters store hot water and cost less upfront. Tankless heaters heat on demand, save space and never run out, but cost more to install and need annual descaling.
Comparing the two
- Upfront: tank is cheaper; tankless often needs gas and vent upgrades.
- Running cost: tankless avoids standby loss.
- Lifespan: tankless units can last longer with care.
- Maintenance: tank needs flushing; tankless needs descaling.
- Space: tankless mounts on a wall.
- Count your peak hot water uses.
- Check your gas meter and line size.
- Consider how many more winters you plan to spend in this house.
- Get quotes for both.
When the job becomes ours
Call us for a side-by-side quote. We size both options and explain the trade-offs.
What the install actually involves
Swapping tank for tank is usually a same-day job: drain, disconnect gas, water and vent, set the new heater, re-solder or re-crimp the connections and test the relief valve. Going tankless means a new wall mount, often a larger gas line back to the meter, a new sidewall vent and isolation valves for future descaling.
Your bucket-and-rag checklist
- Count fixtures
- Check gas line size
- Check venting
Stop line: Gas sizing needs a pro. Ring (365) 517-0032.
A tank stores 40 to 60 gallons and heats slowly; a tankless unit fires a big burner on demand. Tankless needs a properly sized gas line, venting and yearly descaling in hard water.
Questions people ask us
Is tankless worth it for two people?
Often less so. A small tank may be enough.