Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters — Which Is Right for You?

When’s the last time you thought about your water heater?

For most homeowners — it’s only when something breaks. But your water heater affects daily comfort, monthly costs, and overall home efficiency.

In Florida, where energy bills can already run high, choosing the right water heater could make a huge difference — especially if you're upgrading to solar.

Tank Water Heaters: The Classic

These are the traditional systems that heat and store 40–80 gallons of water.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Simpler to install or replace
• Familiar and widely available

Cons:

• Wastes energy keeping water hot 24/7
• Can run out during high demand (think: guests + laundry + showers)
• Bulkier — takes up more space
• Average lifespan: 8–12 years

Tankless Water Heaters: The Modern Upgrade

Also called on-demand water heaters, these only heat water when you turn on a tap.

Pros:

• Endless hot water
• Up to 35% energy savings
• Compact design — fits on a wall
• Smart tech compatibility
• 15–20+ year lifespan

Cons:

• Higher initial investment
• May need upgrades to your gas line or power system
• Works best with clean, filtered water (especially in Florida)

Pro tip: Go tankless if you’re going solar

Because tankless units use less electricity, they pair perfectly with solar systems — giving you hot water, even during outages (with battery backup).

Nova Structa installs both types — and we help you decide which works best for your lifestyle and budget.