Plumbing
Tank vs Tankless Water Heater
Tank vs. Tankless (Gas) — How to Choose
Not sure whether a gas tank water heater or a gas tankless is right for you? Use this guide to compare performance, cost, and maintenance—then we’ll size and price the best fit during your Free on-site evaluation (no pressure, no pushy sales tactics).
Call or Text: 512-686-2622
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Gas Tank (Storage)
- Best for: simple replacement, lower upfront cost, predictable hot-water supply
- Typical sizes: 40–75 gallons
- Pros: lower install cost; handles short bursts well; still delivers hot water during brief power outages (non-power-vent models)
- Cons: standby heat loss; recovery time after long showers/tubs; larger footprint
- Maintenance: annual drain & clean; anode check every 3–5 yrs
- Lifespan: ~8–12 years (shorter in hard water without maintenance)
Gas Tankless (On-Demand)
- Best for: continuous hot water, space savings, higher efficiency
- Typical input: 150k–199k BTU
- Pros: endless hot water when sized correctly; compact wall-mount; higher efficiency; no standby loss
- Cons: higher install cost; needs proper gas line/vent/condensate; requires power to run
- Maintenance: annual descale/flush and screen cleaning
- Lifespan: ~15–20 years (with regular maintenance)
How We Size Your System (Gas Focus)
1) Peak demand (simultaneous fixtures).
Showers, large tubs, laundry, dishwasher at once?
- Tank: choose gallons + recovery rate to cover the longest “peak.”
- Tankless: size by GPM at required temperature rise (incoming winter temp to setpoint). Most homes do well with 180k–199k BTU, but it depends on your peak flow.
2) Incoming water temperature.
Colder water needs more BTUs (tankless) or more stored capacity (tank). Central Texas winters are moderate, but we still verify your actual inlet temp on site.
3) Gas line & venting.
- Tank: atmospheric or power/direct-vent; verify vent path and combustion air.
- Tankless: confirm gas line sizing, vent type (condensing = PVC; non-condensing often stainless), and condensate drain.
4) Location & space.
- Tank: needs floor space + drain pan.
- Tankless: wall space; great for freeing floor area.
5) Electrical & backup power.
- Tankless (and power-vent tanks) require electricity.
- Atmospheric tanks can heat without power (pilot models), helpful during brief outages.
When to Choose a Gas Tank
Choose a tank if you want:
- The lowest upfront replacement cost
- Simple, fast swap with minimal changes to gas/vent
- Reliable hot water for typical families (40–75 gal)
- Easier maintenance (annual drain/clean, anode checks)
- Some hot-water availability during short power outages (atmospheric)
Great fits: standard family usage, guest suites, rentals, budget-focused replacements.
When to Choose a Gas Tankless
Choose tankless if you want:
- Continuous hot water for long showers or large tubs
- Space savings (wall-mounted) and a tidier mechanical room
- Higher efficiency and no standby loss
- A system designed to last 15–20 years with proper maintenance
Great fits: spa-style bathrooms, frequent back-to-back showers, families with variable schedules, homes short on floor space.
Real-World Examples
- Two showers + dishwasher (evenings):
- Tank: 50–75 gal gas tank with good recovery works well.
- Tankless: 180k–199k BTU, sized to your simultaneous GPM and temperature rise.
- Large soaking tub:
- Tank: consider 75 gal or tank + recirculation.
- Tankless: properly sized unit can provide the continuous fill you need.
- Compact utility room:
- Tankless: frees floor space; vent and condensate layout required.
Ownership Costs & Maintenance
Gas Tank
- Upfront: lower
- Annual: drain/flush; anode checks (3–5 yrs)
- Efficiency: standby heat loss; insulate piping; consider heat-trap nipples
- Add-ons: expansion tank (closed systems), drain pan, seismic strapping where required
Gas Tankless
- Upfront: higher (gas line/vent/condensate may need upgrades)
- Annual: descale/flush; clean inlet screens; check condensate neutralizer (if installed)
- Efficiency: excellent; no standby loss; great for variable usage
- Add-ons: recirculation options for faster hot water at far fixtures
Recirculation Options (Both Types)
- Timer/thermostatic loops or on-demand push-button systems reduce wait time.
- Tankless models with built-in or external recirc are available; we’ll configure for comfort and efficiency.
Good-to-Know (Gas Safety & Code)
- We verify combustion air, venting, gas line sizing, and draft.
- Closed systems often require an expansion tank.
- Condensing tankless units need a condensate drain/neutralizer where required.
- We install to manufacturer specs and local code, then walk you through operation.
Still Not Sure? Use This Quick Guide
- Budget-friendly, quick swap, reliable: go Gas Tank
- Endless showers, space saver, higher efficiency: go Gas Tankless
- Large tub + multi-use household: Tankless (properly sized) or larger tank
- Frequent power outages and you want hot water anyway: Atmospheric Gas Tank
- Longest lifespan target: Tankless (with annual service)
What You Get With All-Star Trade Pros
- Free Service Call with a no-pressure, on-site evaluation
- Proper sizing and clear, written options (good/better/best)
- Clean, code-compliant installation and homeowner walk-through
- Maintenance plans: annual tank drain/clean or tankless descale—so your system lasts
Ready for expert sizing and options?
Call/Text 512-686-2622 • Book Online for your Free Service Call today.
Or if you have any questions? Send us a message.
512 686 2622
support@allstartradepros.com
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