Tankless Water Heater Cost: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

When it comes to choosing the right water heater for your home, there are two main types: traditional tanks and tankless water heaters. While tankless water heaters use less energy and can provide on-demand hot water, they come with higher upfront costs. In this comprehensive guide, homeowners in Austin, Texas, will learn the approximate tankless water heater cost for their property as well as expert advice for installation and maintenance.

When it comes to buying a water heater, homeowners in Austin, Texas, have two major options to consider: tankless or traditional tanks. Traditional storage-tank heaters remain popular since they are relatively affordable and have been around for decades; they are even easier to install in a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, tankless water heaters have more attractive features, such as a faster on-demand hot water supply, more efficient operation, and a longer lifespan. Although they have a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run in terms of energy efficiency.

As a homeowner, it is essential to consider your property's size, one-time and monthly expenses, and long-term savings when deciding between traditional tanks and tankless water heaters. The approximate cost of installing and operating a tankless water heater in Austin, Texas, is covered below.

Tankless Water Heater Cost

On average, installation of a tankless water heater in Austin, Texas, can range from $1,800 to $3,000, although this may vary depending on the size of your home. To install a tankless water heater, property owners can expect to pay $180 to $250 per hour of labor for a licensed plumber, plus any materials and permits. However, many city requirements may not be necessary for tankless water heater installation, such as changes in existing gas lines.

In addition to installation costs, homeowners also need to consider the tankless water heater's monthly and long-term costs. Generally, gas-powered heaters tend to be cheaper in monthly expense than electric tankless water heaters, but they may require a higher initial investment. On the other hand, electric-powered water heaters tend to be more expensive in monthly costs, but they usually require less upfront investment.

The long-term savings from a tankless water heater can be considerable. Tankless water heaters are about 8% to 14% more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters, meaning they consume much less energy for a warm supply of water. As a result, homeowners can save over $100 a year in energy costs with a tankless water heater. For example, a gas-powered tankless water heater typically costs less than 21 cents per gallon, while a gas-powered storage tank water heater can consume up to 41 cents per gallon for the same quantity.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Although tankless water heaters offer an incredible amount of savings over the long term, they do require more maintenance than traditional storage-tank water heaters. Homeowners should expect to hire a professional plumber to flush their tankless water heaters out twice a year, and they should also make sure to check the anode rod on both traditional and tankless water heaters about once a year as well.

Finally, homeowners should consider investing in an expansion tank to protect against pressure imbalances in their tankless water heaters. This can help reduce water hammer, unexpected eruptions of water pressure, which can cause damage to pipes and other fixtures over time. Low-cost expansion tanks run from $125 to $250, and they are easy to find at local hardware and home improvement stores.

Closing ideas

Tankless water heaters are much more efficient than their traditional counterparts and can provide a more continuous supply of hot water throughout the home. Homeowners in Austin, Texas, can expect to pay between $1,800 and $3,000 for the installation of a tankless water heater, but they should also consider its monthly and long-term expenses. Keeping regular maintenance checks, such as flushing the heater and changing the anode rod, is essential to preserving its efficiency and resilience.

Overall, tankless water heaters come with a higher upfront cost, but they can provide amazing long-term savings for homeowners in Austin, Texas, and beyond.

Tankless water heater

Austin Texas

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