3 November 2020
 Categories: , Blog

Even though having a hot water tank in your home isn't an absolute necessity, few modern homeowners can imagine living without one. But whether you're building your dream home or simply replacing one that has gone out, trying to decide on the right hot water tank installation for your home comes largely down to one factor: cost. Once you know that, it will be much easier for you to find a brand and a model that you like.

So how much does a hot water tank installation cost? The answer is, it depends.

Types

By far, the most common type of hot water heater on the market today is a traditional storage tank. But in case you're wanting something that offers hotter water at a faster rate — and possibly a limitless amount — you'll need to go with either a tankless water heater installation or one that's powered by solar energy. The price difference between these two types of units is substantial: a storage tank heater will run you $1,000 on average, while a tankless heater can be 2 to 3 times that amount. If you're integrating your water heater system with solar panels on the roof, that unit will be even more costly, especially since you might also be paying for new roofing materials as well.

Installation

If you're having to replace an old water heater that has gone out, the crew will have to remove the old unit and replace it with a new one. But if they're replacing it with an upgraded tankless model, the installation will be even more extensive. They'll have to replace pipes as well as connection points, so you should expect an increase in cost and installation. As with the materials itself, a solar or gas-powered hot water tank installation will also cost more to install depending on the available equipment. Almost universally though, a storage tank heater will cost the least of all.

Maintenance

All water heaters will require at least some type of maintenance. Sediment buildup, corrosion, and broken parts will inevitably happen over time, and since storage tank heaters are the most common, the parts and labor required are usually less expensive as well. Unfortunately, they also break down slightly more frequently than tankless water heaters, which use fewer parts and don't suffer from nearly as much sediment buildup. Moreover, tankless water heaters usually have an electronic panel that can signify what problem is actually happening, which can keep repair bills down as well. When you're thinking about what type of hot water tank installation you want in your home, you have to consider not only the type of tank that you want but also the installation and maintenance costs over time.