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If you live in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, choosing between a tankless water heater and a traditional tank-styleheater can feel overwhelming. Homeowners often ask us:
“Is tankless worth the money?”
“Will I really get unlimited hot water?”
“What type lasts longer in Chicago’s hard water?”
“Which one saves the most energy?”
“What’s the best option for my home and family size?”
At Narwhal Plumbing, we install hundreds of water heaters every year across Chicago, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, and more. This 2025 guide will explain the real differences between tankless and traditional heaters—with Chicago-specific advice based on our experience and local building codes.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which system is right for your home.
Stores 40–50 gallons of hot water at all times.
Heats water continuously throughout the day.
Heats water only when you turn on the tap.
No tank, no stored water, unlimited hot water.
Chicago’s water is hard, meaning it contains minerals that build up inside water heaters. This impacts lifespan.
8–12 years in Chicago, sometimes less without maintenance.
20+ years, often double the life of a tank.
Why tankless lasts longer:
No tank to rust
Less sediment buildup
High-efficiency components
Replaceable internal parts
Winner: Tankless (lasts twice as long)
✔ Stores hot water
✘ Can run out (especially with back-to-back showers)
✘ Slow recovery time once depleted
✔ Unlimited hot water
✔ Perfect for large families
✔ Ideal for long showers & multiple appliances
Tankless systems provide constant supply, which Chicago homeowners love—especially during winter when demand is high.
Winner: Tankless (unlimited hot water)
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy use. Chicago’s cold winters increase demand even more.
Constantly heats 40–50 gallons
Uses energy even when you're not home
Higher gas bills over time
Heats only when needed
Can reduce gas usage by 20–40%
Lower monthly bills
Many homeowners save $150–$250 per year switching to tankless.
Winner: Tankless (more energy efficient)
Prices depend on brand, access, venting, and gas line size.
$1,700 – $2,800 installed
$4,500 – $7,500 installed
(Depending on model + gas/vent upgrades)
Yes, tankless costs more upfront—but it lasts longer and saves on utilities.
Winner: Traditional tank (lower upfront cost)
Long-term value: Tankless
Annual flushing recommended
Sediment buildup happens fast in Chicago
Anode rod replacement extends life
Annual descaling (especially due to Chicago hard water)
Keeps heater running like new
Prevents mineral blockage
Both require maintenance, but tankless needs slightly more attention due to hard water.
Winner: Tie (different needs, both easy with annual service)
Heavy, bulky
Requires floor space
Takes up closets or basement areas
Wall-mounted
Saves significant space
Sleek, modern appearance
Great option for condos or homes with small utility rooms.
Winner: Tankless
Tankless heaters are greener because they:
Use less gas
Last longer (less landfill waste)
Emit fewer carbon emissions
Provide cleaner, fresher water
Chicago homeowners concerned about sustainability prefer tankless.
Winner: Tankless
Tankless heaters must work harder during freezing temperatures.
✔ Reliable
✔ No performance drop
✔ Store hot water no matter how cold outside
✔ Modern units handle cold very well
✔ Must be properly sized
✔ May need upgraded gas line for best performance
Winner: Tie (both work, but tankless needs proper sizing)
Small condos
Budget-conscious homeowners
Homes with minimal water usage
Rental properties, Airbnbs
Homes that don’t need endless hot water
Families with 4+ people
Homes with multiple bathrooms
Long-shower lovers
Homes that run laundry + dishwasher daily
Homeowners planning to stay long-term
Luxury renovations or upgrades
✔ Bradford White (top choice)
✔ AO Smith
✔ Rheem
✔ Rinnai (most reliable)
✔ Navien
✔ Noritz
Narwhal Plumbing installs all major brands and provides good / better / best options at every consultation.
As licensed plumbers, we see many homeowners regretting their choice simply because they didn’t know these key facts:
A small unit won’t support 2–3 showers at once.
Older Chicago homes often have undersized gas lines for tankless.
Chicago requires specific venting, shut-offs, and safety features.
If the tank bursts (common after 10–12 years), water damage can be severe.
More homeowners choose tankless in 2025 due to long-term value.
Purchase & install: ~$2,200
Replacement at year 10: ~$2,200
Extra gas usage: ~$2,000
Total: $6,400
Purchase & install: ~$5,500
Lower gas bills: –$3,000
Longer lifespan
Total: $2,500–$3,500
Winner long-term: Tankless (saves thousands)
Here’s the quick summary:
| Feature | Tank (Traditional) | Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | ⭐ Cheaper | More expensive |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years | 20+ years |
| Hot Water Supply | Limited | Unlimited |
| Energy Use | Higher | Lower |
| Space | Large | Wall mounted |
| Winter Performance | Excellent | Excellent if sized properly |
| Best For | Smaller homes, tight budgets | Families, long-term owners, luxury upgrades |
Long lifespan
Lower energy bills
Endless hot water
Space savings
Higher home value
Lower upfront cost
Simple replacement
Quick installation
Narwhal Plumbing always provides multiple options during your appointment so you can choose the best solution for your home and budget.
Whether you're upgrading to tankless or replacing an old heater, Narwhal Plumbing offers:
🔥 Same-day replacements
🔥 Licensed, insured, bonded plumbers
🔥 Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien certified installs
🔥 Upfront pricing with multiple options
🔥 No hidden fees
🔥 Fast, clean, professional service
📞 Call: 224-769-3882
📧 info@narwhal-plumbing.com
🌐 narwhal-plumbing.com
Serving Chicago, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, and surrounding suburbs.
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