I recently decided to upgrade my home’s hot water system and opted for an electric tankless water heater. The initial cost seemed high, but I was drawn to the promise of energy savings. My research involved comparing several brands and models, focusing on energy efficiency ratings and customer reviews. I found that while the upfront investment was significant, the long-term cost benefits were appealing. Ultimately, I chose a unit that balanced performance and price point. The installation itself added to the overall expense, but I felt it was a worthwhile upgrade for my home.
Choosing the Right Unit
Choosing the right electric tankless water heater felt overwhelming at first! There are so many options on the market, each with different features and price points. I started by determining my hot water needs. My family of four, including two teenagers with seemingly endless showers, required a unit with a higher flow rate. I spent hours online reading reviews and comparing specifications. Websites like Consumer Reports proved invaluable. I looked at energy efficiency ratings – the higher the better, to minimize long-term energy costs. I also considered features like digital displays for easy temperature control and self-diagnostic capabilities to catch potential problems early. The brands I considered included Stiebel Eltron, Rheem, and Eccotemp. Each had models within my budget but offered different features. Stiebel Eltron, known for its longevity and high-quality components, was tempting, but their premium price tag gave me pause. Rheem offered a good balance of features and price, while Eccotemp presented more budget-friendly options, although some reviews hinted at shorter lifespans. Ultimately, I went with a mid-range Rheem model. It offered a good flow rate, decent energy efficiency, and a reasonable warranty. The decision wasn’t easy, but weighing the features against the price tag helped me narrow down my choices. I even called a couple of plumbers to get their opinions on the brands I was considering, and their insights were invaluable. They steered me away from a couple of models that had a reputation for frequent repairs, saving me potential headaches (and money!) down the line. It was a detailed process, but I felt confident that I made the right choice for my needs and budget. The final choice felt like a good compromise between quality and affordability. The upfront cost was significant, but I felt the long-term benefits justified the expense.
The Installation Process
I decided to hire a licensed plumber for the installation, despite my initial inclination to tackle it myself. While I’m handy around the house, working with electricity and plumbing is best left to professionals; I contacted three local plumbers, obtaining detailed quotes that included labor and any necessary materials beyond the unit itself. The quotes varied significantly. One plumber, a rather gruff fellow named Bob, gave me the lowest quote but had less stellar online reviews. Another, a more personable woman named Sarah, provided a detailed breakdown of the work involved and had glowing recommendations. The third quote was significantly higher than the others. I chose Sarah. Her thoroughness and positive reviews outweighed the slightly higher cost. The installation itself took about half a day. Sarah and her assistant, Mark, were incredibly professional. They carefully explained each step of the process, addressing my concerns and answering my many questions. They started by shutting off the power and water supply to the area. Then, they removed the old water heater, a rusty tank-style unit that had clearly seen better days. The new tankless unit required a dedicated electrical circuit, which they installed with meticulous care. They then carefully connected the water lines, ensuring there were no leaks. They tested the unit thoroughly, making sure the hot water flowed at the correct temperature and pressure. They also explained how to use the unit’s controls and provided instructions for basic maintenance. Throughout the process, they were efficient and clean, leaving my utility room cleaner than they found it. The final step involved a thorough inspection and a walk-through to ensure everything was functioning properly. The entire experience was stress-free, thanks to Sarah and Mark’s professionalism and expertise. While the installation cost added to the overall expense, the peace of mind knowing it was done correctly by experienced professionals was priceless. It was a significant investment, but the quality of the work made it worthwhile.
Unexpected Challenges
While the installation went relatively smoothly, I did encounter a few unexpected challenges that added to the overall cost. Firstly, the existing electrical wiring in my utility closet proved inadequate for the new tankless heater’s power requirements. The installer, Sarah, discovered this during the initial assessment. She explained that the existing wiring was outdated and couldn’t handle the higher amperage draw of the new unit. This meant an unexpected expense for upgrading the electrical circuit, which involved running new wiring from the breaker box to the water heater location. This wasn’t a small job; it required opening up walls and some minor drywall repair afterward. The additional cost for this electrical work was substantial, pushing the total installation expense higher than initially anticipated. Secondly, accessing the water lines proved more difficult than expected. The pipes were located behind a section of drywall that was harder to remove than initially anticipated. This added to the labor time, and consequently, the overall cost. The unexpected demolition and repair work added to the project’s timeline as well. It also required additional materials, further increasing the final bill. The extra work also slightly delayed the completion of the installation. While I was initially frustrated by these unexpected costs, I understood that these issues were beyond Sarah’s control and were simply unforeseen circumstances related to the age and condition of my home’s plumbing and electrical systems. In hindsight, I should have scheduled a pre-installation inspection to identify potential issues beforehand, which might have helped mitigate some of these surprises and reduced the overall cost. These unforeseen complications highlight the importance of thorough pre-installation assessments and the potential for hidden costs when undertaking home improvement projects.
Testing and Initial Use
After the installation was complete, I eagerly tested the new electric tankless water heater. My initial experience was overwhelmingly positive. The hot water arrived almost instantaneously, a stark contrast to the frustrating delays I experienced with my old tank water heater. I ran several hot water taps simultaneously – the kitchen sink, the shower, and the bathroom sink – and the water temperature remained consistently hot throughout. This was a significant improvement, especially during peak usage times in the morning and evening. I meticulously monitored the water temperature for several days, noting the responsiveness and consistency. I also paid close attention to the water pressure, which remained excellent even with multiple fixtures running concurrently. Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the system under various conditions. I timed how long it took to heat the water for a long shower, and I experimented with different flow rates. The performance consistently exceeded my expectations. The energy efficiency was also noticeable. My monthly energy bills showed a marked reduction in hot water heating costs compared to the previous months, exceeding even my optimistic projections. However, I did notice a slight increase in my overall electricity bill, likely due to the higher power draw of the new unit. This increase was less than I anticipated, though, and was more than offset by the significant savings in hot water heating. I also experimented with adjusting the temperature settings on the unit, finding the optimal balance between hot water comfort and energy conservation. The ease of use and the intuitive controls made this process straightforward and hassle-free. Overall, my initial experience with the electric tankless water heater was incredibly positive, confirming that the investment was worthwhile.
Final Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk about the money. The total cost of installing my electric tankless water heater was higher than I initially anticipated, but I believe the long-term savings will justify the expense. First, the unit itself cost me $1200. This was a mid-range model from a reputable brand, offering a good balance of features and efficiency. I could have saved money by opting for a cheaper model, but I prioritized longevity and performance. Next came the installation. I initially considered doing it myself, but after carefully reviewing the complexity of the process and considering potential risks, I decided to hire a licensed plumber. This added $800 to the total cost, including permits and inspection fees. The plumber, whose name is Bob, was professional and efficient, completing the installation within a single day. He also addressed some minor plumbing issues he discovered during the installation, which added another $150 to the bill. There were also unexpected expenses. I needed to upgrade my electrical panel to accommodate the higher power draw of the tankless heater. This involved hiring an electrician, which cost an additional $500. Finally, I purchased some additional materials, such as new plumbing connectors and electrical wiring, which amounted to about $75. Adding everything up, my total cost for the electric tankless water heater installation was $2725. This is a significant investment, but I feel confident that the long-term energy savings, increased water pressure, and the elimination of tank-related maintenance will make it a worthwhile investment over the next few years. I plan to track my energy bills closely to monitor the actual savings and keep a detailed record of all maintenance and repair costs.
