Most likely the two most important factors on converting to a tankless water heater is how much they will cost to install, and how much they will save you over time. 
unit + other parts + labor = True cost.
The units themselves go for $700 – $1,100 dollars. I’m talking high end units such as the Navien 7, and and of the Noritz tankless models, forget about cutting costs on the unit it’s self. You want the very best you can get because the better units can last 30 years or longer, provide the most hot water, and all qualify in the Federal tax credit programs. Many traditional water heater companies have gotten into the tankless water heater business over the past few years, and frankly they just don’t preform as well as the Korean, and Japanese brands. I’m not sure if Japan invented the technology, but I know they perfected it in the mid 1950′2, and have sold over 50 million units in since then. Because they save energy and space it has been against the law not to use one in Japan for quite some time now. (Special thanks to Lisa our Noritz rep for the extra info)
- Other parts will be needed with your installation. Valve kit- The valve kit is located directly underneath the unit when installed. It is the feed & return for the water piping that connects the tankless unit to the house. Good ones are made of brass, and include a shut off valve at both the hot and cold side of the unit. Good valve kits will also have a quick connect hook up so you can flush your tank out with a simple garden hose and a bucket. Good ones cost $85 – $125. but worth every penny.
- ventilation piping- All units will discharge an exhaust, and you will need piping to get it from the unit to an outside wall, (not near a window or doorway). Most units need to use more expensive vent piping called double walled, B vent, or fasNseal, all are stainless steal vent pipes. This kind of piping is expensive, any where from $35 - $45 per 12- 16 inch piece. $75 – $90 per 3 foot length, $45- $59 per (90 & 45 degree bends). If you need to go across the length of an entire basement or garage, you could be spending almost as much in ventilation piping the the unit itself. The Navien tankless water heater however has improved their designs and the only require PVC for their exhaust pipe. PVC goes for less than 1 dollar per foot, about 1 – 2 dollars for 90 & 45 degree bends.
- Gas pipe modifications. All gas units need either natural gas or propane to work. Your natural gas pressure is set at a steady rate set by your local gas company usually around 3.5 pounds psi. Your unit will need a 3/4inch gas line connecting the unit to the gas piping in the house. If their isn’t any 3/4 tap in spots near by your plumber will have more work, and you wallet may need to open a little wider. All units will require some gas modifications and they are included with your basic installation prices, however if their is no place near the desired installation site to “tap into the house line” your plumber/we, may have to work all the way back to the gas meter, then run a new dedicated line for the tankless water heater. Costing you any where from $125 – $600 extra dollars depending the length and type of piping used. – Propane units have regulators on them, if the bottle is large enough just a small adjustment is needed on the regulator, to increase the pressure in the line. If your propane tank isn’t large enough, you may need a bigger one, or another one linked to your existing tank. Ask your plumber, or better yet propane provider about this concern.
- Electrical upgrades- If you live in an old house and are thinking about installing a new electric tankless water heater, you might want to think again. Sine the unit instantaneously makes cold water hot, the unit requires a ton of power on demand, and at least (2) 40 amp s breakers in the service box. If your house doesn’t have enough power, or any room in electrical service box, you could need a big upgrade to your electrical system which could cost you more than the tankless installation itself. If you live in a newer house or have had an electrical upgrade with in the past ten years then you will most likely just need a new electrical line ran from the fuse box to the tankless unit. A licensed electrician must install a new fuse in the service box, and run a line form the service box to the tankless unit. I’m not an electrician but I’m sure that’s going to cost a about $200 – $350.
Then you have the labor. Every licensed plumber I know is charging different prices. Price to install them depending on how long & hard ,or quick & easy the installation will be so it’s very hard for me or any other plumber to tell you what the labor costs will before inspecting the installation site. We generally charge between $800 -$1,250 labor to install a new tankless water heaters, which includes the accessories need to install the unit,-(copper,copper fittings,mounting brackets,pex etc)
Some plumbing companies I know are charging big money nearly twice that.
All in all, going tankless is usually a great idea, they save space and money on your utilities. However their are many factors that will could effect the installation labor price. Extra gas modifications, drilling 4 inch holes threw solid concrete, etc will impact/ increase the amount of money you will pay on your basic labor costs. Picking the right location for the unit is very important, and their is a good chance that the new tankelss water heater will not be able to be installed where the your old fashion tank is now. It’s possible that their isn’t any proper locations anywhere in your home because of clearance issue with the exhaust fumes being to close to windows or door ways. The best thing to do is find a plumber that offers free estimates (like we do), but if no one in your area offers free estimates paying for one is still a good idea and worth the money because having a knowledgeable plumber to come to your house and go threw everything with you in person is priceless.
These pictures here are from a tankless water heater we installed in a town house in the Woodmont section of Milford last winter. The owners were very happy to both save money on their energy bills as well as gain much wanted closet space.
If you live in Connecticut and would like a free estimate on having a new tankless water heater installed in your home. Call Bruce Somers our master plumber for a free estimate any time from 7am – 7pm. (203)-556-7167
For information on how tankless or intantanous water heaters work. and how much you can save on your utilities please feel free to read more pages in the sites on the tankless water heater page.
We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, Solar water heating installations, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.
