
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




Goettl is not cheap, although their service visit is very inexpensive, their quotes are almost always considerably higher. The service from an employee like Gilbert, however, is the sole reason why I would even consider entertaining a higher cost.

you Goettl!













William came out for warranty work in September and quickly got our issue diagnosed and up and working again. It's always scary when your AC goes out in Texas, so I appreciate the effort to get the work done and resolved quickly.


Recommend Highly!

He certainly understands what Customer Service is all about!
Joey was on time, well-mannered, and very professional. He took care of our problem, took time to explain all aspects of the project in detail, and left the work area nice and clean.
We will definitely utilize Goettl’s services in the future, as needed and have nothing but the highest praise for Joey Martin!


Tai Fernandez-Estabillo, service rep is excellent. I deal with a lot of contractors in my student housing operation and he is at the top of his field. Proud to know him. Thanks fir the professional service Tai.





A super valuable employee to have, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH SHANE!!!!! 5 STARS FOR SURE!🥳





I would recommend him.


Update: December 2025: Kaelyn Nuss did a great job with our annual plumbing service!




Junior and Anthony just came out to finish the hvac job in my complicated 106 year old house. They were kind and professional, just all round great young me who know their craft. My heat works great and i do not have to go into the attic anymore to change the filters.




Thermostat. Stopped working on Monday night 10/20 /2025. GOETTL Tech. Kevin Andrew text to notify me of his ETA. Was very punctual. Explain what the problem was, he checked it out , went up to attic and found the problem. Explain to me the issues that was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. Went into detail explaining to me what was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. He was very professionalc and ourteous.
Thank you Kevin... Blessings

Explained everything clearly and was very respectful..
Thanks for a job well done Frank.




















As usual we are very satisfied with Goettl





Jeremy come out and fixed a loose wire, had me cooled off in seconds.





















I had such a good experience with Goettl the last time, that I decided to use them again for HVAC. Kevin was the technician assigned to my job. He was very professional and provided me with a thorough and accurate diagnosis. He patiently explained everything to me and walked me through the recommended repairs and even shared alternative solutions. I have the information I need and feel comfortable moving forward. I’m in good hands. I will be requesting him as my technician for all future calls.

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?








We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands

We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands








Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.
















A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.











Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister







The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.






They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.



