Choosing the right water heater for your Pasadena home is a decision that impacts daily comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. With options like tankless (on-demand) and traditional tank water heaters available, homeowners often find themselves weighing pros, cons, and sizing needs.
At Pershing Plumbing, our licensed Pasadena Plumbing experts have installed, maintained, and repaired both systems for decades. In this guide, we’ll break down key considerations, share local insights, and provide actionable tips to help you decide which system is right for your household.
Understanding Tankless and Tank Water Heaters
Before diving into comparisons, let’s clarify how each system operates:Tank Water Heaters
- How they work: Store 20–80 gallons of preheated water in insulated tanks.
- Energy source: Gas, electric, or solar-powered.
- Common in: Older homes, properties with straightforward hot water needs.
Tankless Water Heaters
- How they work: Heat water on demand via high-powered burners or electric coils—no storage tank.
- Energy source: Gas or electric.
- Growing popularity: Modern homes, eco-conscious households, or those with high hot water usage.
Pros and Cons: Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters: The Benefits
- Endless Hot Water
- Unlike tanks, which deplete preheated water, tankless systems deliver hot water whenever needed. Ideal for large families or homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Pershing Plumbing Tip: Perfect for Pasadena’s chilly winters—no cold showers after back-to-back laundry and dishwashing cycles!
- Energy Efficiency
- Use 24–34% less energy than tanks by avoiding standby heat loss (studies by Energy.gov).
- Save $100+ annually on utility bills (varies by household size and usage).
- Space-Saving Design
- Wall-mounted units are 80% smaller than tanks, freeing up garage, basement, or closet space.
- Longer Lifespan
- Last 20+ years vs. 10–15 years for tanks.
Tankless Drawbacks
- Higher Upfront Cost: Units cost 2–3x more than tanks. Installation can raise prices further if retrofitting (e.g., new gas lines).
- Output Limits: Simultaneous use (shower + dishwasher) may strain electric models.
- Complex Repairs: Specialized technicians like Pershing Plumbing’s team are essential for maintenance.
Tank Water Heaters: The Benefits
- Lower Initial Cost
- Affordable units ($500–$1,500) and simpler installations suit budget-focused homeowners.
- Simpler Maintenance
- Easy-to-replace components like heating elements or anode rods.
- Familiarity & Compatibility
- Work seamlessly with older plumbing systems, avoiding retrofitting costs.
Tank Drawbacks
- Energy Waste: Standby heat loss accounts for 17% of a home’s energy use (DOE).
- Limited Hot Water: Larger households often face shortages.
- Space-Hogging: Bulky tanks consume valuable square footage.
Sizing Your Water Heater: Expert Tips from Pershing Plumbing
Proper sizing is critical for performance and efficiency. Here’s how our Pasadena Plumbers approach it:
Sizing Tankless Water Heaters
- Flow Rate (GPM): Calculate the gallons per minute needed for concurrent tasks.
- Example: Shower (2.5 GPM) + dishwasher (1.5 GPM) = 4 GPM minimum.
- Temperature Rise: Factor in Pasadena’s average groundwater temperature (~60°F). To reach 120°F, the system must raise water by 60°F.
- Gas vs. Electric: Gas units handle higher GPM demands; electric suits smaller households.
Pershing Plumbing Recommendation: For a 3-bathroom home, opt for a 9–10 GPM gas tankless unit.
Sizing Tank Water Heaters
- Household Size:
- 1–2 people: 30–40 gallons
- 3–4 people: 50–60 gallons
- 5+ people: 80+ gallons
- First-Hour Rating (FHR): The number of gallons a tank can supply in an hour. Match this to peak usage times.
Pershing Plumbing Insight: Oversizing tanks wastes energy. Let our technicians assess your usage patterns for the perfect fit.
Pershing Plumbing’s Recommendations for Pasadena Homes
After thousands of installations, here’s when we advise Pasadena homeowners to choose tankless or tank systems:
Choose Tankless If You…
- Have high hot water demands (e.g., teens, frequent guests).
- Want long-term energy savings (despite higher upfront costs).
- Value space efficiency in smaller homes or condos.
Choose a Tank If You…
- Prioritize low upfront costs.
- Have a smaller household with predictable usage.
- Prefer straightforward maintenance and repairs.
Bonus Tip: Pair either system with a water softener to combat Pasadena’s hard water, which can reduce heater lifespan.
Why Trust Pershing Plumbing?
As a family-owned business serving Pasadena for over 25 years, we combine local expertise with transparent service:
- Free Consultations: We assess your needs and recommend cost-effective solutions.
- Licensed Installers: Every job meets California plumbing codes.
- Emergency Repairs: Available 24/7 for leaks, malfunctions, or sudden breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
Both tankless and tank water heaters have unique strengths. While tankless systems excel in efficiency and endless hot water, traditional tanks remain a budget-friendly, low-maintenance choice. Whatever you decide, Pershing Plumbing’s Pasadena Plumbing experts are here to ensure your system is sized, installed, and maintained for years of reliable performance.