Tank or tankless in Las Vegas?
Tankless is not automatically better. In Las Vegas the deciding factors are usually hard water upkeep, your gas line, and how long you plan to stay.
The short version
| Tank | Tankless | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, often much higher with gas line or venting changes |
| Hot water | Runs out when the tank is empty | Endless, but limited by flow rate |
| Hard water upkeep | Flush the tank, check the anode rod | Regular descaling is required |
| Space | Big tank in the garage or closet | Small unit on the wall |
| Typical life | Shorter | Longer when maintained |
Things that add cost to a tankless switch
- Gas line size. Gas tankless units burn much more gas at once than a tank. Many homes need a bigger gas line from the meter.
- Venting. Tankless units need their own venting, which is often different from the old tank's flue.
- Permit. A tank to tankless change needs a permit in Clark County and the valley cities. See permits.
When tankless makes sense
- You plan to stay long enough for the lower energy use and longer life to pay back the higher price.
- You will actually descale it, or pay someone to.
- You run out of hot water with a tank, or you want the garage space back.
When a tank makes sense
- You want the lowest upfront cost.
- You might sell the house in a few years.
- Your gas line or venting would need expensive changes.
Common questions
Is tankless worth it in Las Vegas?
It can be if you stay in the home for years and keep up with descaling, which hard Las Vegas water makes more important. If the switch needs a new gas line and venting, the payback takes longer.