If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your hot water heater, you may have come across the idea of a tankless water heater installation. A tankless water heater is a great way to provide hot water at your home without the hassle of a conventional water heater. However, tankless water heaters are not without their problems, and it’s important to choose a plumber who is experienced in this type of project. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a plumber to do the job.
First, you need to find a location that allows the tankless water heater to vent. Make sure you follow local codes when you decide where the venting will be placed. Next, you need to build a mounting box. It’s a box made of 2 x 4 lumber or 3/4-inch plywood that supports the weight of the tankless water heater. Make sure the mounting box is secure by using the appropriate masonry anchors to ensure its safety.
Before you choose a tankless water heater, you should determine how much hot water you need. This is important because you may not realize how much hot water you use until your current tankless water heater is completely empty. If you estimate that you’ll need a lot of hot water, you’ll have to invest in a bigger unit with higher capacity. However, if you underestimate your hot water usage, you can always buy another one.
A residential tankless water heater installation should have a minimum capacity of 50 gallons and 75 gallons if you are a heavy user. An eight-minute shower, for example, uses about 10 gallons of hot water, and a full load of laundry or a dishwasher can use as much as 6 gallons of hot water. Depending on the size of your home, you may want to consider a larger tankless water heater installation.
If you decide to upgrade your old water heater, it is important to compare the prices of different models. Gas tanks are more expensive than electric ones, but they do offer higher energy efficiency. Electric tankless heater installation costs range from $500 to $1,500. The exact cost of installation depends on the type of unit you purchase and the complexity of the job. Additionally, you should consider the plumber you choose for the job. This will have a substantial impact on the total cost.
A gas tankless water heater installation can cost anywhere from $3,200 to $5,800. Compared to electric systems, gas systems are more energy efficient and have lower operating costs. Gas units are also less expensive to repair than electric systems, and most are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $300. If you have a lot of extra money to spend on installation, a gas tankless water heater installation may be the way to go.
In addition to saving on energy, tankless water heaters are easy to maintain and can last for up to 20 years. Energy prices and the length of your use will determine whether you should upgrade to a tankless water heater. It’s important to keep in mind that tankless water heater installation costs are typically around one-third of the cost of installing a traditional water heater. If you use a tankless water heater for your home, you can expect to save hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs.
