
Full Answer
How much does it cost to install a tankless hot water heater?
The real cost of a tankless water heater Your up-front costs to purchase and install a tankless water heater will range from about $2,500 to $3,800, depending on the size of your home and the model you choose.
How much does Lowes charge to install a water heater?
More precisely, independently installing a water heater ranges from $819 – $1,607. The basic water heater installation cost at Lowe’s is $325. Plus, an estimated fee of $40 is usually added on top of this basic installation cost. Typically, additional piping will be required to complete the installation, so allocate some funds for this expense.
How much does it cost to install a hot water tank?
If you’re an experienced pro with extensive plumbing knowledge, you could save on the cost of labor and install a hot water heater expansion tank for $40 to $200. That said, it’s usually a good idea to hire a professional for this job. An improperly installed expansion tank can cause leaks, pipe bursts, and other issues.
Are tankless water heaters worth it?
and that's not necessarily a money saver." But if saving energy is important to you, getting a tankless water heater may be worth the expense.

How much does it cost to install instant hot water?
According to HomeAdvisor, tankless water heater costs range from $1,171 to $3,331, with the national average at $2,216. The overall cost of installing a tankless water heater varies depending on the type, brand, and flow rate.
How much does it cost to convert to tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater installation costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Tankless hot water heater prices are $300 to $2,100 for a gas or electric on-demand system, plus $300 to $2,500 for installation labor. Tankless water heaters save $40 to $200 yearly by reducing energy costs by 8% to 34%.
Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?
According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.
Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?
Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
Can I replace my tank water heater with a tankless?
Yes. The initial cost of converting your tank water heater to a tankless is expensive. Tankless water heaters are 3x more expensive than your average tank water heater. However, the energy savings and supply of endless hot water can outweigh the cost for many.
How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?
In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.
Can a tankless water heater fill a tub?
Please remember that tankless water heaters also come in different sizes, and you need to get a unit that will deliver a strong flow to the tub. A small tankless water heater can take a long time to fill a large tub. Second, bite the bullet and just install a larger water heater in place of your present water heater.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!
Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?
Energy Efficient The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.
Can a homeowner install a tankless water heater?
While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it's not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.
Which is better hot water tank or tankless?
According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.
Tank or Tankless water heater?
There are two main types of water heaters you can have installed in your home, a big tank water heater or a smaller tankless water heater. What you choose will determine what you spend up front and what you end up saving in the long run.
Factors That Influence Water Heater Installation Cost
Whether you choose a tank or tankless water heater, you will still need to consider a few other details when sussing out how much the installation process will cost you.
Conclusion
A new water heater is an investment made into your home effective for the next several years. It is costly, but now you know all the different factors playing into the overall installation cost. Hopefully you are able to tell now which features are most important to you, and where you can cut corners on cost.
How much does it cost to install a propane tankless water heater?
Propane tankless water heater installation costs $700 to $4,600 total on average. Propane water heaters provide up to 11 GPM of hot water and connect to an on-site fuel tank. Installing a propane tank costs $1,200 to $2,400 for a 500-gallon tank.
How much does a water heater permit cost?
A water heater permit costs $25 to $250 and is required by most cities. An inspector verifies the water heater was installed correctly and won't create a hazard. Most plumbers pull the permit and include permit fees in their estimate.
How long does it take to install a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater installation takes 3 to 10 hours for a new install or 2 to 4 hours to replace an existing tankless unit. Tankless water heaters are not as easy to install as storage tank models because they require upgraded gas supply lines, new venting, and a new electrical outlet.
How much does a tankless water heater cost?
Converting or replacing a tank water heater with a tankless system costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Tankless prices depend on the brand, fuel source, and flow rate.
How much does it cost to replace a gas water heater vent?
Replacing the vent for gas exhaust costs $100 to $600. The vent system from a tank water heater cannot be reused for a tankless water heater and requires replacing. Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to install a new outlet or upgrade a circuit.
Do tankless water heaters qualify for tax credits?
Most gas and propane tankless water heaters are eligible for a $300 federal tax credit and additional rebates or state tax incentives. Look for ENERGY STAR tankless models with a uniform energy factor of at least 0.82. Electric tankless models don't qualify for tax credits or rebates.
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Cost
Safety
- To make sure a building stays up to code for the safety of the inhabitants, all renovations, retrofits to the infrastructure, and structural improvements will have to get a permit to ensure compliance with federal and local building, construction, and zoning codes. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $200 to $500 for the permits.
Advantages
- For some homeowners with a tank water heater/boiler already installed, it is far more efficient to install a few tankless water heaters in bathrooms as the family grows in size and the demand for simultaneous hot water increases. The power vent systems only need an exhaust vent, and the unit has to be installed in a location that provides the right amount of air required for combustio…
Models
- Tankless gas models are available in a wide range of styles and size and produce output from 140,000 BTUs to 380,000 BTUs.
Performance
- In addition to not heating water unnecessarily while you are not home, tankless water heaters are 24%-34% more energy efficient and dont lose any heat, which traditional tank water heaters do. That reflects savings close to the cost of the system throughout 10 years of use. The average GPM capacity of most residential tankless water heaters is between 25 gallons per minute, with …
Marketing
- Traditional tank water heaters are sold clearly marked with their capacity in gallons on a label on the tank. Tankless water heaters are different in their rating systemthey are sold according to the demand they can meet, the flow rate, and are measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Example
- Calculate the maximum simultaneous demand for hot water in the house, and youll know which system(s) should be installed and where it should be located. Because of the demands of larger households, it might make sense to install one or more additional tankless units. A house in a warmer climate will require a tankless system with a lower gallons-per-minute rating than a hom…
Terminology
- The difference between the temperature of the water from the local supply coming into the home and the temperature of the water that the water heater produces is called rise.
Benefits
- The benefits of a tankless water heater system far outweigh those of a stored-water tank heater. The following is a list of the aspects you can look forward to:
Prevention
- To prevent serious health issues from interior air contamination, gas-powered tankless water heaters require special venting to remove the hot carbon monoxide exhaust fumes and expel them to the outside air.
Operation
- The direct vent system draws in air from outside, and instead of just one vent, it has a second one for intake in addition to the exhaust vent. One of the upsides to the direct vent system is that because of the second vent, these systems can be installed in tighter spaces. Typically, the systems are set up to vent through the roof or exterior walls, using fans to assist in the process. …
Climate
- For most residential water heaters, the maximum temperature most homeowners will set their heaters to is 120 degrees, because beyond that can cause scalding.