When an old water heater finally gives out, most Lombard homeowners face the same question: replace it with another tank, or switch to tankless? Both can keep showers hot through a Chicago-area winter, but they work very differently. Here is how they compare, and which tends to fit DuPage County homes best.
How Each One Works
A tank water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons (sometimes more) of water hot and ready at all times. When you open a faucet, hot water flows out of the tank and cold water refills it to be heated.
A tankless water heater heats water only when you need it. Water passes through a powerful gas burner or electric element on its way to the faucet. There is no stored hot water, so it never runs out, but it can only heat so much water at once.
Tankless: The Pros and Cons
- More energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless units are 24% to 34% more energy efficient than storage tanks in homes that use 41 gallons of hot water or less a day, and 8% to 14% more efficient in homes that use around 86 gallons a day.
- Endless hot water. Back-to-back showers will not drain it.
- Longer life. The DOE notes most tankless units last more than 20 years, compared with 10 to 15 years for a tank.
- Limited flow at once. Most units deliver 2 to 5 gallons per minute. Running two showers and the dishwasher together can push a single unit to its limit.
- Higher upfront investment. Switching often means new venting, a larger gas line and electrical work, especially in older homes.
- Needs power. Tankless units need electricity to run, so they will not make hot water during a power outage.
Tank: The Pros and Cons
- Simpler replacement. Swapping an old tank for a new one usually uses the same gas line, venting and space.
- Handles several fixtures at once. A full tank can supply a shower, laundry and kitchen at the same time, until it runs out.
- Works in an outage. Many standard gas tanks keep heating without electricity.
- Standby heat loss. A tank keeps reheating stored water around the clock, which uses more energy.
- Can run out. A large family can drain the tank during busy mornings.
- Shorter life. Sediment from hard water builds up in the bottom of the tank over time. If yours is already making noise, read why your water heater is popping.
What Lombard Homeowners Should Consider
Cold winter water
From November through February, the water coming into Lombard homes from Lake Michigan is very cold. A tankless unit has to raise that water temperature much further in winter than in summer, which lowers how many gallons per minute it can deliver. Your plumber should size a tankless unit for January conditions, not July.
Gas lines and venting in older homes
Many homes in Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park have gas lines sized for a standard tank. A high-output tankless heater often needs a larger gas line and new venting, which should be checked before you decide.
Hard water and maintenance
Lake Michigan water still carries minerals. Tankless units need descaling about once a year, and tanks need regular flushing. A water softener can reduce scale in either one.
Household size
Couples and small families who rarely run hot water in two places at once are great fits for tankless. Larger families with several bathrooms may need a bigger tankless unit, two units, or a high-capacity tank.
Which One Is Right for You?
Tankless may be the better choice if you plan to stay in your home for many years, want lower energy use and endless hot water, and your gas line and venting can support it.
A tank may be the better choice if your current tank just failed and you need hot water fast, your household uses lots of hot water at the same time, or you want a straightforward replacement with no gas or venting changes.
Not sure your current heater is on its way out? Our article on 7 signs your water heater is about to fail can help.
Talk to a Local Plumber
Every home is different, so the best choice depends on your gas line, venting, space and how your family uses hot water. Call Plumbing Lombard at (630) 403-0888 or visit our water heater repair page. We help Lombard homeowners with gas, electric and tankless water heaters, and our line is answered 24/7 if you are without hot water.
