When it comes to selecting a new water heater for your home, the variety of options available can be overwhelming. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing one in a new property, understanding the different types of water heaters and their capacities is crucial. In this guide, we’ll briefly discuss the pros and cons of 40 gallon, 50 gallon, and tankless water heaters to help you make an informed decision. Take our interactive “Water Heater Buying Guide” quiz below to find the best type for your household needs.
Most Popular Types of Water Heaters
40 Gallon Water Heaters
Ideal for medium-sized households, 40 gallon water heaters strike a balance between adequate capacity and efficient use of space. These units typically serve families of 2-4 people and can handle several demands at once, such as running a shower and dishwasher simultaneously. They are available in both electric and gas models, offering flexibility depending on your home’s utilities. If your water usage is moderate and space is a premium, a 40 gallon unit might be perfect for you.
50 Gallon Water Heaters
For larger households with higher water demands, 50 gallon water heaters are an excellent choice. Suitable for families of 3-5 people, these water heaters can comfortably meet the higher hot water needs of multiple showers, laundry loads, and kitchen activities. They also come in electric and gas versions, providing consistent, reliable hot water. If your family frequently requires hot water from multiple sources at once, consider upgrading to a 50 gallon tank.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed, eliminating the need for a storage tank. These units are highly efficient, saving up to 30% more energy than traditional tank water heaters because they avoid the cost of maintaining the heat in a large volume of stored water. Although the initial installation cost is higher, the long-term savings on energy bills and the benefit of endless hot water make them a compelling choice for any household size.
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Brandon G was amazing. Very polite and explained everything beforehand. He and Jeremy worked very quickly. I would definitely recommend Brandon to anyone who needed work done.
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Andy
31 August 2026
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Gabe from Aaron Plumbing Services did a great job replacing our Hot Water Heater. Fast Response, Competent, Professional. I highly recommend Aaron Services.
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Curtis Ardle
29 August 2026
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Brendan T. found the issue within minutes. Took care of the problem quickly and was super nice as well! Great professional!
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Robert Morton
28 August 2026
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Came within an hour. Fair price. Luke was considerate polite and efficient. My mother was visiting and commented what a “nice young man” he was. Not sure if the company actually reads these, but if they do, need to give Luke a raise. Kid made the company look good and ensured my continued business.
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Phillip Smith
27 August 2026
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Aaron is a consummate professional. He provided efficient effective service to us today. I highly recommend him for anyone that is in search of a certified plumber.
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nathan Lewit
26 August 2026
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Gabe cane out, explained everything, made the repairs. I am very happy and recommend him
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Gord Virk
25 August 2026
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Gabe did an awesome job to replace the recirculating pump, he is polite and professional and did a clean job
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Barbara Mcaloon
24 August 2026
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I bought an existing home 5 years ago. I have fought plumbing issues the entire 5 years. Today Aaron Plumbing installed a new hot water heater and I believe it has fixed all the issues I experienced. Come to find out the builder installed the original water heater incorrectly. Thank you to Collin who hung in there and got everything fixed. I highly recommend Aaron Plumbing.
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Ken Dong
24 August 2026
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Had Brandon T. out today for a leak, swift, precise diagnosis and clear communication throughout. Found the source quickly and walked me through exactly what needed to happen next. Highly recommend.
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Vinodh Sunderarajan
21 August 2026
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Gaby was amazing, and I respect the ethics the company and its staff follows. Will always come back here for all plumbing needs.
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