Understanding the Cost of Owning a Tankless Water Heater in Austin, TX

Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, are a great way to enjoy instant hot water while also saving energy and money. Though they may cost more upfront, tankless water heaters provide greater lifetime savings due to their efficient operation, their ability to eliminate standby heat losses and their lower cost of repairs. However, many property owners considering the switch to tankless are hesitant to make the investment due to the unknown cost of such an upgrade. In this article, we'll be exploring the costs associated with tankless water heaters, and the associated benefits that make them an appealing investment for Austin, TX property owners.

The Benefits of Choosing Tankless Water Heaters

When evaluating the cost of a tankless water heater, it's important to consider the long-term benefits that these systems have over traditional water heaters. As the name suggests, tankless water heaters do not have an internal storage tank that keeps large amounts of water hot for hours at a time. Instead, they use a heat exchanger to instantly heat the water when a hot water tap is opened. This allows for an almost limitless supply of hot water, and eliminates the need to waste energy keeping a large tank of water hot all day.

On-demand systems are also more space-efficient than tank style water heaters. Most tankless water heaters will fit on the wall in small bathrooms or closets, freeing up precious floor space. This is a major bonus for property owners looking to maximize storage and use of living space.

In addition, tankless systems have a much longer operational lifespan than traditional tank heaters, with average life-spans of 20 years. This significantly decreases the maintenance costs associated with traditional water heaters. However, to achieve the most from your tankless system, it is important to utilize the services of an experienced and reliable plumber that are adept at providing maintenance and repairs.

Cost of Installation

Traditional tank style water heaters require little to no installation costs, as they simply need to be mounted onto a platform. On the other hand, tankless water heaters involve many additional costs – such as purchasing the right venting pipes, electric wiring, additional framework and other equipment necessary for proper installation. As such, an on-demand system could cost anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000 – with the average in Austin, TX being around $1,800.

Cost of Operation

Though this number will vary widely depending on the type and efficiency of the tankless water heater you choose, tankless systems generally cost around 60% less to operate than traditional water heaters. Over the course of a year, the average Austin homeowner can save around $100 on energy bills.

It is also important to consider the operational costs associated with tankless systems. The USA Today estimates that maintaining and repairing on-demand systems can cost anywhere from $100 – $300 per season. This cost can be greatly reduced by having your system serviced and maintained by an experienced plumber, such as those provided by Abacus.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to save money and energy over the long-term, tankless water heaters are a great option. As with any investment, it is important to weigh both the upfront and operational costs of the system before switching. Understanding the differences between tank and tankless heaters will ensure the installation process goes smoothly, and will make sure that you are getting the most out of your system. For further assistance on installing and maintaining tankless water heaters, reach out to the team at Abacus.

cost of tankless water heater

tankless water heater Austin TX

tankless water heaters