Water Heater Comparison
Compare tank, tankless, and heat pump water heaters. Compare costs, lifespan, pros and cons to find the best option for your project.
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Tank Water Heater | $800 - $1,500 installed | 8-12 years |
|
| Budget-conscious, homes with gas service |
| Electric Tank Water Heater | $600 - $1,200 installed | 10-15 years |
|
| Homes without gas, low upfront budget |
| Tankless Gas | $2,500 - $4,500 installed | 20+ years |
|
| Large families, efficiency priority, space-limited |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $2,000 - $4,000 installed | 10-15 years |
|
| Warm climates, garages/basements, efficiency priority |
Gas Tank Water Heater
$800 - $1,500 installedLifespan: 8-12 years
Pros
- • Lowest upfront cost
- • Simple technology
- • Fast recovery
Cons
- • Standby heat loss
- • Takes up space
- • Can run out of hot water
Best for: Budget-conscious, homes with gas service
Electric Tank Water Heater
$600 - $1,200 installedLifespan: 10-15 years
Pros
- • Lowest install cost
- • No gas line needed
- • Simple operation
Cons
- • Higher operating cost
- • Slow recovery
- • Standby heat loss
Best for: Homes without gas, low upfront budget
Tankless Gas
$2,500 - $4,500 installedLifespan: 20+ years
Pros
- • Unlimited hot water
- • Space saving
- • Energy efficient
Cons
- • High upfront cost
- • May need gas line upgrade
- • Flow rate limits
Best for: Large families, efficiency priority, space-limited
Heat Pump Water Heater
$2,000 - $4,000 installedLifespan: 10-15 years
Pros
- • Most efficient electric
- • Lower operating cost
- • Tax credits available
Cons
- • Higher upfront cost
- • Needs warm air space
- • Slower recovery
Best for: Warm climates, garages/basements, efficiency priority
Which Option Is Right for You?
Gas Tank Water Heater
Budget-conscious, homes with gas service
Electric Tank Water Heater
Homes without gas, low upfront budget
Tankless Gas
Large families, efficiency priority, space-limited
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