Save on maintenance time and operational costs when you switch to tankless water heaters. Compared to tank heaters, tankless models require less space and supply more hot water. Know the pros and cons of each to make the right choice for your property or your customers' property.
Tank Water Heaters
Pros
- Low initial cost
- Low installation cost
- Low cost repair and maintenance
- No electricity required for most natural gas and propane models
- Tank holds pre-heated water so the tank can handle higher demand better, such as multiple showers at once
- Large variety of sizes available
Cons
- Pre-heats a limited amount of water and once that water is used up, you have to wait until it refills and reheats
- Operates continuously, running at all times
- Higher utility bills
- Typically lasts 10-15 years
- Occupies more space
Tankless Water Heaters
Pros
- Continuous hot water
- Saves time, space and energy
- No hot water storage
- Low operating cost
- Indoor and outdoor models available
- Can be 24 percent to 34 percent more energy efficient than tank water heaters
- Typically lasts 20 to 30 years
Cons
- Higher initial cost
- Additional labor and plumbing required for initial installation
- May not be appropriate for every application
