Tankless water heaters save energy and space. They also cost more to install, especially in older homes that need a bigger gas line.

When a tank makes sense

If your current tank is in a basement with good venting and you want hot water back today, a like-for-like tank is the cheaper, faster fix.

When tankless pays off

Bigger households, homes short on space and anyone planning to stay ten years or more tend to come out ahead.

The altitude detail

At 5,280 feet gas appliances lose some output. Make sure any quote uses a unit rated for altitude, or you’ll get lukewarm showers in January.