When a tank water heater gives out, many Las Vegas homeowners ask the same question: should I replace it with another tank or go tankless? Both are good options. The right one depends on your home, your family and your budget.
How they work
A tank water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons (or more) hot all the time and refills as you use it. A tankless water heater heats water only when you open a tap, using a powerful burner and a heat exchanger.
Side-by-side
| Tank | Tankless | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water supply | Can run out | Continuous |
| Typical life in Las Vegas | About 8 to 12 years | Often 20 years with yearly descaling |
| Space | Floor space in the garage | Wall-mounted, compact |
| Up-front cost | Lower | Higher |
| Energy use | Keeps water hot all day | Heats only on demand |
| Maintenance | Yearly flush | Yearly descaling |
What Las Vegas homeowners should know
Hard water affects both
Las Vegas hard water builds scale in tanks and in tankless heat exchangers. Tankless units need descaling about once a year here. A water softener protects either type. Read about Las Vegas hard water.
Gas lines and venting
Tankless heaters use a lot of gas while they’re running. Many homes need a larger gas line from the meter and new venting when converting from a tank. That’s the biggest factor in installation cost. Learn about gas line upsizing.
Sizing matters
A tankless unit is sized by flow rate: how many showers and fixtures can run at once. An undersized unit leaves you with lukewarm water during busy times.
Which should you choose?
Tankless is often a great fit if: you run out of hot water, you have a large household or big soaking tub, you want the garage space back, or you plan to stay in the home for years.
A tank may make more sense if: you want the lowest up-front cost, your gas line would need a major upgrade, or you’re planning to sell soon.
Get an honest recommendation
We install both tank and tankless water heaters, including Navien tankless units, and we’ll tell you straight which one fits your home. See tankless installation or water heater replacement, or call 702-932-5755.
