I'm looking to replace my old 40-gallon natural gas water heater that's about 20 years old. It's been running out of hot water quickly, especially during showers. I've received two estimates: one for a straightforward replacement with a Rheem 40-gallon tank at $1800, and another for a switch to a Navien tankless system at $5000. The second quote was higher, $2900 for a Bradford 50-gallon tank with some necessary plumbing updates, or $7000 for their tankless option. The second contractor seemed more knowledgeable and identified several issues with the first tech's proposal. Since there are three of us living at home and we hope to use a Jacuzzi weekly, which of these options would be best for long-term use?
2 Answers
I've got a similar setup with a 40-gallon tank, and honestly, it works well for my big family. We can take long showers without running out of hot water. I even added a circulating pump that really helps with waiting times. If you're mostly looking for steady hot water, maybe stick with a tank for now!
Before deciding, consider the cost of natural gas in your area. Tankless systems can be amazing, but be ready for the maintenance they require. In some places, it's tough to find good service support for them, which can be a hassle if something goes wrong. Plus, some folks complain about the 'cold water sandwich' effect with tankless heaters, where you might wait for hot water after a shower, so weigh those pros and cons!
True! It's a good idea to check the availability of service technicians before going tankless.