
Water Heater Showdown: Tank vs. Tankless
Ah, the joys of hot water! We often take it for granted until our water heater throws in the towel. When it’s time to replace that old, inefficient water heater, you’re faced with a big decision: tank or tankless? Read on as we break down the pros and cons of both options, helping you make an informed choice for your home and family’s hot water needs.
The Tank Water Heater

Let’s start with the classic—the tank water heater. This appliance has been a staple in homes for decades. Here’s what you need to know.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Tank water heaters are generally more affordable upfront than tankless, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Easy Installation: If you’re replacing an old tank water heater, installing a new one is often straightforward and usually fits into the same space and uses the same connections.
- Reliable: Tank water heaters are known for their durability and longevity when properly maintained.
- Gas or Electric: Get the right fit for your home’s needs with both gas and electric models available. In general, an electric water heater will have a lower purchase price, but a gas system will heat water much faster.
Cons
- Limited Efficiency: These systems constantly heat and reheat water in the tank, even when you‘re not using hot water. This results in energy waste and higher utility bills.
- Limited Hot Water: Once the tank runs out of hot water, you’ll need to wait for it to heat up again, which can be frustrating during peak usage times.
- Space Requirements: Tank water heaters take up valuable space in your home, and if you need more hot water for your household, you’ll need a larger tank, which can be a space challenge.
The Tankless Water Heater

Now, let’s take a look at the more tech-savvy option—the tankless water heater.
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, which means they only use energy when you need hot water. This leads to energy savings and a lower utility bill!
- Unlimited Hot Water: Say goodbye to cold showers! Tankless heaters provide a continuous hot water supply, ideal for households with high hot water demands.
- Space-Saving: Tankless water heaters are compact and can be installed in smaller spaces, freeing up room in your home.
- Longevity: When properly maintained, a tankless water heater can last 15-20 years or more, while a tank water heater’s lifespan averages 8-12 years.
- Gas or Electric: Tankless water heaters also come in gas or electric models to ensure a perfect fit for all home needs. Electric units are, on average, more energy efficient, while gas water heaters tend to be more cost-efficient due to lower costs of natural gas and propane.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: Energy Star-certified tankless water heaters can be pricier to purchase and install, but they may pay for themselves over time through energy savings.
- Installation Complexity: Installing a tankless water heater may require changes to your home’s gas or electrical systems, which could increase installation costs.
- Maintenance: While they have a longer lifespan, tankless heaters may require periodic maintenance to prevent scaling and other issues.
Choosing the Right Size
Now that you understand the differences between a tank and tankless water heater, what size is right for you? There are a few key things to consider:
- Number of people in home
- Daily hot water usage
- Types of household appliances
- Local plumbing codes
Learn more in this episode of Goettl Homeowner Tips on YouTube.
Choosing between a tank and tankless water heater depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize lower upfront costs and have space to spare, a tank water heater might be a suitable choice. However, if energy efficiency, unlimited hot water, and saving space are your priorities, then a tankless water heater is the way to go.
Water (heater) you waiting for?
Ready to upgrade your water heater? Contact Goettl today for expert advice and professional installation services. Make the switch to a more efficient and reliable hot water system.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us
Thanks Clayton and Goettl!
The following day, Jesus Gloria came out to inspect and service my HVAC. Again, I couldn't have asked for better service. Jesus was knowledgeable and took extra steps to ensure there were no further issues with my unit.
I wouldn't think twice about using Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing again!
We discussed options and agreed that a detailed lcleaning and sewing of all the ducts should eliminate this problem. He discussed financing and, and returned the following morning to make all the arrangements. He also advised us not to continuously run the A/C fans when the unit was not cooling, which seems to have helped with the humidity already, even though the duct work isn’t scheduled for a few days hence.
It was a pleasure to work with a knowledgeable A/C technician who could quickly isolate the cause of our problem and arrange a solution.
Alex was great with tune up and customer service!
Darean Guerra was awesome and fotnthe job done. Thank you!
Jesus Gloria – Goettl Plumbing & A/C
Jesus Gloria was many things: professional, proficient, polite, easy to talk to, and a true pleasure to have in my home.
He’s exactly the kind of professional you want handling your service needs. Jesus explained everything clearly and patiently—no jargon, no pressure. Let’s be honest, customers like me can be tough—we want 5-star service on a shoestring budget—but Jesus never missed a beat.
I made several changes during the project—adding services, canceling others—and Jesus handled it all without delay. No need to call the office or rework paperwork. He updated the order, adjusted pricing, and gave me a clear face-to-face explanation on the spot. All same day.
That’s outstanding service.
Goettl may not be the cheapest company out there, but they’re professionals who exceed expectations and hire top-tier people like Jesus. That’s why I’ll remain a loyal customer.
Jesus Gloria has my back—and I have his.
Thank you
UPDATE: one of the area service managers contacted me after my review and apologized and stated they wanted to rectify the situation and asked about my service quote from the company I decided to go with. He wanted to do the service at the same price and deduct the $428 I previously paid for diagnosis and throw in 2 years of maintenance. He told me he would talk with his boss and call me the next morning. He told me to email the other quote. I emailed him and he gave me his number. I never heard from him again! He never called me the next day as he said he would or replied to my email at all. So I am now adding that they do not keep their word either to this review! Horrible way to do business. Go with ASC heating and air where they know how to treat people with compassion, keep their word, give free second opinions, have veteran discounts, great customer service- Marsha is great and so is Ron 😊
Nathan came by promptly and inspected plumbing, and caught an issue under warranty for us!
Just an update, Andrew Morgan came and rejuvenated our system and did a wonderful job. His communication was clear and efficient.
07/23/25 Update. After getting the new larger duct to the master bedroom, it still wasn’t cooling properly. Goettl sends out another tech that actually knew what he was doing. Tech Billy McDermott found the problem. There was an opening on the back of the unit in attic that was blowing cold air into the attic. Once he sealed it up, low and behold the cold air is now coming into the living areas and the set temp is holding. I am leaving this rating at one star because after several techs coming out and telling us it was an airflow issue and we spent an extra $6K on insulation, come to find out none of the techs including a supervisor could find the problem. From now on if we have issues with HVAC, I want Billy to come to our house.
AC not working again since Friday night (8/8/25). I contacted Goettl as instructed, not satisfied with the response, still waiting for resolution and contact/communication from a manager.
*****
7/30/25 Update:
Goettl assistant install supervisor Nacho and his crew (Manny & Julio) assessed the entire system again today. They were polite and professional and made sure all our concerns were heard and addressed. It is believed the issue has been identified and fixed. Thanks Goettl for making the situation right!
7/22/25 Update:
Issues continue. Techs to arrive again today. Updated review to follow pending outcome.
7/2025 Update:
Goettl service technicians have returned to assist with some issues. Both Ian P. and Will M. we're both very professional it was believed issues were resolved. Dispatcher Betty was also able to hear my issues and arrange for a tech to arrive as quickly as possible.
*****
Initial review 2/2025:
Jorge "George" was respectful and easy to communicate with. He listened and answered all our questions. Informed us of what and how Goettl could do with the 20+yr old system in our home, and gave us time and space make the best decision for us. So far very pleased with Goettl's professional conduct and standards.
Thanks you
What stood out the most was their attention to detail and genuine care for customer satisfaction. They took the time to assess my system thoroughly, offered honest recommendations, and completed the work efficiently without cutting corners. My home is now noticeably more comfortable, and I feel confident knowing everything was handled by true professionals.
If you’re looking for reliable, top-quality HVAC service, I highly recommend Goettl. They truly live up to their reputation and exceeded my expectations in every way.
Roger came for my rejuvenation appointment. He was very curtious and knowledgeable. I was happy he showed up prompt with great respect to my AC unit and property. I relaly appreciate him and his attention to detail. I would highly recommend him for any of your AC needs.
Jesus Gloria AC service review. He did a great job today and I would highly recommend him for any AC service needs. He was very knowledgeable and courteous. He helped add a surge protector on my outside unit for added protection. I look forward to working with him in the future.
Well, I had some plumbing issues at my residence, and I called "Goettl Plumbing." Great results, too 🤗.
My water wouldn't stay hot, and after contacting Justin at Goettl Plumbing, he sent out Frank, a service technician with over 20 years of plumbing experience. Frank spent a good bit of time studying/ evaluating my plumbing functions, consulted with an on-site Goettl supervisor, and determined my plumbing issues.
After they conferred those issues with Justin, a plan for resolution and payment was determined, and work started the next day.
Greg arrived that morning; accessed the work areas, determined the tools and equipment he needed, and got right to work.
By the end of the day, Greg had installed three (3) Replacement Single Handle Tub/Shower Valves, a Pressure reducing valve, and a Thermal expansion tank with vacuum breaker - - RESULTS: Hot Water 💧
In two days, I witnessed Super Communication, Super Teamwork, and some old-time "1990-1991" Professionalism ... thanks,
"GOETTL Air Conditioning & Plumbing" for A Job Well Done 👏🏼
After note. Cameron came back by a day later to check on readings he wasn't able to get on first appointment. I have high confidence in his work. I'm very likely to work with them again
Brayan and Marcos did an awesome job on the new ac installation. Installed with no issues and has been on ever since. Perfect time with summer coming up. Walked through and job was very clean and organized. Great work ethic. Great guys.
Update - our air conditioner went out today (10/26/23) and JEHAD showed up to repair the issue but the issue was bigger than expected. Tomorrow we will have a brand new system! Goettl is an EPIC firm that treats customers right. Thank you again JEHAD for going above and beyond.
Goettl is the epitome of what excellent customer service is! Our Drain King, DAREAN, addressed all of our questions and concerns and not only unclogged our drain but went above and beyond to show us our drains leading to the street were free and clear of any other issues. Thank you Darean and thank you Goettl for a great experience!
Update: great experience with Edgar Loredo who kept it real with us and was very transparent. I appreciate his honesty and recommendations. Will be requesting him as our technician in the future if we choose to use Goettl
2/15/23
Thank you, Jorge G. Again for being so honest about our unit issues.
Kathy
H. Navarro
Frank Soto, plumber was very thorough in his assessment of the problem. Provided options and was patient in waiting for our decision. We are very pleased with Frank's knowledge plus his warm personality was a plus. Thank you Frank.
H. Navarro
Jeremy Ortega service tech did an excellent job removing, cleaning and reinstalling the flame sensors along with servicing the HVAC blowers. We are set for the next 2 years. Thanks again Jeremy.
H. Navarro
Thank you!
09/19/2024 - Husam Ismail did an outstanding job!!! Very personable and honest, so far with my experience with
Goettl he is the best technician that i have encountered.
02/11/2024 - Josh L. did a fabulous job!!! He was very personable and fast. Great experience, I would recommend Goettl to anyone.
Today is 21 July Sam stopped by and service was excellent 👌. Ralph was excellent, great customer service
Thank you goettl
Explain testing and clarified cost.
I was impressed.