Water heaters
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters at Colorado Altitude
Updated · Kestrel editorial
Short answerTank heaters cost less up front and are simple to replace; tankless units give endless hot water and lower standby losses but often need a larger gas line and new venting. At about 5,000 feet, both must be rated and set up for altitude.
Tank
- Lower cost
- Simple swap
- Limited by capacity
Tankless
- Endless hot water
- Needs gas and venting upgrades
- Yearly descaling
Winter sizing
Colder incoming water in winter reduces tankless output, so size for January, not July.
Hard water and tankless
Much of Northern Colorado has moderately hard water, which scales tankless heat exchangers. Plan on periodic descaling, or a softener or scale filter, to keep a tankless unit efficient.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters at Colorado Altitude: follow-up questions
Is tankless worth it for a family?
It can be if sized for peak demand and the gas line and venting support it; installation extras drive most of the cost difference.
Will a tankless heater work at altitude?
Yes, but it must be rated or adjusted for altitude, which can reduce output.
Every home differs; editorial standards.