Is a Tankless Water Heater More Expensive?

There are many different tankless water heater types, and each one has features and benefits that affect the price. The cost of demand water heaters varies based on this and several other factors, including:

• Fuel type
• System size
• Additional wiring or piping
• Upgrades

The initial cost may seem high compared to a conventional tank storage water heater. However, the energy savings will translate into saving money over the long term. Most people feel the savings benefits of installing a tankless water heater more than justify the cost.

What Is the Average Installation Cost for a Tankless Water Heater?

The average cost to install a tankless water heater is $2,500 to $4,500. Gas-fired models cost around $6,000 for equipment and installation. If you go with the electric model, you’ll pay about $4,000. If you need to install more than one unit—you may need a separate unit at each hot water point—plan on paying about $2,000 for each electric model. Gas models run about $800.  Electric tankless water heaters have a lower installation cost because they can go just about anywhere and don’t need an additional fuel line. Generally, electric models are less complicated to install. Gas water heaters require more work to install. Unless you have a line in a place where you plan to install a gas model, you’ll need to run a gas line. This adds to your costs. Remember, these are average costs. Prices may be different in your area.

A Few More Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

We’ve already pointed out several advantages to installing a tankless water heater. They take up less space and help save money on energy costs, and they’re an excellent option if you’re passionate about using environmentally friendly appliances. Besides energy and cost savings, there are other benefits when you choose a tankless water heater over a conventional tank-style unit. Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water. You may need to wait a few minutes for the water to heat up, but you’ll never run out. With a tankless unit, there’s a lower risk of leaking. One in 50 homeowners files claims with homeowners’ insurance providers due to water damage. At least some of those claims come from damages caused by leaky water heaters. Tankless water heaters can be safer than tank models. The absence of a storage tank lessens the risk of leaks or ruptures. You’ll also avoid unpleasant odors that sometimes develop in tank water heaters due to bacteria growth.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?

When your water heater goes south, it can feel overwhelming to decide which type of water heater is the right one for you. While your plumber can help you make your final decision, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Are energy savings a top priority? Go with a tankless water heater because it doesn’t need to work continuously to deliver enough gallons of hot water to satisfy the demand of your household.

Are you looking for long-term savings? Choose a tankless model because the long-term savings can offset the higher initial costs.

Do you use less than 40-50 gallons of hot water per day? The limited flow rates of a tankless unit won’t affect you as much as they would if you use more than 50 gallons. Even if you use a lot of hot water, you can buy a larger unit or install multiple water heaters.

These are just a few questions that may help you determine whether a tankless water heater will be a purchase you’ll feel happy making.

How to Buy a Water Heater

If this is your first water heater purchase, you’re likely wondering what to do first. Do you go to a local home improvement store and pick out the cheapest model? Or do you call a plumber?

Visiting your local big box home improvement or hardware store is an excellent place to start. You can view the different types of water heaters and ask questions. Often retail stores offer special pricing, so why not save a few dollars and buy it from the store? You’ll still need to pay for installation.

On the other hand, when you have a plumbing company order your new water heater, you may also save some money. Sometimes, plumbers extend discounts that aren’t available from stores. They usually offer maintenance plans, which help you extend the life of your water heater.

Another advantage to purchasing a water heater through a plumbing company is that you’ll have a chance to have your questions answered by the expert who will install the unit. Plumbers usually have favorite brands and can help you decide which suits your needs better. Plumbers will often offer better warranties if they provide the heater.

Do All Plumbing Companies Install Tankless Water Heaters?

You might not always think about it, but you rely on your water heater daily. It’s the one appliance that helps keep you and your household clean. If you need a replacement and you’re considering a tankless model, you want a qualified professional to install it. That means calling the right plumbing company. While many plumbers install tankless water heaters, not all are qualified for this type of plumbing work. The expert plumbers at Atomic Plumbing have taken care of plumbing needs—including tankless water heater installation—for Hampton Roads residents since 1968. Contact us today for service.