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How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,233 - $3,455
A tankless water heater in Washington, D.C. costs $2,344 on average. Depending on size, fuel type, quantity, and on-site issues, you could spend between $1,233 and $3,455.
How we get this data
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Highlights
Despite a higher cost of living in D.C., tankless water heater installation costs less than the national average.
The size and fuel type of the water heater have a big impact on cost.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to pull a plumbing permit in D.C. when replacing your water heater.
The cost of living in Washington, D.C. is about 40% higher than the national average, but that doesn’t mean everything is more expensive. In fact, some home maintenance and repairs are more affordable. For instance, the cost of installing a tankless water heater in D.C. runs between $1,233 and $3,455, or an average of $2,344. That’s about 12% lower than the national average cost of a tankless water heater.
Below, we’ll explore what can impact tankless water heater costs in DC, including the type and size of the water heater.
Angi Tip
We highly recommend inspecting your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.
Tankless Water Heater Cost Factors
Several factors impact the cost of a tankless water heater in Washington, D.C., including the brand, materials, and performance. Among the biggest factors are whether it’s a single-point or whole-house system, the type of fuel it uses, and the size of the water heater.
Single-Point Tankless Water Heater vs. Whole-House System
You can choose between single-point and whole-house tankless water heater systems. Some homeowners mix and match, installing a whole-house unit to handle the primary heating duties and placing a single-point system in an additional bathroom. This allows multiple people to shower at once.
| Tankless Water Heaters | Single-Point | Whole-House System |
|---|---|---|
| Cost in D.C. | $100–$275 | $400–$1,325 |
| Hot water distribution | A single fixture (faucet or showerhead) | Distributes water throughout entire home |
| Efficiency | Short-distance travel (water heater near fixture) leads to higher efficiency | Travel throughout the home (water heater in one central location) makes distribution slightly less efficient |
| Heating power | 0.5–2 gallons per minute | 5–10 gallons per minute |
A single-point system is ideal if you’d like to take hot showers while also running the washing machine and dishwasher, but a nice whole-house system is a great way to lower your energy bills if you currently have a tank serving your home. You may even consider converting your main system to a whole-house tankless water heater while still installing an additional single-point system for your primary bathroom.
Fuel Type
Wondering how much you can save (or spend) on a tankless water heater? One of the best ways to calculate your expenses is by the type of hot water heater you choose. There are four types of tankless heaters to consider:
| Fuel Type | Cost in Washington, D.C. | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $400–$1,320 | Lowest-cost option; Faster and more affordable to install; More energy-efficient than other options | Performance struggles in high-demand situations |
| Natural gas | $875–$1,325 | Excels during high-demand situations; Offers greater energy efficiency than traditional tank systems | Costs more than electric |
| Propane | $875–$1,325 | Excels during high-demand situations; Offers greater energy efficiency than traditional tank systems | Costs more than electric |
| Solar | $1,575–$5,275 | Greater energy savings in the long run; Low maintenance | Larger upfront costs; Washington, D.C. has slightly fewer-than-average sunny days than the U.S. |
Size
A primary cost factor is the size of the tankless water heater. Larger heaters service a higher volume of water than smaller heaters, so count on increased costs. The amount of energy the heater can handle is one indicator of size. For tankless gas water heaters, the amount of energy they can handle is measured in the British thermal unit (BTU); electric water heaters use kilowatts (kW).
| Type of Water Heater | Typical Cost to Install |
|---|---|
| Gas | $450–$1,050 for small; $800–$1,950 for large |
| Electric | $90–$225 for small; $175–$550 for mid-sized; $375–$700 for large |
| Solar | $1,575–$5,275 (varies by performance) |
Gas Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120 to 140 BTUs cost $450 to $1,050, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180 to 200 BTUs or more cost $800 to $1,950, and these appliances handle enough volume to service a home of five or more people. Gas water heaters have an average flow rate of up to 5 gallons per minute (GPM).
Electric Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 5 to 8 kWs cost $90 to $225, though this is just enough for a one-bedroom apartment or small home. Keep in mind that electric water heaters only have a flow rate of up to 2 GPM. Mid-sized electric water heaters of 10 to 24 kWs cost $175 to $550 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27 to 36 kWs cost $375 to $700 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home.
Solar Water Heaters: In D.C., tankless solar water heaters cost between $1,575 and $5,275. Instead of gallons per minute, we often measure solar water heater performance in solar fractions (the percentage of energy provided by the solar device, divided by the total amount of energy needed—the difference being provided by a backup heating source). Many tankless solar heaters have a solar fraction of 0.50 and 0.75, meaning you’d still need to rely on a backup gas or electric heater. Just note that Washington, D.C. gets 203 sunny days a year, two fewer than the national average. That’s still more than enough sun for a solar water heater, but something to be aware of when making your decision.
Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs
Unless you have prior plumbing and electrical experience and are good at complex DIY projects, you should not attempt to install a tankless water heater yourself. Instead, you’ll need to hire a water heater installer in D.C., or a qualified plumber or electrician.
Labor Costs
Labor makes up a significant portion (roughly half) of tankless water heater costs in Washington, D.C. Expect to spend between $525 and $1,625 on professional labor costs, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Permits
In Washington, D.C., you’ll need a plumbing permit to replace a water heater; D.C. building permits cost $26 for basic plumbing jobs. Depending on the type of water heater, you may also need a solar permit in D.C.
Accessibility
If the desired location of the new tankless system is difficult to access or narrow and harder to work in, this can raise the labor costs by up to 10% to 15% of your project total. Prices will vary based on the home and setup.
Current Heating System Removal
Removing an existing hot water heating system can cost $500 or more, depending on the unit's size and accessibility, as well as the contractor's hourly rate. When looking for an installation quote, make sure the quote includes the removal and disposal of your current water heater.
Does Installing a Tankless Water Heater Increase Home Value?
Upgrading your home to a tankless water heater can make it more appealing to future buyers, especially if it’s powerful enough to supply hot water throughout the entire house or enhances key areas like a bathroom or kitchen with on-demand heating. Zillow data suggests that tankless water heaters boost a home’s value by 1.2%. Remember to highlight the value-add in your property listing so potential buyers consider the upgraded system when making an offer.
Beyond increased property value, tankless water heaters are a great investment. They’re eligible for federal tax credits, and they can cut your energy costs by 8% to 35%, according to the Department of Energy.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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