Ingrams Water and Air Equipment

Guide to Tankless Water Heater Installation

Tankless water heaters are excellent investments that increase comfort and energy savings. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy an endless hot water supply and consume energy only when you need hot water.

A tankless water heater installation costs slightly more than installing a conventional water heater, but the savings and convenience are worth the price. Learn more about tankless water heaters and their installation process.

What Are the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters are different from other types of water heaters because they lack the tank that conventional heaters use to store hot water. Rather than storing hot water in a holding tank, tankless water heaters heat water as needed.

As water flows through a tankless system, it passes through heated coils that warm it on its way to a faucet. Because they are so different from conventional systems, tankless water heaters offer the following benefits:

Energy Savings

Tankless water heaters save energy because they only heat water when a household needs it. Conventional water heaters use energy continuously to keep their stored hot water warm until homes use it. Maintaining a consistent hot temperature within the tank uses a significant amount of energy.

A tankless water heater's lack of water storage eliminates its need for a constant energy source. Rather than using energy all day and night, tankless water heaters only use energy while they are heating and delivering water to a faucet. This can result in incredible energy savings.

Households that consume 41 or fewer hot water gallons per day can save approximately 24%-34% more energy with a tankless water heater.

Space Savings

You can also save a significant amount of space in your home with a tankless water heater. Tankless heaters are much smaller than conventional water heaters because they lack a storage tank. Storage tanks are typically 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, taking up valuable space in your home. An average tankless water heater is about 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide and 4 inches deep, allowing more space for other things that matter to you.

Water Capacity

Tankless water heaters provide the amount of hot water your home needs as you need it. Whether you and your loved ones enjoy long, comfortable showers or need a lot of hot water for multiple laundry loads each day, a tankless heater consistently delivers water at the right temperature whenever you need it.

Tankless water heaters also deliver fresh water. A conventional heater's tank holds water until you need it, allowing it to become stale in the meantime. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, sending new water through the pipes.

Longevity

Tankless water heaters last much longer than conventional water heaters. While a conventional water heater typically lasts eight to 12 years, tankless water heaters can last up to 25 years. Though a tankless water heater costs more upfront, its longevity saves you money in the long run.

Eliminated Risk of Water Leaks

Water heater tanks can hold 50 gallons or more, which can create some serious damage if a leak occurs. Tankless water heaters eliminate the risk of leaks because they lack a tank. The most damage a tankless water heater could do is equivalent to the damage a leaky faucet could cause, so it's a much safer option for your home.

What Is the Typical Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost?

Tankless water heater installation typically costs more than conventional water heater installation, but it pays off over time. The initial cost to purchase and install a tankless water heater system is between $1,200 and $3,500.

You can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a tankless water heater system, though the cost depends on the model you choose and the size your household needs. Installation costs typically add another $500 to $1,500 to the total cost, but the installation cost varies based on the system's fuel type. You can choose between the following tankless heater fuel types:

• Gas: Gas-powered tankless water heaters can heat more gallons of water per minute than electric tankless heaters, which makes them ideal if you live in a cold weather climate or have a large household. The installation cost for a gas-powered tankless system is typically between $500 and $2,000.
• Electric: Electric tankless water heaters are popular because of their easy installation and maintenance. An electric tankless water heater installation is best for small homes, and the installation cost is typically between $500 and $1,500.
• Solar: Solar-powered tankless systems are the most eco-friendly type of water heater, and they offer the most energy savings. To install a solar-powered tankless water heater, you can expect to pay approximately $1,500 to $4,000.

Installation costs vary because some homes require additional changes depending on the type of water heater a household chooses and how it needs to be installed. For example, you may need to hire a professional electrician to run new wiring if you're installing an electric tankless water heater.

How Long Is the Installation Process?

Installing a tankless water heater typically takes four to five hours, depending on the type of system and a household's needs. The installation process duration also depends on your location and which professionals are available when you need an installation.

How long installation takes also varies based on where you choose to install the system. An outdoor tankless water heater requires fewer alterations, while an indoor system requires more wall alterations. During a tankless water heater installation, a professional will complete the following tasks:

• First, the technician will turn your home's incoming water off.
• If you are converting an existing system to a tankless system, the installer will disconnect the existing system from your home's power and water lines, remove it and dispose of it properly.
• After removing the existing system, the tech will mount the tankless water heater on the wall where they determine it will fit best.
• If you have a gas-powered tankless water heater, the installer will also install ventilation ducts and a large flue.
• Next, the technician will connect the tankless system to your home's water line.
• If you have an electric tankless heater, the tech will plug the system into its power source.
• If you have a gas tankless water heater, the installer will connect the gas supply line and ignite the pilot light.
• Finally, the professional will test your home's hot water to ensure the system operates properly.

Can I Install My Own Tankless Water Heater?

If you're wondering how to install a tankless water heater, you need to understand that hiring a professional is the best way to complete installation unless you have professional experience yourself. Installing a tankless water heater requires plumbing, electrical work and sometimes soldering.

Hiring a professional is the safest and most efficient way to install a tankless system. A professional installation ensures your system operates smoothly and saves you money on potential damages that could occur if you attempt installation on your own.

How Can I Find a Professional Plumber for Installation?

It's essential to hire a professional plumber who can provide quality service and install your tankless water heater properly. An experienced plumbing technician's services may cost more than others, but you receive what you pay for in this situation.

Hiring an inexperienced technician to save money on installation could result in future damage or a faulty system, so take your time and research your best options.

You can find a professional plumber for installation by searching online, talking to friends and family, and comparing reviews. Search for technicians in your area, and browse their website for client reviews. You can also check other websites that provide honest and accurate reviews so you know what you can expect from different technicians. If someone you know recently got a tankless water heater, talk to them about their experiences with any technicians they hired.

Can You Convert an Existing System to a Tankless Water Heater?

You can convert an existing water heater system to a tankless water heater. You can choose from many different types of tankless water heaters to find a system that best meets your home's needs. Whether your home has electric, gas or solar power, you can purchase a system that matches your needs and convert your conventional water heater to a tankless unit.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert to a Tankless Water Heater?

To convert an existing water heater to a tankless water heater, you will need to hire a plumber and pay for installation and conversion services. During a conversion, a plumber will remove your existing system, bring your plumbing system up to code and install the new system. The cost to convert an existing system to a tankless water heater is based on the following factors:

• New tankless water heater system purchase: As mentioned previously, the first cost you will most likely factor into your total installation cost is the new tankless water heater system purchase, which can range between $500 and $2,000.
• Existing tank removal: Technicians typically charge between $100 and $500 to remove and dispose of your existing water tank.
• Gas line upgrade: A gas line upgrade costs between $350 and $750.
• New electrical outlet: A new electrical outlet installation costs approximately $150 to $300.
• Permit: Most towns and cities require homeowners to have a permit before installing or replacing a water heater. You can expect to pay between $25 and $250 for this type of permit.
• Plumbing update: It costs approximately $100 to $500 to have a technician update your plumbing system for your new tankless water heater.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Run out of Hot Water?

Since tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of storing hot water, they provide endless hot water. Conventional water heaters can only provide the amount of water in the tank before needing to heat more water, but tankless heaters can heat water whenever you need it and for as long as you need it.

It may take a tankless water heater slightly longer to deliver hot water at first. However, since the water heats as it flows through heated elements, it can never run out of hot water.

When Should I Purchase a Tankless Water Heater?

Many people wait until their existing water heater fails or reaches the end of its life span to upgrade to a new system. If your existing water heater is nearing its end, this is the perfect opportunity to install a tankless system. However, you don't have to wait for your current system to fail to install a new one. Upgrading to a tankless water heater is an excellent way to start saving money on your energy bills and enjoying the convenience of an endless hot water supply.

How Can I Maximize My Savings With a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters help households save money due to their operational efficiency. However, you can further increase your savings with some helpful tips. Maximize your tankless water heater's energy efficiency with the following strategies:

• Reduce water usage: The less hot water your household uses, the more energy you will save. Consider installing water-saving and low-flow fixtures, and try to shorten shower times as much as you are comfortable doing so. You can also wash laundry in cold water to conserve energy.
• Avoid using multiple appliances: Using several appliances at the same time demands more performance and energy from your tankless water heater. Try to use only one appliance at a time when you can. Wait until after your shower to run the washing machine or dishwasher, and ask household members to shower one at a time if possible.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Regular maintenance extends your tankless water heater system's life span and helps the system continue operating at peak efficiency.
• Check for available rebates: The government offers rebates for energy-efficient systems such as tankless water heaters, so researching available rebates can help you save money on your initial purchase.
• Purchase a home warranty: Most home warranties cover home systems including tankless water heaters. Purchasing a home warranty that covers your tankless system can save you money if you ever need repairs or a system replacement.

Upgrade Your Water Heater System With Ingram's Water & Air

Upgrading to a tankless water heater is a fantastic investment. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy the convenience of having hot water whenever you need it and save money on your energy bills. Hiring a professional to install a high-quality tankless water heater ensures your system operates smoothly and delivers the hot water you need.

Ingram's Water & Air offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor water heaters. Our high-quality systems are reliable and energy efficient to provide homes with the hot water they need. Consider a tankless water heater if you're ready to increase your comfort and reduce your energy bills. Browse the selection of water heaters at Ingram's Water & Air to find the right system for your home.