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Tankless Water Heater Cost in Columbus [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,802 - $4,006
A tankless water heater in Columbus, OH costs $2,904 on average. Depending on size, fuel type, quantity, and on-site issues, you could spend between $1,802 and $4,006.
How we get this data
Ian Tuttle / Angi
Ian Tuttle / Angi
Highlights
Columbus’ cold winters make tankless systems work harder, which reduces their efficiency compared to warmer regions.
Solar water heaters are limited by Ohio’s cloudy winters, so they typically need a backup heat source.
Many older Columbus homes may need upgraded gas lines or electrical panels to support tankless units.
The colder climate in Columbus makes tankless water heaters work harder than they would in warmer regions, but they can still be more efficient than traditional tanks over time. With natural gas widely available in the region and growing interest in energy upgrades, more homeowners in Ohio are choosing to make the switch. This guide covers what tankless water heater systems cost in Columbus and how local factors impact final prices.
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
Tankless water heater prices in Columbus vary based on factors like the type of system and the fuel source. For example, single-point models don’t typically cost as much as whole-house units, and natural gas systems generally have higher installation costs than electric options.
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.
| Feature | Single-Point System | Whole-House System |
|---|---|---|
| Average unit cost | $100–$400 | $600–$1,800 |
| Average cost with installation | $500–$1,200 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Best for | Low-use areas or as a supplemental system | Entire home’s hot water needs |
| Flow rate | 0.5–2 GPM | 5–10 GPM |
| Space required | Minimal (fits under sink or in closet) | Moderate (needs a garage or utility room) |
| Columbus considerations | Common in older Columbus homes with segmented plumbing, especially in rentals or duplexes where only one fixture needs upgrading | In many Columbus homes, especially mid-century and newer builds, whole-house systems are the norm. But installing a tankless model may require electrical upgrades and/or venting retrofits due to Ohio’s cold winters and older infrastructure. |
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 | Unit Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | $600–$1,000 | Easy to install in most Columbus homes, especially where gas isn’t available. | May not provide consistent hot water in homes with high demand; electricity costs can add up during Ohio’s cold winters. |
| Natural Gas | $500–$2,200 | Many Columbus neighborhoods already have gas lines in place, allowing for quick installation and reliable whole-home performance. | Older properties may need gas line upgrades; carbon monoxide risks require proper ventilation and annual inspections. |
| Propane | $500–$2,200 | A viable option for more rural areas where natural gas isn’t accessible; can power a home completely independently. | Requires a storage tank and regular deliveries; prices fluctuate more than natural gas and can be higher long-term. |
| Solar | $1,800–$6,500 | Can reduce utility bills over time when paired with backup systems; performs decently during Ohio’s sunnier months. | High upfront cost; limited winter efficiency and snow coverage can reduce reliability. |
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).
| Fuel Type | Size / Capacity | Unit Cost | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 120–140 kBTU | $500–$1,200 | Studio or 1-bath homes |
| 150–180 kBTU | $800–$1,800 | 2–3 bedroom homes | |
| 200–220+ kBTU | $1,800–$2,600 | 4+ bedroom homes with multiple bathrooms | |
| Electric | 5–8 kW | $100–$250 | Studio or 1-bath homes |
| 10–18 kW | $250–$600 | 2–3 bedroom homes | |
| 24–36 kW | $600–$900 | 4+ bedroom homes with moderate demand |
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 $900 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home.
Solar Water Heaters: Columbus doesn’t typically get enough year-round sun for solar water heater systems to stand alone, so you’ll likely still need a gas or electric backup. Smaller setups with one or two panels run $1,800 to $3,500 and can handle hot water in the sunnier months. Mid-sized systems cost $3,500–$5,000, while larger systems cost $5,000 to $6,500.
Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs
Tankless water heater installations can involve several service charges beyond the unit itself. Understanding these costs can help you create an informed budget and avoid surprises when the final bill arrives.
Labor Costs
Most Columbus plumbers charge around $75 to $125 an hour, and installation times vary based on how simple or complicated the setup is. If you’re just swapping an old tank for a new tankless unit, you might spend closer to $600 in installation fees. But if the job requires rerouting plumbing, adding new gas lines, or modifying electrical systems, labor alone can creep up toward $1,800 because these installations take much longer.
Permits
In Columbus, you’ll need a permit for nearly any tankless water heater installation, even if it’s a straightforward swap. And if the job touches gas lines, venting, or electrical wiring, which many do, you may need multiple permits and possibly multiple inspections. Fees usually start around $50 for basic plumbing work but can hit $200 or more once everything’s added up. Most plumbers include permitting in their quote, but make sure to clarify it up front.
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?
In Columbus, a tankless water heater can help your home attract buyers who care about keeping their utility bills down through Ohio's cold winters and hot summers. While it won't necessarily bump up your sale price by much, it does give you an edge in the local market, especially in neighborhoods where buyers expect updated systems and energy-efficient features as part of the package.
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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