Tankless Water Heater VS. Conventional Water Heater (PROS + CONS / COST ANALYSIS - WHICH IS BETTER?)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Check Out the ULTIMATE CARPENTRY CHECKLIST!! *Get your free interactive ebook here* : www.thehonestcarpenter.com/the-ultimate-carpentry-checklist This *150-item Visual Glossary* covers every important topic in carpentry. Check off the tools you have, the concepts you understand. And if you don't know a topic, just click on it for an explanation. Every carpenter and DIYer needs this free guide!

[@brandonblietz8555]

This is exactly the info I needed to make my decision. I trust The Honest Carpenter and I did a Google Search for Tank vs Tankless water heater comparison, not expecting to find him in the results. After watching the Video I am convinced for me a new larger tank water heater is the right move for us. I was leaning toward tankless prior to the Video. Annual maintainence contracts costs plus an overall cost benefit analysis rooted out what was best for me. Thanks Honest Carpenter.

[@doubleclutchonline5811]

I installed a Navien tankless unit six months ago. It heats the water, and also replaced the oil burner that heated our home. It also produces enough BTU's for heated floors that I'm planning for my garage. I was able to remove the oil tank from our basement and tap into the same propane line that we use for our grill and pool heater. With the removal of the water tank, the oil burner and the oil tank, I reclaimed about 30 square feet of space in my basement. It performed great throughout the winter and is almost completely silent. This was a massive upgrade. Since our entire 40 year old heating and A/C needed to be upgraded anyway, this was well worth the incremental premium over a conventional tank system.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s awesome, DoubleClutch! 😄

[@junliliu4997]

My builder grade conventional water heater is on its 22nd year, and it has seen zero maintenance. I know it's on borrowed time, still I am amazed at how reliable it is.

[@woohunter1]

I’m assuming it’s electric? They usually last a bit longer than gas.

[@bennystraw9543]

Happy thanksgiving

[@Encourageable]

That’s how old mine is to. Never flushed it. Not sure how it’s hanging on LOL

[@barbara82589]

22 years on my tank water heater (propane) only drained twice when I received free maintenance package. Magnesium rod replaced once.

[@aabsc]

@@woohunter1 Mine's gas and 27 years old, just started leaking.

[@elmeromero1794]

I bought a Rheem tankless 3 years ago. Pros are: takes less space, only uses gas when it’s being used and endless hot water. No cons yet for me. I do flush it with vinegar once a year to descale insides. But so far so good! And best thing is I bought it as an eBay open box for $350!!!! And I’m handy so I installed it myself !!!

[@michaeldautry]

Do you think there is a significant difference in gas usage vs your old tank unit? Thank you

[@elmeromero1794]

@@michaeldautry I can definitely see a difference. My old water heater was old and probably at the end of its lifespan. It would turn on constantly to keep the water at hot temperature. And i have 4 kids and my wife and after 3-4 showers we were out of hot water. So 2 people had to wait for water to heat up. It would normally take about 30 min to get warm, not hot, water. Now we can all shower without hot water ever ending.

[@MarcFun]

i need to change my water heater, my plumber says Tank water heaters are still more reliable in long run in terms of expenses, he believes High efficient tank-less water heaters have more tendency to break down and require professional fixing, In terms of initial cost tank-less cost me $600 MORE. All i care about is which one cost me less in the long run and less hassle, i have seen tank water heaters that work for 30 years and tank-less one that get into a lot of problems , I'm still thinking about it.. i can do the maintenance myself on both units. any insight?

[@elmeromero1794]

@@MarcFun I’ve had it 4 years now. And still working great. No cons or problems yet. I think the majority of people who install these don’t maintain them yearly (descaling inside with vinegar) hence why they fail on them.

[@aabsc]

@@elmeromero1794 What climate? Here in Canada in winter they can barely heat the ice cold water coming in to barely above room temperature. I was interested until I learned this.

[@StationaryNomad361]

My water heater just went out last night. It was the first cold day of the winter for us in South Texas. Our house was build in 2008, and we bought the house in 2014, and have done no maintenance at all since we owned the house. Sad that it finallly gave out, but overall I am very pleased with how long it lasted. I may look into upgrading to a tankless heater. Thank you for this great content!

[@WillyWanker1974]

AMAZING video. I have been looking at tankless for a while now, and this video was so descriptive and in-depth it covered everything. Thank you for putting so much effort and information into this video.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I appreciate the honesty. For me it is the bottom line - cost. Looks like I'll be putting another conventional in when it's that time.

[@mail4asim]

installation cost is not this high, I would check with a few plumbers locally.

[@throngcleaver]

I installed my Eco 27 myself. It was easier than swapping out the 40 gallon tank, and cost about the same. I bought it about a year ago, and it was around $400. However, I also bought a valve kit for $60, and three, 40 amp, double pole, (240VAC) breakers, plus 100 feet of 8 AWG wire and some plastic conduit and conduit clamps and elbows. Also, I bought the Sharkbite fittings for the copper tubing, and those are worth every dime. So, the price came out to be about even with just replacing the tank type heater for my installation.

[@TabbyCat041]

Ditto the other comments. I found a Jacuzzi tankless (made by tankless leader Rinnai) on sale @ Lowe's for $800. Did the install myself, and the yearly maintenance is easy with washer hoses, a bucket and submersible pump. My total purchase and install was about 1,300. The endless hot water is great, along with the space savings.

[@cejkwo100]

I've had a tankless for 5 years now. Love it had it descaled only once. Works fine

[@ageofanomaly3874]

What brand and model?

[@cejkwo100]

Navies

[@cejkwo100]

Navien

[@muddstephen0]

Please flush your tankless once a year. I understand it hasn't had issues but it will.

[@lab1042]

I just had the same model of tankless water heater installed last week (Navien 240A) as seen in this video and total cost was $3200, not $4400. Also the installer (local plumbing company) told me to have it serviced every 3 years. I may bump that down to every 2 years.

[@shinebritechosen]

Be ware if you have hard water fo every year

[@daveydmur]

Can you give a rough idea of how much you're saving on your monthly gas bills?

[@everteacher]

I learned how to flush it myself. Cost about $80 to buy the pump, hoses and vinegar (have to buy this each year) takes about two hours a year.

[@Shahrdad]

Excellent video! My old fashioned water heater is on its 22nd year, without ever having had any maintenance. I'm replacing it soon as a cautionary measure, but I've been very happy with it. And one of my work partners has a water heater that was installed in 1986 and still kicking without any problems. I think tankless is wonderful technology, but people should realize that whatever they save in gas bills, they will have to pay (and probably even more) for annual maintenance. And it won't work during a power outage. Also, they require a tremendous input of BTUs, which will require extra gas plumbing work or even a new gas meter and pressure reducer. I think they're great for households with lots of people taking simultaneous showers or fill large bathtubs. For most of us with basements where flooding isn't an issue, a conventional water heater will suffice and probably be cheaper in the long run.

[@robertlevy4613]

I watched like 5 of these videos and this one was the best - another great Honest Carpenter video, and amazing that you gave EcoPlumbers a shoutout.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Robert!

[@thihal123]

I grew up in a household in the tropics with tankless water heaters. These weren’t whole house water heaters. There were two heaters and each was in a different bathroom. We never maintained the tanks and it went fine. I think these were Siemens models.

[@Sylvan_dB]

It depends on the chemistry of your water and the performance level of the heater.

[@edover50]

Well thought out and informative video Ethan. Own conventional at the house and a first generation tankless at the lake. It’s perfect based on utilization or as you said “effectiveness” when nobodies there in the winter no need heating water, and when the family and friends bombard the lake it handles endless showers in the morning. If you decide to do a follow up on this subject I would like to see some discussion on how we operate hot water as Americans vs Europeans. It’s my experience most tankless owners crank the temp up past recommended levels. Europeans only use the hot side when showering and keep the tank at that perfect shower temp...why we insist on boiling hot only to mix it with cold water to find our perfect temp makes no sense at all.....

[@scotth6814]

Yeah, the only time I want scalding hot water is for cleaning dishes.

[@gabrieladibala6888]

Thanks for the information. I live in a very small house and have a tankless water heater and it’s more expensive to use it than a dryer. I had the electric company come out and it’s used 50.6 energy.

[@MichaelLPena]

Very high level summary with no real numbers. Only numbers quoted was installed costs. TOH (This Old House) actually went through the costs in a table to show people the real costs, trade offs, and savings … where possible.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Oh man I moved into a home where the conventional water heater was so old it almost fell through the floor. & I had Hell getting rid of it. I'm definitely taking time when I buy a new Water Heater. Thanks for the information so I can make a more informed decision. 👷🏿‍♂️

[@monteglover4133]

he primary reason I went to a tankless was space saving. Most people are at all handy can do the required maintenance tools required a small pump, some hoses,5 gallon, and some vinegar. A good water softener will greatly extend the required cleaning.

[@bizz456]

Thanks for producing this video. I have been on the struggle bus for awhile weighing this decision. This information breakdown was very helpful. Keep producing, your doing great! 😊

[@robertthompson5699]

I've had my Navien for ten years now and let me tell you about the problems I had from day one. First, when you figure the cost of the unit, the maintenance of the unit and the headaches regarding the repairs, their was no savings for me. Second, from day one of my Navien installation, their were problems. It just kept kicking out when trying to start. So the installer put a new unit in, same size and it still kicked out. I found out later that alot of people were having problems with this model of Navien, so the sales rep recommended the better model of Navien units and it started working, but during all this time the sales rep and others involved in this kept saying my gas line was too small for the distance I ran it, it being a one inch propane gasline. And to prove them wrong, the main Propane professional in our area came in and did his propane test and found that my gasline was fine and keep in mind that this propane person teaches all about propane for the area proving the Navien rep and others wrong. So my Navien worked fine after the better unit was installed until winter. The unit then started kicking out again when the temp got around 32 or lower degrees and the infloor heat was running. The installer came out several times, but could not figure out the problem and finally told me to leave the front cover off the Navien unit when the infloor heat was running which I thought was a dangerous thing to do. Some thought it was the exhaust run that was too long, but it was only around 25 feet long with 3" PVC, and installation showed you could go up to 100 feet. So for ten year now my Navien unit has continued to kick out every winter when the temp got down to 32 degrees or lower and now the heat exchanger is leaking and Navien supplied my installer with a new heat exchanger which was just installed, but would never ignite now. My installer worked on this unit trying to get it to ignite for two days of talking with tech support and replacing the igniter, etc he finally gave up and told me I need a new unit. So do I recommend buying a Navien? No way.

[@swarkey]

which model numbers?

[@philp7358]

Initially I thought this was going to be biased pro-tankless, but kept watching and you fairly covered most all aspects. The biggies in my mind: tankless and modern/high-tech require maint or risk expensive repairs -- say circuit board! Tanks have been made same way for many decades and are low tech -- if ever needed repairs are cheap (no circuit boards). I'm glad you pointed out "endless hot water" often means big increase in usage (teenagers in shower!!). In a power outage a tank will let you still have a full tank of hot water to carefully use for a while. Yes insulation in tanks is pretty good and you can nurse it for 1-2 DAYS. Also tank units rarely fail "catastrophically" .. owner notes puddle on floor / at tank and calls plumber, not Poseidon adventure release. 1 big plus for tankless is smaller footprint if you have limited space in mechanical room. Your cost comparison (1600 v 4400) was very honest unlike many tankless proponents. As someone pointed out, if $15/month savings (take into account annual 250 maint) it will take 16 years to make up price difference. BTW the 1928 house I moved into last year has a gas 40 gallon tank mfg 1997 and going strong with zero maintenance in those 23 years. Buy a tankless to feel-good, brag to your neighbors and to use more hot water, not to save money! You make good enjoyable videos .. keep it up!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Phil! All valid points. That conventional heater seems to be immortal! 😆

[@pinterelectric]

I was always curious about the notion that tank heaters are “constantly “ running to maintain the tank temp, even while you are sleeping. This was brought on because I have shut off the burner and went on vacation for two weeks( pilot light on) , and still had hot water enough to get a shower when we got home. So I monitored the flue temperature with a WiFi tracking temperature probe and I can tell you, during normal days, the burner only comes on if water is being drawn out. And most times, like a hand wash, it burns for a couple minutes tops.

[@reneluna5340]

Good info , thanks brother !!

[@njsongwriter]

Yes. We once had a water heater that was always just on the pilot light which would make hot water overnight without the burner. Take your showers in the morning...

[@aabsc]

My tank is at a place I can easily hear the fire start/stop and I don't think I ever heard it start without me taking hot water for a while first.

[@Toastmaster_5000]

New tanks hardly lose any heat over the course of multiple days. I can attest that old ones lose heat rather rapidly though.

[@astroboy862]

We just purchased a 3 yr old home with a tankless water heater but we never knew the difference and pros and cons...now I do..plan to have someone come in annually and take a look at it to see if all is good...thanks for this very informative video...

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you for watching, Sal!

[@xDRZLx]

One benefit I didn't hear you mention was the tankless heater takes up less space.

[@OneManParade]

They take up space in your wallet. Because of installation and maintenance cost.

[@dtom1145]

Less space? Most are in the basement or attic. If you need a couple more square feet in your life then it is time to move!

[@hempcacaogoji831]

Barely, and the air intake/outtake on some of them take up a lot of space.

[@Cujo5]

@@dtom1145 If you're in a 2 bedroom apartment or something, it would make a difference. I have a tank under the kitchen sink. It takes up so much room and has very little water. I've often thought of getting a tankless water heater solely to conserve space and be able to have longer showers.

[@johnhunt9674]

@@OneManParade that's a lie.

[@lynnwuytowicz2737]

Great!! Exceptionally well done!! Concise and informative! Helped me make my decision hands down!! Sticking with a tank!! We have occasional power outages, so can't imagine being without hot water just cause the power is out!! Along with the annual maintenance thing...Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[@mikelivesay5639]

You did a great job spelling it out the difference between both water heaters

[@drkennedy611]

I have had a titan tankless heater for over 10 years, no problems. I only have changed the filter 3 time s. They cost about $2 at Walmart only maintenance I have done

[@MrNotes61]

Question what was initial cost?!

[@nancyh9030]

Our conventional electric water heater was installed in the attic. Yikes, what were they thinking!. We were able to put in a tankless water heater directly below it in a closet. It's so nice to no longer worry about the water heater failing. We had the propane company install the gas line but we installed the water heater ourselves. It vents out the roof so it did involve both plumbing and cutting a hole in the roof to install. I definitely wish that there had been apple-to-apple comparisons of gas or electric bills that I could find when we were trying to decide what to do. The water heater is so expensive on its own that financially it probably wasn't worth it but for peace of mind it can't be beat. Flushing the tank isn't hard to do so actually seems easier to me than flushing the sediment out of a conventional one.

[@QuantumMech_88]

Tankless is still affected by hard water . It's interesting what people owning electrical or natural gas tank heaters could learn if they knew how to change out electric elements and flush out electrical and gas heaters with $2 bucks of 1 gallon distilled vinegar for 12 hours . I have an electrical water heater going on it's 8 th year after flushing and changing heating elements every 12 months = $ 22 bucks for elements . Way cool video from a man I trust . Thanks

[@ericapallaron3379]

I've had my conventional HWH for 20 years, but my electric bill is really showing that this needs replacing immediately.

[@QuantumMech_88]

@@ericapallaron3379 You've gotten a lot of service from that water heater and if you are using the original heating elements , it's kinda miraculous and you must have the best water around . Have a great weekend Erica .

[@alberthoogendoorn2396]

We build a new home 8” walls , outside 1” energy sheet and house wrap total R 30 Rockwell insulation The ceiling have R 62 Ontario code. The max glass is 25% Ontario building code. Each floor has a separate heating system of Rheem 6 kw electric on demand water heater with 1/2” plastic tubes.the floors steel with 3” 7.5 cm. with concrete placed on the floor included steel mess. The system of each floor have is a closed system the temp of the floors is 27 Celsius which keep the floor constant at 23 degree Celsius. The house is a open concept with open stairs. Both floors are a little over 1100 sq ft. Also we have a gas fireplace for backup etc. We also have a Rheem on demand water heater which is on natural gas for dishes and 3 large showers . We are very happy with the system which I installed my self. Cost was very low to install. I also had before a hot G.E water tank on natural gas with heated concrete floors , and 2 bathrooms , which we really loved ,but this electric heating system in our new house is superior above the other house. Sorry but my English is my second language, when I wrote something wrong do not laugh. Thank you.

[@suketushah3949]

Fantastic video. Covered everything

[@parkerhubs]

Outstanding presentation. You hit all the points and make the process simple to understand. Great job!

[@sdkid6059]

Outstanding video. Thanks. Country guy like me who grew up with a rural well dug in the ground just outside of the house learned a lot.

[@wattheheck6010]

I did not know about annual maintenance requirement. I'll be checking on that tomorrow. Thanks!

[@amitapt]

this is really good and honest representation..Just Like EVs are more efficient , tankless are more similarly efficient.

[@flix4u]

Of course the $4400 used as an example is for a unit that can handle a large house. There are many units available for smaller dwellings that start in the hundreds of dollars. Tiny homes & mobile homes now rely on this technology exclusively. Thanks for the breakdown - it’s appreciated. I’m tankful (pun) 4 ur info.

[@1985Satisfaction]

Depending on the area that's not true. I install them in 3 bed 2 bath homes for 5k all day.

[@PeterB_California]

Dude love your videos I learn something from all of them. Great channel and presentation!

[@dixieboy5689]

Im staying with my conventional water heater .... for lots more years. Better value in the long run. Ive lived with both types systems. Thanks

[@flywithabel]

Funny... EcoPlumbers is literally in my house installing a tankless unit and this video popped up in my recommendations.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

The magic of the internet, Abel. 😆 They’re a great company, I’d gladly team up with them again!

[@ridgec5670]

So you have used it for a couple months now, how do you like it?

[@flywithabel]

@@ridgec5670 absolutely love it. Temp controls work well. I lower the temp to 98 to add water into my aquarium. I can directly tap the water off the heater. Hot water takes approximately 45 sec to reach the top floor from basement. Not bad if you brush before the shower! Overall great product and ecoplumbers were great in the installation process.

[@taylorbinns8770]

Great video! Wish The ecoplumbers were on the east coast!

[@dwarden3]

I have two inline tank heaters. One is a preheater from 50ish temp to 110 degrees. The second is set at 140 degrees. It has cut my gas bill by 30%. Another is the preheater collects 95% of the scale. Also when I do have to replace the preheater I just remove it out of the line and use the 2nd until I can replace it. I also have a booster pump after the second so there is no pressure loss. Altogether the entire set up was a little over 1000 bucks.

[@michaelkaye4998]

Nice presentation. You didn’t mention cost of annual tankless maintenance?

[@RiskyR1CH]

Great video, very clear and to the point info.

[@MikeColeVocals]

Thanks for this comparison. I’ve been considering a tankless heater as my kids are getting older and we are getting close to the years where 3 people will be showering in the mornings. Seems like a tankless system would be a good choice for us !

[@娓娓道来-e8h]

Good presentation. I made my decision based on your advise. Great job!!!

[@stephan9487]

Wow. This was such a phenomenal video. Thanks a lot for it.

[@ChiefRangerSmokey]

Great video. Helped me make my mind up on what I need.

[@susanmeredith4957]

Love my tankless heater! I just have it serviced along with furnace. My installer recommended service every 2 yrs. Just had it done. Filters had hardly anything in them. Next service will be descaling.

[@eposada100]

Does it make noise?

[@MarcFun]

How much it cost every year to maintain it?

[@susanmeredith4957]

@@MarcFun the man who installed (family company, he also owns it) says every 2 yrs for routine maintenance . We like ours, have a daughter at home who. Outdoor drain a hot water tank in one shower!

[@jeanburgin160]

Great tutorial! Many thanks.

[@josephconsuegra6420]

I have tankless and it works great. The heater cost $250 and install labor was $300. This heater fully delivers hot water to 2 showers and kitchen.

[@jrm2383]

I think you left out some zeros

[@josephconsuegra6420]

@@jrm2383 no zeros left out. That’s what I payed.

[@duradim1]

Your cost results will not be typical. OOPS! I have to retrack what I just said. I did some quick research and found some cheap ones. Maybe not good enough for the northern states, but apparently good for Florida. Thanks for pointing it out fellows.

[@josephconsuegra6420]

@@duradim1 Actually they are in South Florida. Purchased at Home Depot.

[@duradim1]

@@josephconsuegra6420 I stand corrected. Thank you.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Orbis gas tankless water heaters never required any maintenance and we used them only when the heating unit boiler was shut down. During warm weather we used the space heater!

[@murphthegreat]

I have a Navien tankless going on 8 years now. If you have treated softened municipal water, you can easily maintain this yourself. It’s all about how hard your water is, but doing a vinegar recirculating flush is very very easy, every time I do it I re-use the vinegar elsewhere as it comes out so clean. I do it every 2-3 years but if you have hard water I can see how yearly would be important! Or more if you’re on a well system. Nonetheless, a 5 gallon bucket, a small sump pump, a couple hoses, and 2 gallons of white distilled vinegar is all you need. Maybe a pair of channel lock pliers as well.

[@iam2ndIIno1]

Great presentation, when I purchased two Rinnia 98s, I paid less than 3500 for both/together. Once upon a time they were offering some serious rebates. Also the yearly maintenance flush is pretty simple, so don't let the maintenance scare you off 📴. I'm just a normal home owner and tankless is the way to do it. I also have the recirculation programmed for high usage times ⌚. Lastly, the gas company had to replace my gas meter because I require 2lb of pressure coming into these particular units.

[@MarcFun]

I need to change my water heater , currently have tank . what would be more reliable and less costly in the long run ? i have two options, Rinnai thankless gas or Bradford white 40G gas. I need something that cost me less hassle, trouble and money in the long run, i live alone, don't care about anything else... I can do annual maintenance myself if necessary...

[@iam2ndIIno1]

@@MarcFun I’d go w/Rhinnia just make sure to have all the flush valves installed to be able to perform the maintenance

[@warrenwalker8170]

You forgot to mention that if you have a water softener and are not using well water in your system than the maintenance on the tankless heater is substantially reduced.

[@joeutube356]

Great information, very well explained.

[@garypizl5330]

One benefit of the conventional water heater is in an emergency ( like an earthquake here in Ca.) you have a 50 gallon reserve supply on water.

[@bobboscarato1313]

In California you have to be filthy rich; they have too many expensive regulations!

[@senkoswim1421]

He noted it, with the comment of when power goes out having the inlet gas line and simple pilot.

[@samuelseager6785]

This is a great point.

[@truthalonetriumphs6572]

Yeah, make/ store 50 gallons hot water 24x7 for a once in 50 year event. This is why America is messed up and there's no hope.

[@gw8111]

Excellent and informative video. Thank you!

[@timvandyke8165]

My house has a Gas Furnace, conventional gas water heater, and a Gas Stove top. During the summer my gas bill using only the water heater and stove top, runs about $30 a month. So even if I could cut that in half, I would only save $15 a month. That would take me 15 years to recoup the savings of goimg with a conventional unot over the tankless. Then you add the maintenance cost. I can replace my conventional unit twice as much and still come out ahead. So unless you have a large family and the need for a lot of hot water, I would go conventional.

[@keytothegate68]

You can have a small tankless water heater dedicated to heating a designated outlet, like an outside shower ,or a bathroom that's far away from your water heater so it takes a long time for hot water to reach it in the winter months etc..

[@Tinyteacher1111]

@@keytothegate68 I didn’t know that. I have a hot tub and you’re supposed to shower before getting in. It’s cold!!

[@ElleDubsDubs]

There are currently tax benefits for a tankless water heater, at least until the end of this year.

[@davidfuller764]

@@Tinyteacher1111 it’s true! I used 1 once, very impressed. Simple, “clicker” ignition=no electric hookup, cheap $200? W/Propane tank, just need water source, good for outside shower 🤓

[@whistlebloer8254]

I agree with you. Conventional natural gas water heater costs very little to run. It is not cost effective to replace your existing with tankless. There's a reason why they offer you rebates to install tankless.

[@JohnQuincy1776]

Good video. Our last gas water heater lasted 18 years and I only flushed it once or twice. We have horrible water in AZ too. When it went, it leaked into the house though i would love to see a video on replacing the anode rod.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ll see what we can do about the anode rod video, Brian!

[@Doug-gp2qw]

I replaced my 50 gallon gas water heater in 2005. I've drained it a couple of times in the last 18 years. It recently started taking longer to heat water. I will replace it in a couple of weeks. Its easy to swap in a new unit, including new expansion tank and water connections. It will cost me under $1,000 total. A new tankless with all the venting and gas line changes would cost me at least double, if I have it professionally installed it will be more than triple the cost. Add in the cost for annual maintenance over the next 18 years and the tankless will be 5 to 10 times the cost of the conventional water heater.

[@guerinheckman6416]

Great video. I do not have gas available in my neighborhood so should I consider an electric tankless water heater?

[@BillyWheeler]

I wish you would've got on the difference between gas and electric for cost efficiency

[@todddunn945]

@Curt Clark if you don't have gas and you want tankless, electric is the only way to go unless you want to pay to install propane. You do need an adequate electric service for your home or you will have to upgrade your service (new panel, etc. = $$$$).

[@specialestness]

@@todddunn945 I was flabbergasted when I saw the one I was looking at took up to 150 amps.

[@todddunn945]

@@specialestness the electric demand heaters do have a big amp draw. Back when I lived in the Pacific Northwest the house system could have handled it, but here in Maine we only have a 100 amp service, so I went with a propane on demand system. I also have a water softener so my system doesn't need to be flushed very often. I flushed it after 4 years and got almost nothing out.

[@zzing]

This felt like an add for tankless water heaters. I feel that there were many aspects not mentioned like the various types tank water heaters like electric and heat exchanger types.

[@Gleadogg]

Whech one?

[@emssmiley2002]

Yep nothing about the re-circulation pumps either

[@sergeykazantsev1]

Yes, and the guy calls himself "honest".

[@vincentwesolowski459]

I agree with a lot of your assessment of both water heaters, yeah, here it comes, although the tankless water hearted is by far more efficient in fuel consumption, the initial cost of the heater plus your yearly maintenance costs make owning a tankless heater rather expensive. I thought of buying one even with the initial cost being high, until I looked at the cost of the equipment and the supplies needed to service one. You teach how to tackle carpentry problems, it isn’t that difficult to install a tankless water heater and a traditional hot water heater is a breeze. You just have to replace them when their warranty is up and not wait for them to fail. Take care and stay healthy.

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

You just need to replace the sacrificial anode in traditional one and it will last for 30+ years.

[@llcgull]

thanx for lots of good info. i'm interested in tankless bcs i want more utility room space & a neater looking looking utility room to use it as a morning kitchen

[@liaodesign]

Great video good break down of pro and cons. Thank you!

[@johnvega9092]

Great work explaining , u make my day

[@johnvega9092]

I would go with the tankless heater ,

[@joejr9653]

If you go tankless also make sure your gas meter is big enough to handle it. If your meter is small and you have a lot of gas appliances already, if you add the 199,000 btu tankless, some things will be starved when it's running.

[@hankkline7300]

If you already have a large electric service to your house, you may not have to increase it for an electric model. Be sure you have a lot of spare capacity available, you will need it.

[@ouachita70]

I was assigned to a SASCOM unit in NW Germany in the mid seventies. Our apartment had tankless water heaters for sinks, only. I thought it was a good idea.

[@akinjarichards4067]

We built our house 23 years ago with a Rinnai thankless water heater. We have a 3900 Sq ft home. This has worked flawlessly for 23 years, with one exception, which was the major freeze here in Texas in 2021. It may be time to replace it, but still no problems. On thing you did not mention. We must use propane because natural gas isn't here.we would have a higher propane bill, even when we travel.

[@bigtime37ja]

Excellent video assessment if the two.

[@danalaniz7314]

Excellent video. Wraps up the information really well. Thanks!

[@KevinBooker-ex5zs]

Great Heater, if you use it correctly! Can even support low flow showering!!

[@Cochran05]

Very good analysis but I do not have natural gas available. Have you done a comparison of electric conventional to electric tankless? Thank you

[@leilaalamian8760]

Thank you for great explanation on both methods. I have a question about the safety of the tank less water heater in a small restaurant. How safe it will be to replace the conventional water heater with a tank less gas water heater? How can I make sure that my tenant will maintain her tank less water heater yearly?

[@WanderlustWonderscape]

You spelled catastrophes right, but then blew it on effectiveness (6:47). You still get a thumbs up for a great video.

[@alohajenn]

Kinda the same idea as a Paloma, which is basically the same as on demand hot water heater, except it's propane not electric. I've had one since the 90s & works great!

[@MarcusCapeCanaveral]

High upfront cost plus annual maintenance plan, versus very low cost and easy do-it-yourself maintenance. Our current tank is 23 years old and I just replaced the elements, a very simple quick job, a couple years ago. I didn't even drain the tank to swap the elements. And it's in the garage, so any leaks will run out to the driveway.

[@michaelhill2618]

Dont forget that tankless water heaters require increased gas supplies so you must ensure that the gas piping coming into your house must provide sufficient gas. You could add another couple of thousand dollars reworking your internal gas piping.

[@steveloux4709]

noteworthy point, although I would push back on suggesting a certain cost for the upgrade. My gas line only needed to be extended 15 feet from the meter, and I did it myself. The cost was very nominal. If the water heater is considerable distance from the meter, then yes, it's going to be a big effort. The same might be said for the domestic water pipes, if they are galvanized they must be replaced, and if the tank and tankless locations are not the same, then there might be considerable reconfiguration to provide to serve the new location.

[@gomezjuarez2588]

Thank you for the video…..I’m learning a lot

[@bladesbybev]

So informative. Great video!

[@1969tochiro]

I have a conventional water heater that works like a charm when we have a power outage

[@MrCarburettor]

I had a tankless unit in my old 3 story town home. It takes forever to get hot water on top floor and must waste a lot of cold water waiting for hot water to come up. We start to using a bucket to keep cold water and use it for flushing. I really couldn't feel any efficiency or savings from tankless units. On the other hand annual maintenance is only flushing the unit and replace filters. Super easy DIY job can be done with inexpensive tools. Another positive side of tankless units are smaller if you install garages with limited space

[@syedsikandar1196]

I have a tankless water heater. It gives me cold water in winter and hot water during summer. Now, I'm thinking about switching to tanked water heater. I've seen some users online experiencing the same issue as mine.

[@jerzeedivr]

Thats because you bought too small a Unit! Blame Yourself!

[@TwinBytesInc]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@danielparrish5438]

I have a Smith brand tank water heater that I have never done any maintenance what ever ...... it is now 17 years old and still working

[@tatajohnnyrosado2427]

Same over here mine is 23 years old you still going strong

[@njsongwriter]

The one in our last house was still working after 20 years when we sold the house. Never did anything to it. It was on a community well that was not chlorinated.

[@Silentgenius01]

Thanks for the video. trying to decide which to get. Also, maybe prices have changed since, but prices of each do not look quite as high. One benefit you missed for the tankless is that is saves space! You mentioned HOA and them not potentially allowing tankless because wall penetration is required for their gas burn.... Is that just for the gas tankless? I want electrical...no gas! 1 more question...if you have solar, would it still stop working if the power goes out? I guess we would need a backup battery for the solar in order for that to still work (yes, I'm still learning about our solars, too). Thanks again!

[@josephchiodo7122]

Thanks. Good, solid, unbiased information.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Joseph! 🙂

[@davidaguirre7908]

Great information! Another benefit worth mentioning is with a tankless you also have an option to install it outdoors and gaining a little more storage place where the old tank water heater used to be. Also all brands of tankless water heaters now have a model with a built in recirculating pump and kit available.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Only in warmer weather areas or else it'll freeze-up!

[@steveloux4709]

Even in areas that occasionally freeze, the manufacturer has a circuit within the unit for freeze protection. Obviously we're not talking about Duluth, MN or Nome, AK, but an occasional sub-zero night would not be an issue.@@bobboscarato1313

[@keytothegate68]

Just replaced my 33 year old conventional water heater-yes it was original with the house. Next summer replacing an A.C. unit also original with the house . Thinking about trading in my van when it hits 250K miles. Sometimes things do last a decent amount of time :)

[@stans5270]

If your concern centers about flooding, for between $100 to $400 you can install an auto-shutoff valve that detects leaks and would prevent flooding.

[@joshuapluim]

I'd like to know what the regular maintenance is for a tankless water heater. Several components of conventional water heater maintenance was discussed in the video, but not what specifics are required for tankless. I feel like I still don'e have enough information to make a decision...

[@sergeykazantsev1]

Don't even touch this crap, live peacefully with your mind: stay with tank. I'm gonna go back to tank pretty soon, sick of money wasting for constant repair and maintenance for last 10 years. And for the cold sandwich in my kitchen sink I have to install a small tank anyway.

[@iam2ndIIno1]

I've had much different experience than Sergey. This is my 3rd tankless (1 electric, 2 gas). You can google "tankless flush" and maybe include the model. I perform this task once a year. I just hate a big tank of water constantly boiling and when I may have company there's little hot 🔥 water 💦 available. Matt Risinger does good videos on maintenance.

[@jamesg973]

I have a tankless and the maintenance is easy. A little up front to get everything but after that very cheap. All you have to do is descale the lines and as ACE says google will tell you. I asked my brother and dad since they had one for many years and both used apple vinegar. No harmful chemicals in you water lines.

[@JediOfTheRepublic]

@@iam2ndIIno1 If your Hot Water Tank is boiling your water, then it's too hot lol

[@tharenlowery8171]

This was a great guide!!

[@RawPatrol]

Australia has had Instant Gas (tankless) hot water systems in common, if not majority, usage since at least the 70's. They used to have a pilot light, now its all electronic ignition. Max price is about $1000 USD No one I know ever gets them serviced and they seem to last for years. Not sure why the are so expensive in the US.

[@TabbyCat041]

Ethan, I think you missed it a bit here. Maintenance isn't hard for a tankless, in fact, it's probably easier than a conventional, but it IS important, especially with hard water. $4,400 install seems pretty high, unless you need other more extensive re-piping . I put my own in about 7 years ago and have had ZERO issues. Of course, I'm now probably going to jinx myself by saying this, but the first 6 years I did ZERO maintenance. Still, this is a really good intro and I really enjoy your videos. Make one on the newer highly insulated hot water tanks where the heater is separate from the tank.

[@patricknelson]

Nice. What brand did you go with?

[@marilynm8812]

Thanks for the subject matter. I have to check how old my hot water heater is and if I need a check or replacement of the rod. Never drained it before either.

[@reneluna5340]

In case you haven’t replaced the anode rod in the water heater, you can buy one at Amazon for $28 it’s flexible so who ever installs it doesn’t have to disconnect and tilt the heater, just ordered one today for a old water heater

[@superrealtyadmin5693]

I am so glad I did not go with Tankless. So I can still take hot shower during the 2 days blackout by the winter storm and so many tankless water heaters were useless and many were damaged during this winter storm.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for this video. I have a failed water heater that I cant replace the anode rod in. My wife is asking about tankless to replace the AO Smith conventional water heater. We are all electric and the water heater is in the utility room with the electric panel (no problem running a dedicated circuit if required). We have pump water which causes rotten egg smells in a conventional heater - is this not a problem in tankless? We have no gas, so we would be running high amp circuits, I assume, to the tankless. Any thoughts on this? All the best from north Texas.

[@Sailor376also]

I agree,, there is no money savings,, the unit should only be sold for its extreme ability to supply lots and lots of hot water when needed. Hot on demand is exactly the solution in many cases. I have installed several for my customers. You show in your video a nice new house,, my installs have been in older homes with a single exception. In all but one install, I have had to change , alter, or replace the gas lines in the house. The usual tankless water heater requires 200,000 or more btu . You cannot blithely just install a Tee in the gas piping. The requirements for a tankless water heater and for all the other functions in the house MUST be calculated and allowed for,, even for pipe length and internal size,,, which in each case has meant a re piping of the entire system. Not cheap,, and absolutely necessary. The exhaust and Air intake can also be a challenge. It seems rarely to be a simple pair of wall piercings. That single exception that I spoke of was a nearly new home. The gas piping as installed was installed to suit the , at the time, efficient distribution to the planned fixtures,, and the gas company had chosen the south end of the house for the meter,, the architect had chosen the north end of the house for utility area. The entire gas pipe system had to be replaced to increase the pipe sizes to accommodate the new load. 4,400 ? Not at all in my experience. Not even close. Your conventional guessimate is accurate for replacement, 1,600, the tankless begins at 5500 and the likelihood of 8,000 to 9,000. And gas meters are installed with specific capacity. You exceed the meter capacity,,, and the gas company must replace and upgrade the house service. You have done me and the practical of install a huge disservice. 4,400 for just the unit install, parts and labour,, sure,, absolutely. I have never seen a simple easy install, except for the one time, and that on an older home, , all the rest, it did not matter new or old. Each install is an engineering challenge, to only be approached with an active mind.

[@MarcFun]

need to change my water heater , currently have tank . what would be more reliable and less costly in the long run ? i have two options, Rinnai thankless gas or Bradford white 40G gas. I need something that cost me less hassle, trouble and money in the long run, i live alone, don't care about anything else... I can do annual maintenance myself if necessary...

[@Sailor376also]

@@MarcFun Very simple answer and no question Go with the conventional Bradford 40 gallon. Install costs 1/4th. Unit purchase costs half Gas to heat the water? The conventional will cost 50 dollars a year additional gas. Roll it all together,, the tankless will save some gas,, but the dollars saved will require a 40 year pay back for you. Go with the conventional.. I might suggest,, HD carries the Rheem line. The 9 year warranty, tall, conventional is about 200 less than the Bradford. Bradford is a good unit. The 9 and 12 year warranty Rheems are quite good as well. There are several other excellent choices. BE AWARE,,, If you have recently gone to a high efficiency furnace with plastic intakes and vents,, is your hot water heater suitable for the size of your chimney? You may need a liner. If you go with a tankless,, you often,, often must increase the size of the supply line through the house or even the meter size. Expensive. Each choice may need additional considerations. If you now have a 40 gallon conventional and it works well,, (or used to) a new 40 gallon most likely will function well. Where there is a real benefit to the tankless is high hot water use. Three teen aged sons in the house,,, running the dishwasher at the same time as the shower,, doing a load of clothes,, and another,, and another,,, while filling the whirlpool tub. Etc.

[@bobstack54]

Thank you for such a clear and easy to understand explanation. I'm a homeowner and need to decide to replace conventional or go tankless. I think another pro for going tankless is the space saving factor. This was very helpful information, so thank you again. Hope the rest of this year gets better for all of us.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Bob! I’m glad the video was helpful. Hoping the same over here, stay safe! 🙂