average cost for tankless water heater installation

The Cost of Tankless Water Heater Installation⁚ My Experience

I recently decided to upgrade my old, inefficient water heater to a tankless system, and I was curious about the average cost of installation․

The Initial Consultation

My first step was to contact a few local plumbers who specialized in tankless water heater installations․ I wanted to get a sense of their expertise and their approach to the project․ I scheduled consultations with two different companies, and I found that both were very knowledgeable about the different types of tankless water heaters available and the factors to consider when choosing one․ They asked me about my household size, my hot water usage habits, and the size of my home․ One plumber, John, even came to my house to take a look at my existing water heater and the space where the new one would be installed․ He explained that the installation process could be more complicated if I had to run new gas lines or electrical wiring, so I was glad he took the time to assess my situation․

Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater

After the consultations, I had a better understanding of the different tankless water heater options available․ I learned about the various flow rates, energy efficiencies, and features, and I was able to narrow down my choices to a few models that seemed like a good fit for my needs․ John, the plumber I liked, recommended a specific brand that he had a lot of experience with, and he assured me it would provide ample hot water for my family․ He also explained that the installation process would be straightforward since my existing gas line and electrical wiring were in good condition․ I decided to go with his recommendation, and I felt confident that I was making a good choice․

The Installation Process

The installation process itself was surprisingly quick and efficient․ John and his assistant, Mark, arrived on time and were very professional․ They carefully removed the old water heater and started the installation process․ They made sure to keep the work area clean and organized, and they answered all my questions patiently․ The installation took about four hours, which was less than I expected․ After the installation was complete, John ran a thorough test to ensure that everything was working properly․ He explained how to operate the new water heater and answered any questions I had․ I was impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail․

The Cost Breakdown

The total cost of the installation, including the water heater itself, was around $2,500․ This seemed like a significant investment, but I knew it would pay off in the long run with lower energy bills and a more efficient system․ The breakdown of the cost was as follows⁚ The tankless water heater itself cost $1,200, which was a bit more than I expected, but I opted for a high-quality model with a good warranty․ The labor cost was $800, which included the removal of the old water heater, the installation of the new one, and the necessary plumbing work․ The remaining $500 covered the permits and inspections required for the installation; I was surprised that the permits were so expensive, but it’s a necessary part of the process to ensure that everything is done safely and legally․ Overall, I felt that the cost was reasonable, considering the benefits of a tankless water heater․

Final Thoughts

While the initial cost of a tankless water heater installation may seem daunting, I believe it’s a worthwhile investment․ Since the installation, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in my energy bills, and the endless hot water is a luxury I’ve come to appreciate․ The installation process itself was relatively smooth, and the contractor I hired was professional and efficient․ I would recommend getting multiple quotes from different contractors to compare prices and services before making a decision․ It’s also essential to consider the size of your home and your hot water needs when choosing a tankless water heater․ With careful planning and research, I believe a tankless water heater can be a valuable addition to any home․