Quick Recap
- Tank water heaters preheat and store hot water for household use, while tankless models offer an on-demand supply.
- Choosing the right system for your home depends on your budget, energy goals, household size, and daily water usage.
- Professional help from a trusted expert like Service Lion ensures a safe, energy-efficient installation and reliable hot water for years to come.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters — Where Most Homeowners Get Stuck
Strange noises, rusty-looking water, and cold showers are often signs it’s time to replace your water heater. As you shop around for units, it can be tricky deciding whether a tank or tankless model is best. Your budget, home size, and energy goals all play a role in which system is better for your household’s needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between a tank vs. tankless water heater to help you make the best choice for your home. With professional help from Service Lion, you’ll have a brand-new unit ready to provide reliable hot water for years to come.
What’s the Real Difference Between Tank and Tankless?
Tank water heaters store and preheat water inside a large insulated tank, often holding between 30 and 80 gallons. The tank connects directly to your home plumbing system to supply hot water whenever you need it. To provide a consistent supply, these systems use electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil to keep the water at a set temperature around the clock. When you draw hot water from the tank, fresh water flows in and is reheated for the next use.
Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed, providing a nearly endless supply on demand. Instead of storing water, they use gas or electricity to quickly heat water as it flows through the unit. By only turning on when hot water is in use, tankless water heaters reduce energy loss and offer a space-saving alternative to traditional systems.
Which One Fits Your Home and Lifestyle Better?
When deciding whether a traditional or tankless water heater is the right fit for your home, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The best option depends on your budget, efficiency preferences, home size, and daily water usage.
Upfront cost
Tank water heater installation often comes at a lower up-front cost than tankless models, which have a more complex installation process. While tankless systems require more of an initial investment, they can help reduce your long-term expenses by lowering your energy bills over time. Service Lion offers flexible financing options that can help you split up the cost of installation into easy monthly payments.
Energy efficiency
Tankless water heaters operate more efficiently than tank systems. By only using energy when someone draws hot water, they help lower energy consumption and reduce your long-term utility costs.
Space requirements
Homeowners looking to save space often opt for a tankless water heater, which can be installed on a wall, in a closet, or even outdoors. Tank systems require ample room for the storage tank, which can take up space in a basement, garage, or utility room.
Water usage
While tankless systems offer an endless supply of hot water, their limited flow rate can make it hard to keep up if multiple fixtures are running at once. Large households that use multiple showers, taps, or appliances at the same time often benefit from a tank water heater to provide a more reliable supply.
Lifespan and Maintenance — How Long Do They Last?
Along with initial installation and equipment costs, it’s also important to consider the long-term maintenance and replacement fees you’ll incur when installing a new water heater.
Tankless water heaters often experience fewer issues over time, making them less of a hassle in the long run. You’ll typically only need annual maintenance to clean the system and prevent mineral buildup, and get up to 20 years of life out of the unit with proper care.
Traditional tank water heaters require more periodic maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Regular flushing is necessary to prevent corrosion and remove sediment buildup, and constant heating can cause excess wear and tear over time. With routine care, you’ll often get up to 12 years of use before water heater replacement is necessary.
Can I Switch From a Tank to a Tankless?
If you currently use a tank water heater in your home, switching to a tankless model can offer enhanced energy efficiency and long-term savings. The conversion process requires more of an investment than a simple replacement, but many homeowners find the benefits worthwhile. Depending on your current setup, you’ll likely require plumbing adjustments, electrical or gas line upgrades, and dedicated venting to handle the increased demands of a tankless unit.
Why Work With Local Experts Like Service Lion for Water Heater Installation?
Hiring a trusted local expert like Service Lion ensures the safety, efficiency, and long-term performance of your water heater. With specialized tools and advanced expertise, our professionals can help you find the right water heater for your home, budget, and energy goals and handle the installation from start to finish. You’ll enjoy peace of mind, a longer system lifespan, and a more reliable supply of hot water flowing through your home.
Service Lion’s Water Heater Services in Orange County, CA
If your home is due for a water heater upgrade, Service Lion is ready to help. Our water heater experts offer same-day installations and emergency replacement services that keep a steady stream of hot water flowing through your taps. Whether you’re set on a gas, electric, tank, or tankless model, we’ll help you select and install the best water heater for your family. You can even take advantage of our exclusive plumbing offers that help you save on replacement costs.
Call us or book online to schedule your water heater installation today! We proudly serve homes and businesses throughout Orange County, including the following areas:
- Anaheim (92801, 92802, 92805)
- Brea (92821, 92823)
- Orange (92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869)
- Fullerton (92831, 92832, 92833, 92835)
- Santa Ana (92701, 92703, 92705, 92706, 92707)
- Tustin (92780, 92782)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tankless water heaters work well in older homes?
With the right plumbing and electrical upgrades, tankless water heater installations can be suitable for older homes. Our experts can evaluate your house to help find the right unit for your needs and outline any necessary adjustments required during installation.
What is the average installation time for tank vs. tankless water heaters?
Tank water heaters typically take two to four hours to install, while tankless systems can require up to eight hours or more. Tankless installations are more complex due to venting and system adjustments.
Do tankless water heaters really save money compared to tank models?
Tankless water heaters are 24% to 34% more efficient than tank models, offering long-term energy savings. Almost all homeowners see a reduction in their monthly utility bills and save on energy costs over the lifetime of the unit.
Is a tankless water heater good for large households?
Tankless water heaters can work for large households, but their flow rate can leave you with low pressure and colder-than-desired temperatures if multiple faucets or appliances are running at once. Installing multiple units can help ensure there’s enough hot water for the entire household.
