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.

Is a tankless water heater worth the extra cost?

While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. In fact, Consumer Reports indicates that tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.

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 worth it to install a tankless water heater?

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.

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

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.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

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.

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.

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.

How much does it cost to convert 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.

Can a tankless water heater flood a house?

But because tankless water heaters don't actually store water at all, the risk of flooding is tremendously reduced (although damaged pipes still pose a potential risk).

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.

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.

How long can you shower with a 20 gallon water heater?

I generally take a 5-10 minute shower on a 20 gallon HWH which is fine for me. I don't think changing the temperature will make a difference, yes it'll increase temperature for those 30 gallons but after that it'll drop temp until the temp can build up again. The low flow showerhead I think is your best bet.

Are electric tankless water heaters worth it?

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.

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.

Do tankless water heater use more electricity?

Tankless heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than regular water heaters for households that use 41 gallons or fewer of hot water daily. Tankless heaters can be 8-14% more energy-efficient for households that use around 86 gallons daily.

What brand of tankless gas water heater is the most reliable?

All in all, Rinnai Sensei Super is the safest, most reliable, and most cost-efficient tankless water heater. Its initial cost is quite high, but this is a long-term investment, and the real cost comes from natural gas usage, which is heavily reduced due to the extra high energy efficiency of the Rinnai Sensei Super.

How often do you need to flush a tankless water heater?

Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.

How much electricity does a tankless water heater use?

Most American families use around 50 gallons of hot water per day. To meet this demand, an electric tankless water heater will use 9–12 kWh of electricity. An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower.

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

Can I replace my hot water tank 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.

How difficult is it to install a tankless water heater?

Learning how to install a tankless water heater is a difficult and sometimes dangerous process. We highly recommend having a professional handle this task. Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes when sourcing and installing parts for your new water heater. Local codes can vary.

Do tankless water heaters require larger gas lines?

A typical tankless water heater will need a ¾-inch gas line. However, if there is sufficient pressure and the run length is short enough, a ½-inch line may be sufficient with certain tankless water heaters, such as the Noritz EZ Series.