Cost to Install a Tankless Water Heater – Fixr.com

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater?

Water heaters are an integral part of the plumbing systems in residential homes and commercial buildings. Increasingly, consumers are turning to tankless water heaters for their many benefits. These tankless models use heating elements that are placed in close proximity to where the water will be used. As opposed to a traditional tank storage water heater which uses a steady supply of electricity to store and constantly heat water, the tankless models only heat water as necessary.

The average cost for a propane poweredsingle-point tankless water heater system will be$1,500 - $2,000.

Tankless units can be installed on the interior or exterior of the building near the water use point and no more than 50 ft. from an adjacent power source (typically requiring 220 volts). This means that you will need a tankless heater for every water source. For example, if you have two bathrooms and a dishwasher, you will need three units, unless all three locations are fairly close to one another.

It's important to keep in mind the amount of water that can be heated via a tankless system (2 to 5 gallons per minute for a tankless unit, compared to the capacity of hot water in a traditional system). This is important when considering which system might be right for a building. For example, in a home with multiple people bathing, a washing machine running and perhaps a dishwasher running, all of these items cannot be used together off one unit. You must either install multiple units, or run one water source at a time.

For most single family homes, a whole house water heater will be sufficient, allowing you to have multiple bathers or a washing machine and dishwasher running at once. Both options should be considered to determine which is right for your needs.

Another important aspect to factor in is the expected lifespan of the unit. While traditional water heaters will typically have a lifespan of anywhere between ten and fifteen years, most tankless units can be expected to be in use for over twenty years.

While there are two main types of water heaters, as we've discussed, there are also varying methods for fueling them. The following table lists the costs for each type:

Once the type of unit and fuel have been selected, the plumber remove the old system, if existing, then a new gas line or heat source access and new water lines will be installed. This may include opening some walls or a ceiling, depending on where in your home the pipes run, and where you unit will be located. Ideally, you want the unit fairly close to where the hot water will be used in order to deliver the water in a timely way. Finally, the new tankless water heater is mounted and connected to the previously installed lines.

The average hourly rate for a plumber to complete the installation process is $45-$65, with installation running two to three hours for a total of $90 to $195 for labor alone. Additional costs include other materials needed for installation (heat pumps2, water pumps3, pipes, etc.) and the costs associated with permitting. These may add $250 to $500 to the final cost.

If walls need to be opened, you may need to also include the costs of drywall4 and finishing to the job, as much as $200. Most traditional water heaters sit in a closet for easy access; tankless models may need to have an access door added nearby in case of future issues to allow quick repair. This may need to be installed by a carpenter at a rate of $70 an hour, or a handyman at a rate of $100 to $300 for the project.

The average cost of a tankless water heater installed is around $1,500-$2,000. The cost of a gas-powered tankless water heater costs around $430 without installation.

Tankless water heaters are installed near the point of use, or place where the hot water is needed. A heating element heats the water as it passes through the heater, rather than continuously heating the water like a traditional tank.

Tankless water heaters heat approximately 2-5 gallons of water a minute, which is sufficient for most uses at each point. They typically last around 20 years - about 5 years longer than a traditional heater.

A tankless gas water heater lasts around 20 years, while a traditional gas water heater lasts about 15.

A tankless hot water heater is a heating element installed near the point of use. Water passes through the unit and is heated as needed, rather than continuously, saving on energy bills.

A new tankless water heater costs between $1,500 and $2,000 installed, while a whole house tank costs between $600 and $800. A tankless hot water heater costs around $430 without installation and a traditional heater costs around $440.

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Cost to Install a Tankless Water Heater - Fixr.com