Electric tankless water heaters cost less to install than gas-powered models, but the overall cost will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the local labor rates. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 for a complete installation.
Factors Affecting Cost
Several factors can affect the cost of installing an electric tankless water heater, including⁚
- Size of the unit⁚ Larger units will require more materials and labor to install, which will increase the overall cost.
- Complexity of the installation⁚ If the installation requires running new electrical lines or plumbing, this will add to the cost.
- Local labor rates⁚ The cost of labor will vary depending on your location. In areas with high labor costs, the installation will be more expensive.
In addition to these factors, you may also need to factor in the cost of permits and inspections, which can vary depending on your local regulations.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the factors that can affect the cost of installing an electric tankless water heater⁚
- Size of the unit⁚ The size of the unit is measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the kW, the more hot water the unit can produce. A larger unit will require more materials and labor to install, which will increase the overall cost.
- Complexity of the installation⁚ The complexity of the installation will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the unit, the type of plumbing and electrical work required, and the need for any permits or inspections. A more complex installation will require more time and labor, which will increase the overall cost.
- Local labor rates⁚ The cost of labor will vary depending on your location. In areas with high labor costs, the installation will be more expensive.
It is important to get quotes from several different contractors before making a decision. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible price for the installation.
Average Cost
The average cost of installing an electric tankless water heater is between $1,000 and $2,500. However, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the local labor rates.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for different sizes of electric tankless water heaters⁚
- Small units (6-10 kW)⁚ $1,000-$1,500
- Medium units (11-15 kW)⁚ $1,500-$2,000
- Large units (16-20 kW)⁚ $2,000-$2,500
It is important to note that these are just averages. The actual cost of installing an electric tankless water heater will vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
If you are considering installing an electric tankless water heater, it is important to get quotes from several different contractors. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible price for the installation.
Here are some tips for saving money on the installation of an electric tankless water heater⁚
- Get multiple quotes⁚ As mentioned above, it is important to get quotes from several different contractors before making a decision. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible price for the installation.
- Choose a smaller unit⁚ If you do not need a large amount of hot water, you can save money by choosing a smaller unit. Smaller units are less expensive to purchase and install.
- Do some of the work yourself⁚ If you are handy, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you could purchase the unit and install it yourself, or you could hire a plumber to do the installation and do the electrical work yourself.
By following these tips, you can save money on the installation of an electric tankless water heater.
Considerations
Before you decide to install an electric tankless water heater, there are a few things you should consider⁚
- Energy efficiency⁚ Electric tankless water heaters are very energy efficient, but they can be more expensive to operate than gas-powered models. If you are concerned about your energy bills, you may want to consider a gas-powered model instead.
- Flow rate⁚ Electric tankless water heaters have a lower flow rate than gas-powered models. This means that you may not be able to get as much hot water as you need if you have a large household or if you use a lot of hot water at the same time.
- Upfront cost⁚ Electric tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost than gas-powered models. However, they can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing an electric tankless water heater⁚
- Size⁚ The size of the unit will depend on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage. A larger unit will be able to provide more hot water, but it will also be more expensive to purchase and install.
- Warranty⁚ Most electric tankless water heaters come with a warranty of 5-10 years. It is important to choose a unit with a good warranty so that you are protected in case of any problems.
- Installation⁚ Electric tankless water heaters can be installed by a qualified electrician or plumber. It is important to hire a qualified professional to ensure that the unit is installed correctly.
By considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not an electric tankless water heater is right for you.
