Choosing a water heater is one of the biggest decisions Pittsburgh homeowners face. Your water heater accounts for nearly 20% of your home energy costs, and the wrong choice can mean cold showers, wasted money, or both. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tank and tankless water heaters to help you make the right decision for your home.
Tank Water Heaters
How Tank Water Heaters Work
A tank water heater stores 40 to 80 gallons of water in an insulated tank and keeps it heated to a set temperature at all times, using either gas burners or electric heating elements. When you open a hot water tap, heated water flows out from the top of the tank and cold water enters at the bottom to be heated. The first-hour rating tells you how much hot water the unit can deliver in the first hour of use, which is the most important spec for sizing.
Advantages
- Lower upfront cost: $800 to $1,500 fully installed
- Simpler installation that typically takes 2 to 4 hours
- Works with any fuel type including natural gas, propane, and electric
- Easy and inexpensive to maintain
- Proven, reliable technology with decades of track record
Disadvantages
- Limited hot water supply that can run out with heavy use
- Shorter lifespan of 8 to 12 years on average
- Higher energy bills from heating water 24 hours a day
- Large footprint requiring dedicated floor space
- Risk of tank failure and significant water damage
Top Tank Brands We Recommend
Our most popular tank brand. Excellent efficiency ratings, industry-leading warranty, and consistent reliability across all models.
Known for outstanding energy efficiency ratings and innovative features. Their Voltex hybrid models are among the most efficient on the market.
Made in the USA with commercial-grade components in their residential line. Excellent build quality and long service life.
Tankless Water Heaters
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
A tankless water heater heats water on demand as it flows through the unit. When you turn on a hot water tap, a flow sensor activates the gas burner or electric element, heating the water as it passes through a heat exchanger. There is no storage tank, so you never run out of hot water. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute, and most residential units provide 8 to 11 GPM with gas and 3 to 5 GPM with electric.
Advantages
- Unlimited hot water supply that never runs out
- Long lifespan of 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance
- Up to 30% energy savings compared to tank models
- Compact wall-mounted design saves valuable floor space
- No risk of catastrophic tank failure and flooding
- May qualify for energy rebates and tax credits
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost: $2,500 to $4,500 fully installed
- May require a gas line upgrade or electrical panel upgrade
- Hard water can reduce efficiency and require more maintenance
- Slight delay before hot water arrives at the tap
- Adding a recirculation pump costs an additional $300 to $500
Top Tankless Brands We Recommend
Our number one recommendation. Industry-best efficiency ratings, excellent warranty program, and advanced features like built-in recirculation.
Extremely reliable with a proven track record spanning decades. Excellent customer support and a wide range of models for every need.
Great value with solid performance. Their mid-range tankless models offer the best price-to-performance ratio on the market.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tank | Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $800 - $1,500 | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Lifespan | 8 - 12 years | 15 - 20 years |
| Energy Savings | Baseline | Up to 30% less |
| Hot Water Supply | Limited by tank size | Unlimited |
| Space Required | 5 ft x 2 ft floor space | Wall-mounted, 2 ft x 1 ft |
| Maintenance | Annual flush | Annual flush + descaling |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, moderate use | Large families, high usage, long-term savings |
Summit's Recommendation
For households with one to two people and moderate hot water usage, a high-efficiency tank water heater is usually the best value. The lower upfront cost makes it the smart choice if budget is a primary concern or if you plan to sell the home within the next five years.
For families of three or more, or homes with high hot water demand like multiple bathrooms being used simultaneously, we strongly recommend a tankless unit. The higher upfront cost is offset by energy savings and the significantly longer lifespan. If you plan to stay in your home for ten or more years, a tankless water heater will almost always save money over its lifetime.
Our team will evaluate your specific situation including household size, usage patterns, existing infrastructure, and budget to give you a personalized recommendation at no cost.
Pittsburgh-Specific Considerations
Hard Water Impact
Pittsburgh water has moderate hardness levels that affect both tank and tankless water heaters. Mineral buildup reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan. We recommend installing a water softener to protect your investment regardless of which type you choose.
Cold Inlet Water Temperature
Pittsburgh winter inlet water temperatures can drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This affects tankless flow rates since the unit has to work harder to achieve the desired output temperature. We size tankless units based on winter temperatures to ensure year-round performance.
Gas vs Electric
Most Pittsburgh homes have natural gas service, making gas water heaters the most cost-effective option for both tank and tankless. If your home is all-electric, heat pump water heaters offer excellent efficiency for tank-style, while electric tankless may require a panel upgrade to 200 amps.
Local Rebates
Many tankless and heat pump water heaters qualify for utility rebates and federal energy tax credits. Our team stays current on all available incentives and will help you maximize your savings when upgrading your water heater.