Pros and Cons of Swapping from Tank to Tankless Water Heater

Most houses in the Los Angeles area have a conventional water heater, but homeowners may benefit from swapping from tank to tankless water heater. Both water heaters fulfill their goal of providing a home with hot water, but is it worth switching from a tank-style to a tankless water heater? Weighing the pros and cons of making the switch can help you narrow your search for a new tankless water heater.

We’ve helped homeowners switch from tank to tankless water heaters for over 15 years. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve seen an increase in tankless water heater installations in homes that once had a conventional water heater. After speaking with homeowners and technicians in the field, we’ve developed a list of the top reasons why people should or shouldn’t switch from tank to tankless water heaters.

• Improved energy efficiency
• Environmentally friendly
• Endless hot water
• Adds extra space

• High upfront costs
• Increased maintenance

In this article, we will highlight each of these bullet points so you can weigh out these options and decide to remain with a conventional water heater or switch to a tankless water heater.

Let’s get started!

Should I Switch from a Tank to a Tankless Water Heater?

Ultimately, you will have the final say on whether or not to switch from a tank-style water heater to a tankless water heater. But by understanding the different factors at play, you can decide which choice best suits your water heating needs.

Owning a tankless water heater has more advantages than disadvantages, starting with their high energy efficiency.

Pros of Switching Tank to Tankless Water Heater

Improved Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters offer higher energy efficiency than conventional water heaters. All water heaters use standards that measure how much energy (natural gas or electricity) water heaters use and how much of that energy is used to heat water. Some conventional water heaters have 80% efficiency, while many tankless water heaters have up to 98% energy efficiency ratings.

By changing to a tankless water heater, homeowners will see long-term savings in their pockets. Higher energy efficiency ratings equal less fuel wasted, and homeowners save money on utility bills.

Their ability to waste less fuel energy makes tankless water heaters more environmentally friendly than conventional water heaters.

Environmentally Friendly

For homeowners seeking to make their houses more environmentally friendly, switching from a conventional to a tankless water heater is a great place to start. One of the cons of tank-style water heaters is that they constantly use fuel to keep the water stored in their tank heated. Whereas tankless water heaters heat water on demand and only use energy whenever hot water is needed.

Conventional water heaters can hold gallons and gallons of hot water, but if there’s a high hot water demand, homes may risk being without hot water until the tank is filled again. This situation doesn’t occur with tankless water heaters, however.

Endless Hot Water

Tankless water heaters handle high hot water demands without running out of hot water. Conventional water heaters can take 30 minutes or more to refill with hot water, but tankless water heaters provide hot water continuously.

Thanks to their technological design, tankless water heaters have sensors that heat water entering from the main line whenever there’s a demand for hot water. This is ideal for homes that simultaneously use multiple hot water fixtures like showers, laundry, and kitchen sinks.

Besides on-demand hot water, homeowners who switch from a tank to a tankless water heater can take advantage of the space that will be made available.

Adds Extra Space

Swapping a tank-style water heater to a tankless unit can free up space for homeowners. Conventional water heaters are cylindrical and bulky, whereas tankless water heaters are rectangular, less bulky, and mounted to a wall.

Thanks to their smaller size, tankless water heaters offer extra space for smaller-sized homes. The additional space is ideal for installing a water softener to provide a home with soft water.

Even with all the advantages of switching to a tankless water heater, there are some disadvantages, too.

Cons of Switching Tank to Tankless Water Heater?

Swapping a tank-style water heater with a tankless unit has a few cons that homeowners should consider. For starters, tankless water heaters cost more.

Increased Upfront Costs

Choosing to switch to a tankless water heater can cost more upfront than a new conventional water heater installation. A new tankless water heater can cost $4,500 to $8,500. If your current water heater is in good condition, homeowners do not have to worry about spending money on a tankless water heater.

Even if a homeowner decides to replace their current water heater with a conventional one, they can still save money. A brand-new tank-style water heater with installation can cost between $3,200 to $5,900.

Homeowners will also need to invest in yearly maintenance if they swap their conventional water heater for a tankless.

Yearly Maintenance

All water heaters require maintenance, but homeowners who switch to a tankless water heater will have to consider higher maintenance demands. Tankless water heaters require yearly water heater flushes and inspections to ensure that all interior parts are cleaned and working properly.

On the contrary, tank-style water heaters require less maintenance. Conventional water heaters should also be flushed, and the anode rod should be checked and cleaned.

Is It Worth Replacing Tank Water Heater with Tankless?

We’ve covered the pros and cons of why you may want to consider switching from a tank-style to a tankless water heater. By breaking down what each pro and con means, you can get a better picture of whether or not it’s worth making the switch.

Since 2007, we’ve helped homeowners understand the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater. Even if they choose to remain with their current water heater, our technicians are certified to help service all kinds of water heaters, including tankless and tank-style.

If you’re ready to make the switch to a tankless water heater or service your current water heater, contact us at one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment through our online water heater scheduler.