We hope the following information will help you to make a more educated decision. What is also important to note here is that not all tank and tankless heaters are made the same. Less expensive units that you may purchase through a home center often have more plastic parts that will wear out faster. The units we’ve chosen from our 20 years of experience are known to last longer and perform more efficiently.
Both tankless and tank (storage) water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately the decision is yours. It’s also important before diving in here to note that the life span of the tankless and tank water heaters can be significantly impacted by the quality of the water in a home. Homes with higher concentration of minerals in their water will see shorter lifespans of their tanks. To extend the life of your tank we do recommend having your water tested. When there is a higher concentration of minerals, adding a purification system can significantly impact the life of your entire water delivery system.
Here’s a breakdown:
Tankless Water Heaters
(Also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters). We’ve chosen to work with Rinnai. Rinnai tankless hot water heaters are built to commercial-grade standards and each individual unit is tested for quality
✅ Pros:
Energy Efficient – Only heats water when needed, reducing energy costs (can be 24–34% more efficient for small households).
Unlimited Hot Water – Provides continuous hot water, great for long showers or big families.
Space-Saving – Compact design, mounts on a wall, saving storage space.
Longer Lifespan – Typically lasts 20+ years, compared to 10–15 years for tank heaters. It’s important to note that these numbers also reflect the quality of the water in the home. Higher mineral counts can significantly reduce the life of these units. We recommend purification systems to extend the life of your entire water delivering system.
❌ Cons:
Higher Initial Cost – More expensive upfront, both in unit price and installation.
Limited Flow Rate – May struggle to provide hot water for multiple appliances at once.
Requires Upgrades – May need upgraded gas lines, venting, or electrical work for installation.
Cold Water Sandwich – Some users experience brief cold water bursts between heating cycles.
Tank (Storage) Water Heaters
✅ Pros:
Lower Upfront Cost – More affordable purchase and installation.
Simple & Reliable – Tried-and-true technology with straightforward maintenance.
Handles Multiple Users Well – Can provide hot water for multiple taps at once.
❌ Cons:
Higher Energy Bills – Keeps water hot 24/7, using more energy (called standby heat loss).
Limited Hot Water Supply – Once the tank is empty, you must wait for it to refill and reheat.
Bulky & Takes Up Space – Requires floor space for installation.
Shorter Lifespan – Typically lasts 10–15 years.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go Tankless if you want energy efficiency, space savings, and continuous hot water (and don’t mind the upfront cost).
Stick with a Tank if you want a lower upfront cost, simpler operation, and a steady flow of hot water for multiple appliances.