We currently have two 50 gallon water heaters that are 15 years old, and one is leaking. We wanted to replace them with a tankless. Our plumber installs Noritz. The problem is that our current gas meter can't handle the 200,000 BTUs needed for this tankless. So, we were told that we could proceed with the tankless option but we need a new gaspipe and gas meter. Both are costly. The salesman recommended that we consider installing AO Smith Vertex gas water heater. He claims that it has the same benefits as the tankless (endless hot water) but without the added costs of a new gaspipe and meter.

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions or experience with either of the above models. We know nothing about the AO Smith Vertex, other than it has a much shorter warranty than the tankless. Thanks for any help!