Installation is expensive because the unit needs a bigger gas supply than a conventional water heater does, and it needs to run its own exhaust flue to the exterior. Installation costs can vary widely, depending on the location of the flue and the gas supply. The unit itself costs between $800 and $1,000.

Is it more expensive to install a tankless water heater?

Due to the cost of installation, tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront than traditional models. Once you factor in annual energy savings and the fact that you have to replace a tankless water heater half as often as a traditional unit though, you may find that it is less expensive in the long run.

Do tankless water heaters increase electric bill?

The energy savings of tankless water heaters come with higher front-end costs, both for purchase and installation. Tankless water heaters can eventually pay for themselves with energy bill savings, but the payback period may be long: 22-27 years for a gas tankless heater, 12-20 years for an electric.

Do tankless water heaters require maintenance?

Keeping up with maintenance, including tankless water heater cleaning, should take place at least once a year. You may need to take care of other tasks, such as wiping down the exterior of the unit, more often, especially if the area where you install the water heater receives a lot of dust.

Do tankless water heaters wear out?

A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, sometimes even longer. Also called “on-demand” water heaters, these appliances do not work continuously to maintain a supply of hot water—and, as a result, they last longer than their tank-style counterparts.

Can tankless water heaters keep up with demand?

Although tankless water heaters technically cannot run out of hot water since they are designed to always heat up more water on demand, they can be overwhelmed with demand when there are multiple taps or appliances on at once.