Tankless units are more expensive. An electric tankless unit will cost about $500 to $700, roughly the same as a traditional tank model, while the cost of a gas tankless heater runs about $1,000 to $1,200. Beyond the initial cost, the national average for the installation of a tankless unit is slightly over $1,700.

Should I replace my hot water heater with a tankless?

The Pros of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater





Avoid the risk of flooding due to a ruptured tank. Tankless water heaters consume less energy because they only need enough power to heat water as it’s needed. Tankless water heaters are more efficient and don’t experience standby heat loss.

Is it worth it to upgrade to tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater could help keep your energy bill low in a vacation home. You could also save money if you travel often, or just don’t consume a lot of hot water. If you use less than 40 gallons of water per day, installing a tankless heater can be 24%- 34% more energy efficient.

Which is better tank or tankless water heater?

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.

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.

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





Tankless water heater installation costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Tankless hot water heater prices are $300 to $2,100 for a gas or electric on-demand system, plus $300 to $2,500 for installation labor. Tankless water heaters save $40 to $200 yearly by reducing energy costs by 8% to 34%.

What are the pros and cons of a tankless water heater?

Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? 10 Pros and Cons

  • Pro #1: Instant Hot Water. …
  • Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures. …
  • Pro #2: Longer Lifespan. …
  • Con #2: Higher Initial Cost. …
  • Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs. …
  • Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply. …
  • Pro #4: Space Savings. …
  • Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary.

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.

What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6?

Number Of Family Members: Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM) Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3? 7-9 GPM 15-23 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4? 8-10 GPM 20-28 kW

How long do tankless water heaters last?



20 years

Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that may extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years. Tankless water heaters avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters.

Is it easy to switch to a tankless water heater?

Finally, installing a tankless water heater may not be as simple as swapping your old tank-style heater for a new one. Your home’s gas piping, gas meter and gas line may not be sized appropriately for a gas-fired tankless heater, for example. Or your electrical system may require an expensive capacity upgrade.

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.

Do you need a water softener with a tankless water heater?

Tankless Water Heaters

For customers who either already have a tankless water heater or are considering switching to tankless, a water softener is a great idea. Because it helps protect your water heater, we will actually recommend a water softener with all tankless installs we do!

What maintenance is required for a tankless water heater?

Over time, a tankless water heater can accumulate minerals that can build up on and erode the walls inside your tank’s heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, you must flush and remove the mineral deposits from your tank at least once per year.

Can hard water ruin a water heater?



If your home has hard water it means that there are excess minerals in your water supply. While this is pretty much harmless for you to drink it can cause huge damage for your home’s appliances—especially your water heater.

Can tankless water heaters handle hard water?

The answer is yes, a tankless water heater can work in a home with hard water, but the combination can be problematic if left unchecked because there’s the possibility of pipe scaling, which is when calcium and magnesium salts, or other minerals, build up in pipes.

What type of water heater is best for hard water?

  • #1 Winner: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus Tankless Water Heater. …
  • #2 Alternative: Bosch Electric Tronic 3000 T Mini-Tank Water Heater. …
  • #3 Alternative: ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater. …
  • #4 Alternative: Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater. …
  • #5 Alternative: Titan SCR2 N-120 Electric Tankless Water Heater.
  • Can you use a tankless hot water heater with well water?

    You can use a tankless water heater with well water, but you will have to consider the temperature of the incoming water, the water pressure from the well, and whether your water is hard or has a lot of sediment.

    How do I get rid of calcium build up in my hot water heater?

    Treat with organic chemicals. — The most effective chemicals for combating calcium buildup are vinegar or lye. Once you flush your water heater, let the chemicals sit in the tank for a few hours, then flush it again before turning the heater back on for use.

    How often should you drain your hot water tank?



    Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every six months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.

    Can I put CLR in my hot water heater?

    CLR cleaner is a great way to clean your water heater, because it eats away at the minerals at the bottom of the heater without scrubbing. Although CLR often comes in small spray bottles, it is also sold in gallon-sized containers, the perfect size for cleaning a hot water heater.