Water Heater Installation Cost
| Typical Cost | $870 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $690–$1,100 |
| Low End | $600 |
| High End | $1,200 |
Cost to Install a Water Heater
It typically costs about $870 to install a new water heater. While prices often can range from about $690 to $1,100, a high-end project can cost upward of $1,200. The total cost of your project will depend on the type and size of heater you choose, as well as the type of energy it uses.
Table of Contents:- How much does it cost to install a water heater?
- How much do tank and tankless water heaters cost to install?
- How much do gas, electric and solar-powered water heaters cost?
- How does water heater size affect cost?
Having hot water for showers, baths or washing dishes is something most of us have come to rely on. But chances are, if your water heater does its job, you don’t tend to think about how it actually works. When replacing or installing a water heater, you’ll have a few different options to choose from. Water heaters come in tank or tankless versions and might run on gas, electricity or solar power. Each system has its benefits and downsides, so read on to find out which one is right for you.
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On average, tank water heaters usually cost less than tankless water heaters, but they have different pros and cons. While tankless water heaters cost a lot more upfront, they can help lower your energy bills.
Costs With Installation:
- Tank Water Heaters: $600 to $1,100
- Tankless Water Heaters: $900 to $1,200
A tank water heater stores a set amount of water at a time and keeps it steady at a warm temperature. In other words, a tank water heater is always running and producing energy. In contrast, a tankless water heater will heat water up only when needed. Instead of storing water in a tank, it pumps water as needed. The right water heater for you will depend on the number of people you live with, the size of your home and your individual priorities.
Tank Water HeaterA tank water heater might be the best choice for you if you live with several other people or in a medium to large home. If your household typically uses a lot of water in one room at a certain time of day (such as in the morning or evening) or simultaneously in different rooms, a tank water heater will be more convenient. But because it’s constantly using energy, it won’t last as long as a tankless system. Tank water heaters typically range in cost from about $400 to $780.
Pros:
- More affordable than a tankless water heater
- Handles high-demand use well
- Easy and short installation, around three hours
Cons:
- Uses a lot more energy than a tankless water heater
- Higher energy bills
- Shorter life span, around 10 to 12 years
- Takes up more space
For more information: Cost to Install a Boiler
Tankless Water HeaterA tankless water heater might be the best choice for you if you want to conserve energy, or if you live in a smaller house or apartment. If you’re concerned about your energy consumption, a tankless water heater is a great way to keep your usage low. While tankless water heaters are not the best at providing lots of hot water all at once, gas-powered tankless heaters will work a bit faster than electric models. Tankless water heaters typically range in cost from about $580 to $900.
Pros:
- Uses much less energy than a tank water heater
- Can lower your energy bills
- Doesn’t run out of water
- Takes up much less space
- Lasts longer than a tank water heater, around 20 years
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle high-demand use very well
- More expensive than a tank water heater
- Takes longer to install
- More difficult to repair
For more information: Cost to Install a Tankless Water Heater
Most water heaters cost between $400 and $900, but prices can vary depending on the size and energy source used. Solar-powered water heaters are usually the most expensive.
Water Heater Costs With Installation:
- Electric Water Heater: $600 to $1,200
- Gas Water Heater: $700 to $1,100
Gas water heaters are a common choice for those with large households, as they can quickly heat up large quantities of water. Among gas-powered heaters, you still have the option of either a tank or tankless system. Gas tank water heaters are the best at handling high-demand use. But if you’d like to cut down on your energy usage, a gas-powered tankless system can be a good option, as it will start heating only when you need it to.
Electric water heaters can be a fine choice for smaller households, as they’re cheaper and more environmentally friendly. You can buy an electric tank or tankless system, depending on your needs. If your water needs are higher, it’s probably wise to go with an electric tank water heater, as it will be able to heat up water faster. But if your household is fairly low-use, an electric tankless water heater can be a smart, environmentally-conscious option that will work just fine.
You can also choose to go solar, which is the most energy-efficient option, as these heaters are powered by the sun. While they’re much more expensive up front to install, they will help you save money on energy bills down the line. Usually, solar-powered systems are used to supplement other types of heaters to help reduce your energy consumption.
Want to learn more? How to Add a Solar Water Heater
How does water heater size affect cost?The bigger the water heater, the more it’s going to cost. Typically, the difference in price between a 40-gallon tank and a 50-gallon tank is around $60. But for larger heaters, the difference in price can go up by as much as $250 or more.
When picking out a size, you should consider how big your household is and how much water you typically use. A 50-gallon tank is often suitable for a family of five, but you may also wish to get a 60- or even 75-gallon tank. Even if only a couple of people live in your house, you should base your purchase on the number of bedrooms you have so the water heater will be suitable for guests or future buyers. For apartments or small households with one to three people, a 40-gallon tank is usually sufficient.
Note: Costs are estimated at the U.S. national level. Variations depend on factors such as the quality of materials, type of products installed and labor costs. The typical range is assumed to be between the 20th and 80th percentiles. The high-end and low-end costs are the maximum and minimum, respectively. Costs assume that the homeowner manages the project and hires subcontractors as needed. They include a subcontractor markup of 10% for materials and labor. Costs can be higher if a general contractor is managing the project. All numbers are rounded.
Source: 2019 Houzz Remodel Costs Database