Most homeowners never expect to find themselves weighing a tankless water heater vs tank, it usually only becomes a question when the hot water stops lasting the way it used to. Someone finishes their shower and the next person gets cold water. Laundry and dishes can’t run back-to-back anymore, and suddenly the water heater becomes a topic of conversation.

In Des Moines, this tends to happen once winter hits. Incoming water is colder, systems work harder, and weaknesses show. That’s when people start wondering: stick with a traditional tank system, or make the switch to tankless?

Both can work well, the right choice really depends on how your home uses hot water day-to-day.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters: How They Work

A tank water heater does exactly what it sounds like. It heats a set amount of water and keeps it ready until it’s used. Once the tank runs out, the system needs time to heat more.

Most Des Moines homes already have a tank system, which makes replacement simple. These heaters work well for families that use hot water all at once, like back-to-back showers in the morning.

If you want a broader look at residential water heaters, including how sizing, fuel source, and efficiency impact performance, explore our Residential Water Heaters: The Essential Guide for a deeper breakdown of what matters when choosing a system.

The downside usually shows up during heavy use. In winter, when incoming water is colder, it can take longer for the tank to recover. That’s when people start noticing the limits.

Tankless Water Heaters: How They Work

Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water. They heat it as it flows through the unit. As long as the system is sized correctly, hot water keeps coming.

This setup works well for homes where hot water use is spread throughout the day. One person showers, later someone runs the dishwasher, then laundry happens. There’s no tank to drain.

Tankless systems also take up less space, which can help in tighter utility rooms. In Iowa, though, winter performance depends heavily on proper sizing. A unit that isn’t matched to the home can struggle when water temperatures drop.

Tankless Water Heater vs Tank: A Practical Comparison

The real difference between tank and tankless systems shows up in day-to-day use.

Tank heaters are simple and predictable. You know how much hot water you have, and you know it needs time to recover. Tankless systems feel more flexible, but they rely on steady flow and proper installation.

Space plays a role in this decision as well. Traditional water heaters take up floor space, while tankless units mount on the wall and free up room in utility areas. Energy efficiency is another factor to weigh. Tankless systems are often more efficient day to day, but that efficiency depends on regular descaling, especially in Des Moines where hard water buildup is common.

Standard tank systems are generally easier to service, but they still require annual flushing to remove sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank. Without that maintenance, sediment can reduce efficiency, slow recovery time, and shorten the system’s lifespan. Tankless systems typically last longer overall, while tank systems tend to wear out sooner, even with proper care.

Neither option is automatically better. Both benefit from routine maintenance and descaling to operate efficiently and last as long as possible. The right choice comes down to available space, hot water usage, and how much ongoing maintenance fits a homeowner’s expectations.

Which Option Fits Your Des Moines Home Best?

This decision usually comes down to a few practical questions. For many homeowners comparing a tankless water heater vs tank system, the right choice depends on how your home actually uses hot water.

How many people live in the home? Do you use hot water all at once or spread out? Is the home already set up for gas or electric? How hard is your water?

Larger families who use hot water at the same time often do fine with a properly sized tank. Homes with staggered use may benefit from tankless performance. Hard water affects both systems, but tankless units need more consistent maintenance.

The layout of the home matters too. Some homes convert easily to tankless. Others require more changes.

How Iowa Winters Affect Water Heaters

Cold water changes everything. In winter, tank systems take longer to reheat. Tankless systems have to work harder to raise water temperature quickly.

That’s why installation matters as much as the unit itself. A system that seems fine in summer can struggle in January if it wasn’t selected with Iowa winters in mind.

Bell Brothers looks at winter demand before recommending a replacement, not just average use.

Why Des Moines Homeowners Work With Bell Brothers

Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing works on tank and tankless water heaters across Des Moines every week. We see what works and what causes problems later.

Homeowners work with Bell Brothers because we:

install and service both types of systems

explain trade-offs clearly

use licensed, experienced technicians

schedule efficiently

support water heater installation after the work is done

The goal is to fit the system to the home, not force a switch.

Ready to Replace or Upgrade Your Water Heater?

If your current water heater isn’t keeping up, comparing tankless water heater vs tank options is a good place to start. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Bell Brothers can help you talk through what makes sense for your home, your water use, and Iowa winters.

You can schedule online, request a quote, or call (515) 337-2456 to discuss your options with one of our local plumbers.

Everything About Buying, Troubleshooting, & Maintaining a Water Heater

Have you ever considered the essential role hot water plays in your life? Washing dishes, doing laundry and, most importantly, taking hot showers are all made better by your water heater.

Despite the importance of hot water to your daily routine, your water heater is an often overlooked consumer of energy. According to Energy.gov, heating water accounts for about 20% of your home's energy use.

Having the right water heater for your home helps ensure that you have hot water when you need it without a sky-high energy bill.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about water heaters, including:

The different types
When it’s time for a replacement
How to select and right-size a water heater for your home
The importance of regular maintenance
How to troubleshoot common water heater problems

Different Types of Water Heaters

There are several types of water heaters, but the two main categories are gas and electric.

Gas water heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. Some of the benefits of this type include the following:

Depending on where you live and your utility rates, natural gas and propane costs are typically less than electricity costs, which can result in lower utility bills.
During a power outage, a gas water heater will continue to operate and produce hot water.
They heat water faster than electric water heaters.

The main drawbacks are that they tend to have a higher upfront cost than electric models and are less energy efficient, despite the lower operating costs.

The benefits of electric water heaters include the following:

They are more energy-efficient and run cleaner than gas water heaters.
The cost is lower upfront.
Your home doesn’t need to be connected to a gas line.

Some of the cons that should be considered: Depending on your utility rates, electric water heaters can be more expensive to operate since electricity prices are usually higher than those of natural gas. They are also slower to heat water, and will not operate during a power outage.

Once you've decided between an electric and gas water heater, the next step is to determine which type of water heater will work best for your home and family. There are five primary options to choose from.

Standard Tank Water Heaters

These water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity. They contain a water tank between 40 and 55 gallons and store water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to use it. As hot water is used, the tank refills and the unit heats the fresh water.

Tankless Water Heaters

Also available in gas or electric, tankless water heaters take up much less space and provide hot water on demand. Instead of storing gallons of water and keeping it at 120 degrees, they heat up the water just in time for you to use it. Tankless water heaters usually have a higher upfront cost for the unit and installation, but can be more efficient and have a longer lifespan than standard tank water heaters.

Hybrid/Heat Pump Water Heaters

Do you use a heat pump to heat and cool your home? If the answer is yes, it can also be used to heat your water. A heat-pump water heater uses electric energy to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfers it, at a higher temperature, to heat water in a storage tank. You can also add a device called a desuperheater to a geothermal heat pump to generate hot water.

Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Problems

Most of the time, your water heater does its work in the background. But if something goes wrong, you’ll notice it as soon as you step into that cold shower. When that happens, there are some things you can do to try and identify the problem on your own.

Here are some of the most common water heater problems and some troubleshooting tips.

The water is too hot, or not hot enough

If the water is too hot, your thermostat could be set too high. Consult your owners’ manual and re-adjust the temperature to 120 degrees.

If the water is heating, but not enough, you could have an undersized water heater, crossed hot and cold connections, or a faulty heating element or thermostat. Start by turning off your water supply and turning on a hot water faucet. If the water runs, that means your hot and cold connections are crossed. If this is not the case, you’ll want to have a professional check on the heating elements and thermostat.

If the water isn’t heating up at all, check to make sure the water heater has power. Check your power switches to make sure they are on; then reset your circuit breaker and replace any blown fuses. Finally, check the thermostat to make sure it is functional.

Water is leaking

If water is leaking or you find a puddle beneath your water heater, start by checking for loose plumbing connections and tightening them. Then check and tighten the heating element bolts. If the heating element is still leaking, call a professional to replace the gasket. If your water heater is still leaking, check the tank for corrosion. This could mean it's time for a new unit.

Water is discolored

This is often the result of corrosion on your tank’s liner caused by a failing anode rod. You can replace the rod on your own or ask a professional to do it for you. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it may be time to replace your water heater.

Heater is making odd noises

Odd noises coming from your water heater can be caused by sediment buildup in the tank. Try flushing your water heater. You may even be able to complete this task on your own following a fairly simple process.

How To Choose the Right Water Heater: Buying Tips

If you’ve already tried the troubleshooting tips above but your unit is still leaking water or making odd noises or not producing enough hot water, then it may be time to buy a new water heater. When selecting a new water heater for your home, consider the following criteria.

Fuel and Water Heater Type

You will first need to determine what fuel types are available for your home. As I discussed at the beginning of the guide, if you want a gas water heater but aren’t connected to a gas line, you will need to use propane. Otherwise, you may opt for an electric model. You’ll also need to decide if you want a tank or tankless water heater, or if you want to utilize a heat pump or solar energy.

Size

Not sure what size of water heater you need? Calculate your household’s peak-hour hot water demand, and use that to determine what size to purchase. To do this, list the number of hot water devices you expect to use at any one time. Then add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). This is the desired flow rate you'll want.

To measure the flow rate of a hot water device, see how long it takes to fill a one-gallon container with water. Then divide 60 by the number of seconds it took to fill the container and this will give you your gallons-per-minute flow rate.

Efficiency

To maximize energy and operating cost savings, look for an energy-efficient water heater. Both the type of water heater and the fuel it uses impact the overall system efficiency. Your water heater dealer and service provider can educate you on your options and help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective system for your home.

Cost

As you shop for water heaters, it is important to not only look at the purchase price but to consider the costs of installation, operation and maintenance. Knowing the total cost of ownership (TCO) will help you determine if buying a more efficient system will provide a TCO that makes the upfront cost worth the investment.

Routine Maintenance Is Important for Water Heaters

As with any equipment, water heaters require regular maintenance to function properly and to extend their life. The average lifespan of a water heater is 10—15 years, but with regular maintenance it could last even longer.

As a homeowner, you can do a visual inspection that includes:

Checking your water heater to ensure there’s no sitting water underneath it.
Checking the water heater’s vent for rust and scaling.

You should have your water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. Your service technician will clean and inspect the following components of your water heater:

The burners
A safety device known as the relief valve
The pilot light
The vents

Look for a local HVAC company that provides annual maintenance programs that include inspection of your water heater.

Bell Brothers for Your Water Heater Needs

Whether you need your current water heater maintained or you need a replacement, we have you covered. Our specially trained technicians can service all brands of water heaters.

When it’s time for a water heater replacement, we’ll find and install the right choice for your needs and budget. And when you join the Comfort Club at the Performance or Premium level, you will receive annual water heater maintenance in addition to heating and cooling service.

The holidays are here and that means travel across the country will be in full swing. If you have extended travel plans over the holidays, here are some quick tips to help you save a little money while ensuring your home is left a little more safe and secure.

Turn Your Thermostat Down. You may be wondering, “What temperature should I set my house to when we’re away?” Even a few degrees can make an impact on your energy bill. We recommend setting your thermostat between 60 and 65 degrees — it’s a safe temperature for your home and will save you some money. Just be sure not to set it too low if frigid temperatures are forecasted. So, how low can you keep the heat without your pipes freezing? We recommend going no lower than 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.
Set Your Water Heater To Vacation Mode. Make sure to leave your water heater on. Most newer water heaters have a vacation mode, and it’s usually as easy as turning a dial. This will reduce the water temperature in the tank while you’re away and save you some money. Hint: Leave yourself a reminder on a table or counter to turn it back on upon your return.
Unplug Small Appliances. Some electronics account for nearly 10 percent of your home’s energy costs just by being plugged in. Standby power (also known as phantom energy) is when devices or appliances use energy even when they’re shut off (“power on” indicator lights, for example). Standby power costs you money over time, but it’s really unnecessary if you’re not even at home. Unplugging electronics and small appliances can save you some money, but it can also protect you from fire hazards. It’s especially important if you use space heaters in your home to always unplug them before you leave to be safe.
Make Your Home Look Occupied. You can have a trusted neighbor stop by a couple of times to check your home’s temperature, plus they can grab your mail, delivery items at your front door, etc. If you have a timer device, you can also schedule a few house lights (lamps work great) to go on at dusk and off at bedtime to make it appear that you’re home.
Arm Your Security System if You Have One. Set the system as the last checklist item before you leave. If you don’t have a security system, be sure to check that all the doors are locked.
Consider purchasing home automation products. From automated home security systems that include smart locks and video doorbells to smart lights and smart shades/blinds, you can make your home seem occupied even when you’re away. Plus, you can monitor or make adjustments from wherever you are. If you haven’t checked out home automation products before, we put together this Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide that features great ideas for gift giving — or even for yourself!

Imagine this. It’s Friday night — you’re fresh off a crazy week filled with meetings and soccer practices and fundraisers. Your kids are at a sleepover and you sent your spouse out with some friends, so you can have some alone time. You start to run the water for a nice, hot bath. Except the water keeps running without ever getting hot.

Don’t let an aging water heater ruin a relaxing night or a busy morning scrambling to get out the door. Read these tips below for maintaining and replacing a water heater.

Maintaining your current hot water heater

As with any equipment, water heaters require regular maintenance to function properly and to extend the life of your investment. As a homeowner, you can do a visual inspection.

Check your water heater to ensure there’s no sitting water underneath it.
Check the water heater’s vent for signs of wear. This includes rust and scaling.

The burners
A safety device known as the relief valve
The pilot light
The vents

Signs it’s time to replace your water heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is between 10 and 12 years. There are many factors that can affect this lifecycle including how well the equipment is maintained and the quality of water that goes into the water heater. Even the well-maintained water heaters will need to be replaced at some point. Watch for these signs that it’s time to replace your water heater.

If you notice water dripping out of the relief valve, this in an indication that the water heater is operating at too high of a temperature in order to heat the water. This creates unnecessary pressure on the equipment, which results in the dripping.
Listen for a rumbling noise coming from your water heater. The noise means that there is lime buildup at the bottom of the water heater and the water is boiling up through the lime.
Remember that hot bath that never was? When you have less and less hot water over time, that’s a sign that you need a new water heater. When you start a shower with hot water and the water’s running cold by the end, your water heater probably needs to be replaced.
When a water heater begins to fail, it will start dripping water from the bottom. Sitting water underneath may indicate you need a new water heater.
Check the water heater’s vent for signs of wear. This includes rust and scaling.

Bell Brothers offers annual maintenance programs that include inspection of your water heater and all your other HVAC equipment for you.