While solar water heater costs are a bit higher than a standard system, this energy-saving option could pay for itself in a few years. Here’s what you need to know.
Tankless Water Heater Cost in Baltimore, Maryland [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,178 - $2,782
A tankless water heater in Baltimore, MD, costs $1,945 on average. Depending on size, fuel type, quantity, and on-site issues, you could spend between $1,178 and $2,782.
How we get this data
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Highlights
A single-point system is less costly than a whole-house system, but many families benefit from both.
The size and fuel source also impact the cost—solar is the most expensive.
Solar water heaters are eligible for both federal tax credits and some Baltimore-specific property tax incentives.
A Baltimore-area plumber must obtain a permit ($30) to replace your water heater.
Installing a tankless water heater in Baltimore costs between $1,178 and $2,782, or $1,945 on average. That’s about 24% lower than the national average cost. These prices depend on a number of factors, such as whether you’re installing a single-point or whole-house system (or both), the size of the water heater, and how the tankless system is powered (electricity, propane, natural gas, or solar).
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 how much it costs to install a tankless water heater in Baltimore, Maryland. Chief among those factors are the type of system (single-point versus whole-house), the fuel source, and the size and power of the tankless water heater system.
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.
| Comparison | Single-Point | Whole-House System |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $75–$225 | $350–$1,150 |
| Hot water distribution | Water heater installed for a single fixture | Water heater installed to support fixtures throughout the entire house |
| Efficiency | Faster hot water due to short distance to travel | Slower hot water delivery because of greater distance to travel |
| Heating power | 0.5–2 gallons per minute | 5–10 gallons per minute |
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 | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $350–$1,150 | Least costly, easiest to install, greater energy efficiency than tank-based and gas-powered | Performance suffers during high-demand scenarios |
| Natural gas | $750–$1,150 | Performance unaffected during in-demand scenarios, more energy-efficient than tank systems | Costs more than electric |
| Propane | $750–$1,150 | Performance is unaffected during in-demand scenarios, more energy-efficient than tank systems | Costs more than electric |
| Solar | $1,325–$4,550 | Largest energy savings over time, little maintenance required, tax credit, solar exempt from state and local real property taxes | Larger up-front costs, significantly lower than average sunny days, few rooftops are ideal for solar panels, still requires secondary water heater |
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 British Thermal Units (BTUs); electric water heaters use kilowatts (kW).
| Type of Water Heater | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas (small) | $375–$900 |
| Gas (large) | $700–$1,625 |
| Electric (small) | $75–$175 |
| Electric (mid-size) | $150–$475 |
| Electric (large) | $300–$600 |
| Solar | $1,325–$4,550 (varies by performance) |
Gas Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120–140 BTUs cost $375 to $900, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180–200 BTUs or more cost $700 to $1,625, 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 5–8 kWs cost $75 to $175, 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 10–24 kWs cost $150 to $475 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27–36 kWs cost $300 to $600 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home.
Solar Water Heaters: A Baltimore tankless solar water heater costs $1,325 to $4,550, fully installed, depending on the unit’s efficiency. We measure the efficiency of a solar tankless water heater in a unit called solar fraction: the ratio of the hot water supplied by the solar water heater to the actual amount of hot water needed. A solar tankless water heater should be able to provide roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of your home’s hot water needs (a more traditional system will need to cover the difference).
Pro Tip: The price for a solar tankless water heater in Baltimore may seem high, but you’ll reap the rewards through energy savings over time. Plus, Baltimore County has a property tax credit up to $5,000 for homes with solar power, including water heating. In addition, in Maryland, solar energy systems are exempt from state and local property taxes, and solar water heaters qualify for a federal tax credit.
Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs
Even if you are an advanced DIYer when it comes to projects around the house, you should leave water heater installation to a professional. Installing a tankless water heater in Baltimore requires a plumbing permit, which can only be obtained by a licensed Baltimore water heater installer or plumber.
You’ll need to factor in both labor and permit costs when making your budget.
Labor Costs
Labor accounts for roughly 40% to 45% of your overall tankless water heater installation costs in Charm City. Budget between $450 and $1,375 for a local plumber to install the system. It should only take a few hours to install.
Permits
Installing a new water heater system requires a plumbing permit in Baltimore, which can only be obtained by a licensed contractor. A water heater installation permit costs $30 in Baltimore.
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 10% to 15%. 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?
According to a report from Zillow, installing a tankless water heater can increase your home’s value by 1.2%. This could be significant, given that the median home price in Baltimore is $250,000. This means, theoretically, that a new tankless water heater system could add $3,000 to your home’s value.
And while a tankless water heater does increase home value, the installation is well worth the cost even if you don’t factor in that boost in property value. That’s because switching to a tankless system can save you between 8% and 34% on your energy costs, according to the Department of Energy. These savings are likely to be even greater if you go with a solar energy system.
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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