We use Rinnai tankless gas water heaters for all of our installations. The size of the water heater is determined by how many simultaneous showers it can feed. Typical cost for the unit itself runs from $1200-$1500. In order to meet code and to satisfy warranty requirements, Rinnai vent pipe must be installed (approximately $375 per 20 feet). Additional material costs are approximately $300-$500. Labor usually runs between 8-12 hours; however, labor and material costs can escalate depending on various issues:
- Can the existing gas line size accommodate the BTUs (traditional water heaters require approximately 50,000 BTUs; tankless water heaters require approximately 190,000 BTUs); 2) If an electrical outlet is not located within approximately two feet from the unit, an electrician must install one; 3) If the unit is not placed in a central location in the house, the system may require a recirculation line and pump; 4) Is the existing unit a traditional water heater or a tankless water heater; 5) Is homeowner converting from electric to gas
We typically do not install electric tankless water heaters. The electric units have not made the strides that the gas units have made since the first generation units were introduced. Customer satisfaction has been so low, that our supply house refuses to sell them to us!
If a home has several gas appliances, homeowner may need to request a larger meter from their gas company (typically no charge) to be installed before converting from traditional to tankless. Ask your plumber to check the total BTU requirements on the existing system. Total BTU capacity for a normal meter is approximately 225,000 BTUs.