The default swap, done right
A tank water heater is still the right answer for most homes: it costs half as much installed as tankless, any plumber can service it, and a modern 50-gallon gas unit covers a family of four without drama. What decides whether yours is a good buy is not the badge on the front — it is the first-hour rating, the venting you already have, and whether the size on the quote matches the demand in your house.
Inside this hub
- Gas vs. electric running costs, worked out per gallon of hot water
- Power-vent vs. atmospheric venting — and why it changes the quote
- The sizes that actually cover a morning of showers, by household
- Anode rods, sediment and the maintenance that doubles a tank’s life
Read the tank guides below, or size your replacement first with the free calculator.