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Tanked vs Tankless Water Heaters: How to Choose

By Aztil –

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Your choice of water heaters will shape the comfort and functionality of your home. Traditional tanked water heaters maintain a reservoir of hot water but can be drained. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. but they have a limited flow rate. Each has both advantages and disadvantages that are worthy of consideration. Which is better for your home? Understanding the differences can help you choose the right water heating system for your home and lifestyle.

Join us in a detailed comparison of tanked vs tankless water heaters and how to choose between them.

Tanked Water Heaters

Tanked water heaters store water in a large metal tank. These tanks range from 20 to 80 gallons. The water is then heated using heating elements at the bottom of the tank, up to the set temperature of the unit. This water is maintained at the hot temperature until it is needed and the heating cycle restarts if the water cools or if new room-temperature water is added after the tank is drained.

When you turn on a hot water tap, hot water is drawn from the top of the tank, and new cold water is added to the bottom, where it can be most quickly heated.

Pros:

  • Large Volume, Large Flow – Tanked water heaters can provide a lot of hot water all at once, to multiple taps and appliances.
  • Low-Cost Installation – Tanked water heaters cost less initially to purchase and install compared to tankless systems.
  • Simple Technology – It is easy to understand, clean, and repair tanked water heaters.

Cons:

  • Limited Supply – It is possible to fully drain the tank and run out of hot water.
  • Refill/Reheat Delay – If the water heater is drained, it takes time to refill and reheat a new tank of water
  • Not Energy Efficient – Tanked water heaters reheat unused water all the time, which is not energy efficient.
  • Large Size – The tank takes up a large area in your utility space.
  • Maintenance – Tank water heaters build up scale and must be regularly flushed. Flushing involves draining and vinegar rinsing or scrubbing the inside and heating elements.
  • Thermal Expansion – You may require thermal expansion tanks to accommodate water expanding as it heats.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are on-demand. They heat water as it flows through the unit using a gas burner or electric element heating a conductive pipe. Tankless water heaters can provide a potentially infinite amount of hot water while only heating when water is running through the pipe.

Pros:

  • Energy Efficient – Tankless water heaters only heat when the tap is running.
  • Unlimited Hot Water – There is no ‘running out of hot water’ because water is heated on demand.
  • Tidy Size – Tankless water heaters take up much less space with no need for a large tank.

Cons:

  • Limited Flow Rate – Tankless water can supply a limited number of gallons per minute. This means limited support for multiple taps and appliances.
  • Higher Installation Cost – A tankless water heater is initially more costly than a tanked water heater to purchase and install.
  • Complex Installation – Tankless water heaters are in-line, and therefore more complex to install into your plumbing. They may also require an upgrade to your home’s electrical system or gas line.
  • High Maintenance – Tankless water heaters must be constantly cleaned and maintained for optimal performance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing

Household Size and Hot Water Demand

If you have a big family or need to run multiple water appliances at once, a tanked water heater may be ideal. Smaller households with limited all-at-once hot water demand is more suitable for a tankless water heater.

However, a tankless water heater can also be installed to supply hot water to only a few selected taps, like bathrooms but not laundry.

Energy Efficiency

If your goal is energy efficiency, a tankless water heater is the superior choice. Tanked water heaters are significantly less energy efficient.

Installation Space

Tanked water heaters need a big utility space, but many homes already have this space available. Tankless water heaters fit more easily into tight spaces and can be added to a home design more easily.

Initial Budget

Tankless water heaters are more costly than tanked water heaters, so your total budget may influence your choice.

Long-Term Savings

Tanked water heaters cost more in power bills due to the constant power cycles to keep a large tank of water hot and available.

Selecting the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Determining the best water heater for your home depends on your household, lifestyle, budget, and preferences. With a larger home or budget, you can use both for different taps and purposes. Tanked water heaters are more suitable for a smaller budget and tankless water heaters are more suitable for a smaller home.

Understanding the differences can help you choose the best option for your household’s water heating needs. If you’d prefer an in-home assessment with a plumbing service professional, Aztil is here to help. Contact us today to discuss the best water heater solution for your home and lifestyle.

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What Our Clients Think Of Us


Jorge and Dave we’re extremely professional. The AC installation was done quickly and meticulously. I can’t recommend them enough!
Dana, my service tech did an amazing job to keep my AC up and running. He contacted me on his i, and was here in a flash.

He also updated me on the condition of the AC for the future, made some recommendations for me to consider.

Keep Dana on my service list and THANK YOU DANA!!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Jeanne, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Dana did a excellent job. He listened as to what was wrong as if he really cared. I would reccommend him to anyone. Very nice and respectable and he knew what he was doing.
Response from the owner:Hi Pat, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Niko was excellent. Very happy with his service. Explained everything and was very professional.

Yesterday no ac!! Yikes. Dana was the technician who did not leave our house until he discovered and fixed the problem. Believe me, he missed dinner and this was a Friday night. Couldn’t be happier. Dana was so professional and knowledgeable. So happy we bought from Aztil and have a service contract with them. If you ever think it’s not worth having the service contract in case of emergency, when you have no ac and it’s sweltering outside, you will be so happy you made a smart decision! Thank you Dana and Aztil.
Response from the owner:Hi E. R., thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Ramon was very thorough.
Response from the owner:Hi Michael, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Rafael
Was very informative, polite, and to the point in explaining warranty information, and what parts was needed for my air conditioner.

I look forward yo his next visit in 6 months.
Keeps us up to date.
Response from the owner:Hi Erlene, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rafael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Ramon did an excellent job in servicing my air conditioners. He also called the office to get the permit issue resolved. He informed me that Aztil was recently sold and he is enthusiastic about the new management. I also see an improvement in the communication in the past month.
Response from the owner:Hi Michael, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
The service tech Ramon did an excellent job doing maintenance on my ac and fixed my plaster on top of the ac unit!! Highly recommend!!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Chris, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
I scheduled a routine check up and Cody came to my home. He was so knowledgable and found issues with AC and fixed them on the spot. He also found a major issue on my roof and I immediately called the HOA. I will definitely be asking him to come back for my next check up

Excellent Customer service Kudos Cody !!
Response from the owner:Hi Evee, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cody did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
I appreciate the online appointment system and the follow up communication until the Tech arrives. Dana, the technician on my job was terrific. He was very thorough and courteous, willing to answer all of my questions with clarity. The only thing that keeps me from awarding a 5 was the price. The service was very satisfying and Dana was exemplary.
Response from the owner:Hi Brett, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Cody did an excellent job. He finished in a timely manner and answered the questions I asked him.
Response from the owner:Hi Benjamin, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cody did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
I scheduled a routine check-up. Aztil canceled on me and the next appointment was 3 weeks later, so I was not happy about that. However, when my technician Ramon showed up, he was very thorough and efficient. He explained what he was doing and made good suggestions to maintain my AC. I was very happy with his work.
Response from the owner:Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Dana came to my house today. So impressed! He was courteous and knowledgeable. Fixed the problem quickly! Five stars!.
Response from the owner:Dear Cheryl Feldman, thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with Dana. We're delighted to hear that he provided courteous and knowledgeable service while fixing the problem efficiently. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your five-star rating. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Albert Rodriquez was through and professional. Great service
Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Albert did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Great job by Barreto
Response from the owner:Hi Alejandro, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Asiel did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Michael was amazing today on our emergency air conditioning needs. He went above and beyond to accomplish getting our unit up and running!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Denise, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Ramon was amazing !!!! Awesome job !!!
Response from the owner:Hi Kerry, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Response from the owner:Hi Doris, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Ramon Serpa is the best! He performed the maintenance check on my A/C and when I told him about my husband’s allergy problems, he suggested UV lights which would improve the air quality. He installed these for me explaining the process in detail. He is the best technician we have ever had with Aztil.
Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
I've been using Aztil for over 20 years across 4 homes in Florida. From general services to complete A/C replacements, I wouldn't trust anyone else. My recent service in Port St. Lucie with Nico was excellent and he was very helpful in going over all of my HVAC system and answered a few questions I had.
I highly recommend Aztil for any HVAC issues or general maintenance.
Response from the owner:Hi Ralph, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
I cannot speak highly enough of our super kind technician, Randy, who came out to assess our AC today. Randy took the time to walk us through photos of the issues in our AC and offered to take care of it ASAP as he already had the parts in his truck - LOVE the preparedness! Aztil Air Conditioning is superior and we will request Randy on a go forward basis.

UPDATE 6/17/25 - Exceptional Service from True Professionals - Highly Recommend!

We recently had our ducts cleaned and sealed, plus our dryer vent serviced by Jordan and Hero from Aztil Air Conditioning, and I cannot say enough good things about their work. From the moment they arrived, these two demonstrated exactly what professional service should look like.

What impressed us most was their commitment to education - they took the time to walk both my husband and me through every step of the process, explaining not just what they were doing, but why it mattered for our home's efficiency and air quality. It's rare to find technicians who are so patient and thorough in their explanations.

Beyond their technical expertise, Jordan and Hero showed genuine respect for our home and our comfort level throughout the entire job. They worked with care and consideration, treating our space as if it were their own. As homeowners, we've all had those experiences where workers leave you feeling uneasy - this was the complete opposite. We felt completely at ease having them in our home.

Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail set them apart in an industry where those qualities aren't always guaranteed. If you're looking for HVAC services you can trust, don't hesitate to call Aztil Air Conditioning. Jordan and Hero will take excellent care of you and your home.

Five stars - we'll definitely be calling them for any future needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you Jessica for your positive feedback. I'm glad you were happy with the support we provided. Please keep us in mind for any HVAC needs.
Rick was terrific. Knowledgeable fast, courteous. We hope if we need a/c work, he's the one who comes out.
Response from the owner:Hi Hal, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rick did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Very professional, knowledgeable, and accomplished the tasks requested..Would recommend to others.
Response from the owner:Hi Judy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Jordan was excellant. Went above and beyond listening and talking me through everything.
Response from the owner:Hi Mark, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Thank you Alex who diagnosed my AC issue quickly,! your superior technical skills and customer service have not gone unnoticed. Alex made my experience a pleasant one, even though my AC motor went and it needs to be ordered, the good news is it’s under warranty🤷🏼‍♂️
Response from the owner:Hi Stephen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Today I had a repair/replacement done by Alex Molina
Alex is knowledgeable and explains what has to be done and it will be done
He is very polite, cleans up after himself and never complained about being in the sun for the number of hours that he had to be there to work
If anybody needs work and is lucky enough for Alex Molina to be your tech all will be done right
Thank you, Alex
Response from the owner:Hi Helen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
On the ball. Courteous and efficient. Initially forgot to install cement pad, but did so when deficiency pointed out to him. Generally very pleased.
Response from the owner:Hi John, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Michael King gave me outstanding service for a recent maintenance visit. He is informative, polite and above all professional. He answered all my questions and gave me good tips for ongoing maintenance.
Response from the owner:Hi Wendy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Response from the owner:Hi Sharon, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Good job
Response from the owner:Hi Nancy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
They were excellent
Response from the owner:Hi fjoe270, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Response from the owner:Hi Norman, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Alez molina was excellent! Kind, proficient and efficient. Worked quickly. Am so grateful.
Response from the owner:Hi Diana, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Jordan & Herolson did a great job cleaning my ductwork. They arrived on time, were very nice, polite & efficient. Jordan explained everything clearly. They cleaned up thoroughly when they were done. The popcorn from my ceilings was everywhere, but they took care of it. Five stars.
Response from the owner:Hi Lisa thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan and Hero did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Niko is always a competent , pleasant professional who assists me with my air conditioning units.

AZTIL responds to my calls in a timely manner.
Response from the owner:Hi Debra, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Jordan an hero where effective angel. They explained evdrthing and extremely pleasant
Response from the owner:Hi Carol, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Tino was friendly, professional and very helpful
Response from the owner:Hi Karen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tino did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Dana was great!! Suggested a cut off switch to stop the water backup
Installed it right away
Response from the owner:Hi Mel, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Aztil is always so reliable.
Dana came today, diagnosed my A/C problem and took care of right away.
Terrific service! Thank you, Dana!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Best workers, Jordan,and Hero.
Response from the owner:Hi Virginia, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan and Hero did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Thanks to Aztil AC! One of our A/C units broke down unexpectedly, and Anthony got Lazaro out to us right away the next morning. Lazaro was excellent and he found the problem with our unit very quickly. We really appreciate their quick action and professional expertise. Outstanding service from start to finish!
Response from the owner:Hi Jake, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Anthony and Lazaro did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Just has Dana come as soon as Aztil can get there team there for our family. Dana was friendly, professional and knew his stuff.
Response from the owner:Hi Justin, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
The AC maintenance service was excellent. Niko Garza was professional, helpful, kind, and was instrumental in arranging for the next Senior Technician to solve the AC problem that I am having. That service will be sometime today. He also recommended the dryer vent cleaning and the in-line AC cleaning, of which I scheduled for Monday and paid today. My husband has been very ill for the past 4 years and in the hospital right now. Aztil has arranged the services, after Niko explained the situation, so that they will be completed before he comes home because a patient on oxygen and a feeding tube cannot be without power to the whole house, even a short shut down would endanger him. Thank you Niko!

Technician Rick Cochran did an excellent job replacing the AC breaker and ensuring that everything was in correct working condition. I really appreciated his kindness and professional demeanor. Thank you Rick!

Today Technician Alex Molina completed the services (dryer lint trap cleaning and inline air handler cleaning). Once again, I was fortunate to have a professional, gracious, and thoughtful person come to my house to perform the services. Thank you so much Alex!

June 2 2025 Thank you Cody! It is a relief to finally have the A/C back to what it should be. The replacement of the coil is probably what was needed a month ago. Rather than dwell on what was, I truly appreciate the replacement service and how kind you were to a grieving widow.
Response from the owner:Hi Admonis, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Angel and his crew
Response from the owner:Hi Don, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Angel did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Tino Costanzo did an excellent job. Extremely helpful in adding to the efficiency of the operation of our air conditioning unit.
Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tino did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
This is the second time Michael King has serviced my AC for AZTIL. He is always pleasant and courteous. He explains all he does to the unit and answers all questions I may have. He is very thorough. Great asset to the company. The trainee (Skyler) with him today has a very good teacher and seems to be on his way to being a positive service tech.
Response from the owner:Hi Walter, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael and Skyler did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Response from the owner:Hi Steven, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

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