Water heater installation cost is pricey, no matter what type of hot water heater you decide to go with. Some types cost much more than others to install, however. This overview will detail water heater installation cost for gas water heaters, electric water heaters, tankless (also known as instantaneous or instant) water heaters, and solar water heaters. Because long-term cost is key to any decision-making process, the long term cost of each type of water heater will also be outlined.
Gas Water Heater Installation Cost
Gas water heater installation cost usually sits at around $150-$250. The gas hot water heater itself is generally priced in the range of $300-$1,500, so between the cost of the water heater, you can expect to pay between $450 and $1,750. There may be an additional charge if any piping needs replacing, but overall, the cost of a new gas hot water heater is low, compared to other types of water heaters.
While the cost of a new gas water heater isn’t terribly high, it is wise to take into consideration the long term cost of owning a gas water heater. Gas-fueled hot water heaters are unfortunately among the least efficient water heating systems. While gas water heaters are generally more energy efficient than electric water heaters, gas hot water heaters use energy continuously in order to keep the water in the tank hot throughout the day. This constant drain of energy means you pay a much higher bill each month than you would for more efficient types of water heaters.
Electric Water Heater Installation Cost
Electric water heater installation cost is also around $150-$250, but the water heater itself runs about $100 to $600. Replacing your electric water heater thus runs between $250 on the low end, and $850 between the appliance and installation. The cost may be higher, however, if you’re changing from a gas water heater; some electrical work may be required. You can call a plumber in your area to ask whether they offer free estimates, so you can find out what the exact installation cost of your water heater will be.
Aside from the water heater installation cost and the price of the electric water heater itself, you may want to keep in mind the fact that electric water heaters are generally the least energy efficient type of hot water heater. While the initial cost of an electric water heater is comparatively low, your monthly energy bill will be quite high, as electricity must continuously run to keep the water in the tank hot.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost
Tankless water heater installation cost is more expensive than for gas or electric water heaters, but the long term cost is much lower. If you’re simply replacing a tankless water heater, the installation cost can be as low as $500 to $1,500. However, if you’re switching from a tank water heater to a tankless hot water heater, installation fees can range from $3,000 to $8,000. This is because a tankless water heating system requires a larger supply of gas than does a gas water heater (and obviously an electric hot water heater) and an instant water heater requires different types and sizes of pipes than does a tank water heating system. Thus, parts and labor required to transition from an electric or gas water heater are much more than would be needed to replace the same type of water heater you currently own.
Despite the steep up-front cost of a tankless hot water heater, the efficiency of this type of water heater is extremely good. Since tankless water heaters do not heat water continuously throughout the day, and instead heat the water only when you turn faucet on, much less energy is wasted than with an electric or gas hot water heater. Electric tankless water heaters, while much more energy efficient than a tank electric water heater or a tank gas water heater, are less efficient than a tankless hot water heater that operates on natural gas. If you’re looking to save a ton in the long run, either type of hot water heater will significantly reduce your monthly energy bill. If you can afford the initial investment of a tankless water heater, you’ll find it well worth it in the future.
Solar Water Heater Installation Cost
Solar water heater installation cost is extremely high, but these types of water heaters are by far the most energy efficient type of hot water heater, which means you save loads of money down the road. There are two kinds of solar water heaters, and the installation cost for each is very different. Installation for passive solar water heaters ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, while water heater installation cost for the active solar type is anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. The solar water itself runs between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the size and type. You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $15,000 between installation and the water heater system itself, but a few thousand on top of that is not unheard of.
While the cost of purchasing and installing a solar water heating system is extremely pricey, the return you gain from the investment is quite large. Since the water is heated purely by energy from the sun, your monthly energy bill is significantly lower than with any other water heating system. It is estimated that the solar water heater will begin paying for itself after four to ten years. While this may seem like a long time, considering the solar hot water heater as an investment to no longer pay for the energy it takes to heat your household water. Additionally, federal tax credit is available until 12/31/2016 to cover 30% of the final cost of the solar water heater. Thus, while the initial cost of a solar water heater is quite high, the return it provides renders it a great—and green—investment!
Thus, keep in mind that while water heater installation cost may be higher for some types of water heaters versus others, the long-term benefits can outweigh the initial cost.