Tankless heaters get a lot of hype — and they deserve some of it. But they're not the right answer for every home.
Upfront cost
A 50-gallon gas tank installed runs about $1,450. A whole-home tankless unit is typically $2,800–$3,400 once venting and gas line upgrades are included.
Running cost and lifespan
Tankless units use 20–30% less energy and last 20 years versus 10–12 for a tank. Over two decades, most families come out ahead.
The deciding question
How many showers run at the same time? If it's regularly three or more, a high-recovery tank or two tankless units in series may be the better fit.