- 1). Understand the difference between how each type of gas water heater operates. The tankless water heaters heat up the hot water you require on an "as-needed" basis. Tank water heaters have a constant store of hot water in their tanks.
- 2). Research the pros and cons of each type. Tank water heaters can store up to 80 or more gallons of hot water at one time, but because this water is kept hot, this type of water heater tends to use a lot of energy. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, have a limited amount of hot water that can be provided per minute, usually up to about 3.5 gallons, but because they do not store heated water, they use less energy and are more environmentally friendly.
- 3). Figure out where you can install your hot water heater. The tank and tankless options can be stored in different areas. Tank water heaters can be installed on the floor of a closet, basement or garage, but they tend to be larger. Tankless water heaters are smaller and can hang on the wall, giving you more space on your floor.
- 4). Keep price in mind as you compare tank and tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters tend to cost more upfront, but they can help you save money in the long run with their energy efficiency. While tank models are less efficient, they do cost less upfront. More efficient models of tank water heaters are available on the market.
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