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.

Do I need a professional to install a tankless water heater?

Unless you are experienced and comfortable enough to solder pipe, make gas connections and following local codes, hire a licensed professional. You can also save yourself the hassle with our gas tankless water heater installation services.

Can I replace my hot water heater with a tankless?

Absolutely! In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because of the energy efficiency. Newer tank water heaters have a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating of 0.70 compared to your standard tankless water heater that has a rating of 0.94.

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.

Is it easier to install a tankless water heater?

Electric tankless water heaters are cheaper than the gas versions. Installation is easier and less expensive, and they're generally not as difficult to maintain as gas models.

How to Install a Tankless Water Heater | Ask This Old House

How much does it cost to switch to tankless water heater?

Gas tankless water heaters cost $700 to $4,600, and electric on-demand water heaters cost $600 to $2,500 with installation. 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.

Does a tankless water heater increase home value?

If you are looking to increase the value of your home, adding a tankless water heater to your features is a great place to start. According to a study conducted by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more than their expected value. On average, these homes also sold 43 days faster than expected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you replace water heater yourself?

Can you replace a water heater yourself? The short answer is yes, most of the time. If there needs to be electrical modifications, many building jurisdictions will allow you to do the modifications yourself if its your own home, but a few jurisdictions may require a license electrician to do the work.

Do electric tankless water heaters need a vent?

No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.

Where should tankless water heaters be installed?

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it's safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.

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!

Can you have both tank and tankless water heater combination?

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters can be used as an indirect water heater in conjunction with a storage tank for high volume situations. The Storage tank should be 30 gallons or larger and must always be set at least 5 degrees below the Takagi Tankless Water Heater.

How noisy is a tankless water heater?

Gas tankless hot water heaters all make noise when firing up and heating water, but the levels are usually less than 90 decibels. A decibel meter can be used to find out how loud your tankless water heater actually is.

How much money do you save with a tankless water heater?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates gas-fired tankless heaters save an average of $108 in energy costs per year over their traditional tank counterparts, while electric tankless heaters save $44 per year.

How long does it take a tankless water heater to heat up?

Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater.

Do tankless water heaters use a lot of electricity?

An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower. Electric tankless water heaters draw large amounts of electricity (up to 36 kW) over short periods of time. This boosts efficiency but requires robust wiring to avoid power surges.

Do tankless water heaters produce carbon monoxide?

Tankless gas water heaters release carbon monoxide gas as part of the combustion process. This is normal. Depending on if you have an indoor or outdoor model determines how your tankless water heater is vented. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when an indoor tankless water heater is not venting correctly.

What type of vent do you need for a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters don't always need two ventilation pipes, even for direct-vent units. Direct-vent water heaters can use two separate pipes for intake and exhaust, but some manufacturers offer concentric venting, a single pipe that contains an inner exhaust vent and an outer intake vent.