Tankless Water Heater Cost in Charlotte [2025 Data]

Thanks to the city's lower-than-average cost of living, Charlotte homeowners can expect to pay below the national average to have a new tankless water heater installed. Overall, the average tankless water heater cost in Charlotte is $3,541. Homeowners might expect to pay anywhere from $2,220 to $4,861 based on a number of factors that include a water heater's fuel type and capacity. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect to pay for this project.

Tankless Water Heater Cost Factors 

Overall, the capacity, fuel type, and quality of the water heater model you choose will have the most dramatic impact on this project's total cost. When you hire a local plumber in Charlotte, NC, they will customize your quote based on your personal preferences and the size of the tankless water heater you need.  

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.

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:

Size

A primary cost factor is the size of the 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). Another measure of size is gallons per minute (GPM), which can be more useful when comparing gas, electric and solar water heating systems. 

• Gas Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120–140 BTUs cost $500 to $1,200, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180–200 BTUs or more cost $900 to $2,200, 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 $100 to $250, 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 $210 to $630 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27–36 kWs cost $420 to $800 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home. 

• Solar Water Heaters: Charlotte homes with three to four people can utilize an 80-gallon solar water heater with a 60-foot collector for an average cost of $2,900. If additional capacity is needed, upgrading to a 120-gallon solar tank featuring an 80-foot collector for around $5,000 to $6,000 may be recommended. When solar power is used alongside an electric tankless water system, the sizing defaults to electric tankless water heater sizing.  

Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs

A licensed plumber is needed to install a new water heater in Charlotte. When you hire a local tankless water heater installer in Charlotte, they'll provide you with a custom quote that takes into account the type of water heater your home needs and the skill needed for the job.

Labor Costs

Plumbers in Charlotte charge between $65 and $85 per hour on average. Pricing takes into account that licensed plumbers must complete the education and hours needed to obtain licensing through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

Permits

Charlotte homeowners do not need to obtain permits when replacing water heaters with like-kind models. When upgrading to a different type of water heater, homeowners must pay a minimum permit fee of $59.70 for projects valued at less than $3,000. A fee of $13 for each additional $1,000 in value is then applied.  

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 to 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?

It's estimated that a tankless water heater increases a home's value by at least 1.2%. In addition to making a home easier to sell, a new water tankless water heater can also help a current homeowner to substantially lower their monthly energy bills.

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’ve surveyed thousands of 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.