Does anyone know the cost difference between tankless water heaters and the old style tank?

Question

I need to replace mine, and it's in a second floor attic. I'm trying to determine what type - I imagine the tankless are much more expensive, but they probably pay for themselves over time.... Does anyone have any info? Thanks!

Answer 1

a tankless costs a lot more. But it lasts a lot longer. and the energy costs are really near zero  when you put it side by side with a standard tank. definitely the only thing you should find on a newly built home.

you can get electric or gas. you can get one to serve the whole house. you can take a hot shower forever. and once you turn off the hot water it just shuts off and stops making hot water.

Answer 2

They are much more expensive but it should pay for itself over time; However, if you're paying a plumber to do the work you probably want to just replace it the the same model. The reason being that it's going to cost a lot more for him to repipe your system for a tankless, than to just swap out the heater. Also, if your up north, you should probably stick with the original heater, tankless heaters can't heat the water fast enough in colder climates.

Answer 3

do a search on tankless water heaters at

http://www.plumbcheap.com. They only heat water as needed and save a ton on the electric bill

Answer 4

We just remodeled and bought one of the "on demand" water heaters.   They work GREAT!!!   Well worth the investment we made, a little  more expensive but just makes so much sense - vs heating and reheating the water in a "stand by" tank.  Check out the model that you are looking at for electrical requirements.  We had to have electrician run 2 - 220 for the unit.