What is the average cost of a tankless hot water heater?

By Robert Flores / October 27, 2022

The national average for tankless water heater installation cost is around $2,800. Depending on the model, the units themselves usually cost between $500 and $2,000, with installation adding another $500 to $1,500. However, for large or specialty units, you may pay as much as $6,600 in total costs. Aug 8, 2022

Is it better to have one large water heater or two smaller ones?

Greater efficiency can be achieved by installing multiple, smaller tankless water heaters throughout the home. Hot water is then drawn from nearby tankless appliances instead of being lead through the home’s entire plumbing system from basement to point-of-use.

Can I install a tankless water heater myself?

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.

Will a tankless water heater work with a 1/2 gas line?

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. Nov 8, 2018

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How do you know what size tankless water heater you need?

How to Select the Right Size Tankless Water Heater Determine the maximum number of devices you want to run and their total flow rate. Then, add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). … Determine required temperature rise. … Sizing Example: An average shower will be between 104–106° and uses 2.6 gallons of water.

Does a tankless gas water heater need a dedicated circuit?

Gas tankless water heaters use just a tiny amount of amperage to ignite the flame. Unless the manufacturer requires it, there is no need for a dedicated circuit. Aug 4, 2017

How much gas pressure does a tankless water heater need?

However, the following conditions must be met: The minimum static gas pressure must be 8 in. w.c. or greater; The calculated dropped pressure (the static pressure minus the 3.0 in. pressure drop), must be greater than the highest minimum gas pressure required by any of the gas appliances on the system.

What happens if gas line is too small?

An undersized gas system can cause poor performance in the appliances. It could cause the burners to soot, pilots lights and burners to go out, or cause condensate to form in the heat exchanger of the furnace or water heater.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Annual or semi-annual maintenance is important for a tankless water heater, but it won’t make the system last forever. Eventually you will need to replace the appliance with a new one, though a tankless system may last more than 20 years. May 25, 2020

What size wire do you need for a tankless hot water heater?

Run Power for the Unit You must utilize either a 120- or 240-volt circuit, wholly devoted to the heater. Both voltages require 8-gauge wire, and the section exposed to the area under the sink must be armored cable.

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Are electric tankless water heater worth it?

For many people, the long-term benefits of tankless heaters more than compensate for their initial expense. A tankless heater can be up to 34% more efficient than a traditional water heater. This increase in efficiency can amount to annual savings of over $100, depending on the type and size of the heater. Jun 10, 2022

Why does my tankless water heater moan?

Groaning. This is often an indication that there’s excess pressure in the lines or across the tank itself. Groening is often an indication of sediment building up inside the water heater. Sept 28, 2020

How do I flush my tankless water heater?

How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater: Step By Step Step 1: Turn Off the Isolation Valves and Gas. … Step 2: Connect the Hoses. … Step 3: Attach Hoses to the Circulation Pump. … Step 4: Add Cleaning Agent. … Step 5: Open the Valves. … Step 6: Flush Out the Cleaning Agent. … Step 7: Reconnect Everything. Jan 10, 2022

Can my breaker panel handle a tankless water heater?

Do not use the same calculated amperage as your final size breaker for tankless water heater. Otherwise, you’ll risk accidents because there’ll be no protection for a power surge. The National Electric Code (NEC) states that a circuit breaker should only handle 80% or less of its total capacity. Oct 3, 2022

Will a tankless water heater work during a power outage?

It may be obvious that electric powered tankless water heaters won’t work without an electrical supply. However, natural gas and propane tankless water heaters rely on electricity as well, and won’t work without electricity. Oct 3, 2017

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms. Oct 29, 2020

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Do tankless water heaters use 110 or 220?

Voltage. To reduce the amp draw, all electric tankless water heaters operate on a 240-volt circuit.

Is 200 amp service enough for tankless water heater?

A 200-amp service allows operation of multiple appliances at once, while a 60-amp service won’t provide enough power to run an electric hot water heater, air conditioner and hair dryer simultaneously. The EcoSmart Eco-18 model requires two 40-amp breakers for installation and has a 75-amp draw. Nov 7, 2019

Where do you put an electric tankless water heater?

As long as enough combustion air is provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in place of your old water heater or anywhere in your home. This includes utility rooms, garages, basements, attics, or mounted on outside walls. They can even be installed in locations where a storage water heater wouldn’t fit.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

In addition to high upfront costs, tankless water heaters have several other disadvantages compared to tank-style water heaters: they take longer to deliver hot water. the water temperature is inconsistent when multiple outlets are on simultaneously. they cannot provide hot water during a power outage. Oct 16, 2022

Resources

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/reviews/tankless-water-heater-installation-cost
https://www.eemax.com/2015/02/distributed-generation-when-two-water-heaters-are-better-than-one/
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-tankless-gas-water-heater/9ba683603be9fa5395fab904246ec3f

Tankless Water Heater Installation Tips. Things to Consider

How to Select the Right Size Tankless Water Heater


https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/tankless-gas-water-heater.137078/
https://cdn.globalimageserver.com/FetchDocument.aspx?ID=B01B2F08-B997-4C0E-9FEC-D666DEF226AC
http://users.snowcrest.net/thriftysupply/pdf/RTG-Gas_Piping_Facts.pdf

Are You in Need of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?


https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-tankless-water-heater/9ba683603be9fa5395fab905d482f81
https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/buying-guide/tankless-water-heater/

Why Is My Water Heater Making Weird Noises?


https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/how-to/flush-tankless-water-heater/

What Size Breaker for Electric Tankless Water Heater?


https://medium.com/@aprtexas/will-a-tankless-water-heater-work-without-electricity-1d439530f4d6

Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater in a Bathroom

How Many Amps Does A Tankless Water Heater Use? (42-167 Amps)

The Big Draw of Tankless Electric Water Heaters


https://www.homedepot.com/services/c/tankless-water-heater-installation/c88b47f07
https://prudentreviews.com/tankless-water-heaters-pros-and-cons/

About the author

Robert Flores