Tankless Hot Water Heater Install | Water Heater Genies

Tankless Hot Water Heater Install | Water Heater Genies

tankless hot water heater install in Malden — Trusted by your neighbors. Fast, honest service with upfront pricing.

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Quick Summary:

Quick Summary: A tankless hot water heater install can save Malden-area homeowners up to 34% on water heating costs — and it frees up real space in those older New England homes where every square foot counts. Water Heater Genies provides dependable, fully permitted tankless installations with upfront pricing, a 10-year labor warranty, and same-day availability. Call (781) 555-0193 for a free in-home estimate.

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Why Malden Homeowners Are Switching to Tankless Water Heaters

If you’ve got one of those homes built between the 1920s and 1960s in Malden, Medford, or Everett, you probably know the pain. That bulky 40- or 50-gallon tank water heater? It’s hogging space in an already cramped basement or utility closet. And here’s the kicker — it’s burning energy around the clock just to keep stored water hot. Even at 3 a.m. when everyone’s asleep. That standby heat loss can eat up 20% or more of your water heating bill.

Tankless units kill that waste completely. They only fire up when you actually need hot water — turn on a faucet, start the dishwasher, that’s when they go to work. The U.S. Department of Energy says homes using 41 gallons or less daily can save 24–34% on energy costs by going tankless. That’s not marketing fluff. Those are real numbers.

We’ve watched the trend explode across Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Revere, and Stoneham over the past few years. Tankless conversions are hands-down our most-requested service at Water Heater Genies now. And honestly? The energy savings are just part of the story. These compact, wall-mounted units give you back floor space. They last 20+ years — compare that to 8–12 for a traditional tank. And look, when Greater Boston winters push temps into the low 20s from October through March, reliable hot water isn’t some nice-to-have. It’s essential.

We’ve been at this since 2011, so we know what we’re walking into with older homes around here. Over 56% of Malden’s housing stock went up before 1940. That means every tankless hot water heater install we do needs careful evaluation of gas lines, electrical panels, and venting pathways. No shortcuts.

Tankless Water Heater Installation Requirements Every Homeowner Should Know

Here’s the thing — before any tankless hot water heater installation starts, there’s a checklist of requirements that absolutely must be evaluated first. Skip this step and you end up with an undersized system, code violations, or both. Nobody wants that headache. Here’s what our licensed technicians look at during every free in-home estimate.

Gas Tankless Water Heater Requirements

Gas-fired tankless units are hungry. They need way more fuel than your standard tank heater. Most require a dedicated gas line — 3/4″ diameter or larger — and your home’s gas meter has to deliver enough pressure. We’re talking 3.5 to 7 inches of water column, depending on the model. In a lot of older Malden and Medford homes, the existing gas supply was sized for a much smaller load decades ago. So yeah, an upgrade might be on the table.

Then there’s venting. This part trips people up. A gas tankless water heater installation needs either a direct vent setup (pulling combustion air from outside) or a power vent configuration with stainless steel or PVC flue materials. You can’t just hook a tankless unit into an old B-vent flue that was designed for a tank heater. The condensate and exhaust characteristics are totally different — it’s not even close.

Electric Tankless Water Heater Requirements

Thinking about how to install an electric tankless water heater? The electrical demands are the first thing to sort out. Whole-home electric tankless units typically need two to three dedicated 240V circuits with 40–60 amp breakers per circuit. That’s a lot of juice. Many older Greater Boston homes are still running 100-amp electrical panels, and those simply can’t handle the load. You’d need an upgrade to 150 or 200 amps.

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Wire gauge matters too — undersized wiring is a fire hazard and won’t pass inspection. Period. This is actually the main reason electric tankless installations in pre-1960s homes end up costing more than people expect going in.

Permits, Codes, and Water Quality

Massachusetts state plumbing code is clear: all water heater installations must be done by a licensed plumber, and you need proper permits through the local building department. In Malden, both plumbing and gas permits are actively enforced. We take care of this whole process for you — it’s baked into every job.

Water quality’s another factor people overlook. The Malden and Medford area has moderately hard water, which causes mineral buildup inside tankless heat exchangers over time. We’ll talk through filtration and descaling options during your estimate so your investment stays protected. Our team operates under MA Master Plumber License #14823 — every tankless water heater installation requirement gets met to code, no exceptions.

Our Tankless Water Heater Installation Process from Start to Finish

Transparency matters. Especially for a major home upgrade like this. So here’s exactly what happens — step by step — when you hire Water Heater Genies for a tankless hot water heater install.

Step 1: Free In-Home Estimate

Mike and the team come out to your home and take a good look at everything — your current water heater, fuel type, household size, number of bathrooms, peak hot water demand. We also inspect gas lines, your electrical panel, and venting options. Completely free. Zero obligation.

Step 2: Unit Selection

Based on what your home’s infrastructure looks like and what your family actually needs, we’ll recommend the right gas or electric tankless model. We install all the major brands — Rinnai, Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can make a decision you feel good about.

Step 3: Permit Pulling

We handle all required Massachusetts plumbing and gas permits through the Malden building department (or whichever municipality you’re in). You don’t have to make a single phone call. Seriously.

Step 4: Removal of Your Old Unit

We safely disconnect and haul away your existing water heater, disposal included. Got an old tank crammed into one of those tight basements typical of Malden’s pre-war homes? We’ve done this hundreds of times. Those narrow staircases don’t scare us anymore.

Step 5: Installation

This is where experience really shows. Wall mounting, gas line or electrical connections, venting setup, integration with your existing plumbing — we handle all of it. Every component in our tankless water heater installation kit, from isolation valves to condensate drains, gets installed to manufacturer specs and local code. No cutting corners.

Step 6: Testing and Commissioning

We test flow rates at every fixture. Verify temperature settings. Check for gas leaks or electrical faults. Confirm proper venting operation. Nothing gets signed off until the system performs exactly the way it should. Not close enough — exactly.

Step 7: Homeowner Walkthrough

Before we pack up, we walk you through your new system. You’ll know how to adjust the temperature, what those indicator lights mean, and when to schedule maintenance. We want you feeling 100% comfortable before we head out the door.

Every job comes with upfront pricing. No hidden fees. No surprise charges showing up on the invoice. For qualifying installations, same-day service is available too.

Need help with tankless hot water heater install?

(781) 555-0193

Call Now for a Free Estimate. Water Heater Genies is ready to help.

Gas vs. Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Home

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This is probably the question we hear most: gas or electric? The honest answer depends on your home’s existing infrastructure, how much hot water your household goes through, and your budget.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Gas units pack more punch — typically 8 to 11 gallons per minute — which makes them the go-to for larger families or multi-family properties. If your Malden or Medford home already has a natural gas connection, a gas tankless unit is usually the most practical upgrade. Most of the triple-deckers and multi-unit buildings we work on across the Greater Boston area end up going gas for exactly this reason.

The gas tankless water heater installation diagram is pretty straightforward in concept: cold water enters the unit, a gas burner fires to heat it, hot water flows to your fixtures. Simple enough on paper. The complexity? It’s all in the details — proper gas line sizing, venting configuration (Category III stainless steel flue or PVC direct vent), and making sure there’s adequate combustion air supply. That’s where our Rinnai ACE Certified Installer and Rheem Pro Partner credentials actually matter.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric units don’t need venting and they’re physically smaller, which can be a real plus in tight spaces. But here’s the catch for older Greater Boston homes with 100-amp panels — that required panel upgrade adds real cost and complexity. Electric tankless units also produce lower flow rates, typically 3 to 5 GPM in cold-climate regions like Massachusetts where incoming water temps drop to 40°F in winter.

For a single-bathroom apartment or a point-of-use application (say, a remote bathroom that’s far from the main heater), electric tankless can be a smart move. For whole-home hot water in a three-bedroom Colonial? Gas is almost always the better fit.

A Third Option: Heat Pump Water Heaters

For homeowners who really prioritize efficiency, heat pump water heaters are worth a look. They run up to three times more efficiently than conventional electric tanks. They work best in unconditioned spaces — basements, garages — where they can pull heat from the ambient air. We install these too and can talk through whether one makes sense for your specific situation.

Property managers and landlords with multi-family buildings in Everett, Revere, and Melrose tend to lean toward gas tankless systems because they handle simultaneous demand across multiple units so well. Best bet? Schedule a free in-home estimate so we can evaluate your specific building and give you an honest recommendation — not a sales pitch.

Tankless Hot Water Heater Installation Cost in the Greater Boston Area

Let’s get into the money side of things. The tankless hot water heater installation cost depends on several factors, and we’d rather give you a realistic picture than some vague “it depends” non-answer.

Typical Cost Ranges

  • Gas tankless installation: $1,500–$3,500+, depending on the unit you pick, gas line modifications, and venting requirements
  • Electric tankless installation: $800–$2,500+, depending on whether an electrical panel upgrade is needed

What Drives the Cost

A few things move the needle on your final price:

  • Unit cost: Premium brands like Rinnai and Rheem run $600 to $1,800+ just for the unit itself, depending on flow rate and features
  • Labor: A simple swap takes less time than a full tank-to-tankless conversion, which might involve running new gas lines, adding venting, or doing electrical work
  • Permits: Required in Malden and every Massachusetts municipality — we include permit costs in our quotes
  • Infrastructure upgrades: Homes from the 1920s–1960s across Malden, Medford, and Stoneham frequently need gas line upsizing or electrical panel upgrades
  • Removal and disposal: Safe removal of your old tank water heater is included in our pricing

Tax Credits and Financing

Here’s a bright spot: Energy Star-certified tankless water heaters may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the installed cost (capped at $600) under current IRS guidelines. That can take a nice chunk off your total investment. We’d suggest checking with your tax advisor on eligibility details.

We also offer financing with approved credit, which makes the jump to tankless a lot more doable for many families. And our 10-year labor warranty on all new installations means you’re covered long after we’ve packed up the van.

Every homeowner in Malden, Everett, Stoneham, and surrounding cities gets upfront pricing before a single wrench turns. The number on your quote is the number you pay. Period.

Why DIY Tankless Water Heater Installation Is a Risk Not Worth Taking

Look, we get it. You’ve watched some YouTube videos, spotted a tankless water heater installation kit at the hardware store, and you’re pretty handy. We respect that — genuinely. But a tankless hot water heater install involves risks that go way beyond your typical weekend project.

Safety Hazards Are Real

A bad gas line connection can cause a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure. Both can be fatal. That’s not an exaggeration. Incorrect venting leads to backdrafting — combustion gases getting pulled back into your living space instead of exhausting outside. On the electrical side, working with 240V circuits and 40–60 amp breakers without proper training? That’s serious fire and electrocution risk.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Massachusetts law says licensed plumbers must pull permits for water heater installations. Unpermitted work can void your homeowner’s insurance (imagine finding that out after a flood). It creates headaches when you sell your home. And it can result in fines from the local building department. On top of all that, manufacturer warranties from Rinnai, Rheem, and other major brands are typically voided if a certified professional didn’t do the install.

That tankless water heater installation kit from the hardware store? It includes fittings and connectors. It doesn’t include the knowledge, experience, and licensing needed to do this safely and legally. Big difference.

The Smarter Choice

Our licensed, insured technicians handle everything — permits, installation, commissioning — so you can skip the stress entirely. We’ve got same-day availability most days of the week, so you won’t be stuck waiting around. Got questions about what the installation actually involves? Just call us at (781) 555-0193. We’re happy to talk it through.

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Need help with tankless hot water heater install?

(781) 555-0193

Call Now for a Free Estimate. Water Heater Genies is ready to help.

Serving Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Stoneham, and the Greater Boston Area

Water Heater Genies is based at 74 Commercial St in Malden, and we proudly serve homeowners, landlords, and property managers all across the Greater Boston area. Our core service area covers Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Revere, and Stoneham, plus surrounding communities.

We know the housing stock in these neighborhoods inside and out. Malden’s dense multi-family homes near Malden Center need a completely different installation approach than single-family Colonials out in Melrose or Stoneham. Triple-deckers in Everett and Revere? They’ve got their own quirks — shared plumbing systems, stacked unit configurations, tight mechanical spaces. We’ve been figuring these things out since 2011. It’s literally all we do.

If fall and winter are coming up fast, don’t wait until your old tank gives out at the absolute worst moment. (Murphy’s Law is undefeated.) Getting a proactive tankless installation before cold season means dependable hot water right when you need it most. And if your water heater does fail unexpectedly — even in the dead of January — our same-day emergency service runs 7 days a week.

Our track record backs it up: a BBB A+ Rating since 2014, the Angi Super Service Award in 2022 and 2023, and 312 reviews averaging 4.8 stars from homeowners just like you. We’re trusted because we’ve earned it. One installation at a time.

Ready to look into a tankless hot water heater installation near you? Contact Water Heater Genies for a free in-home estimate with upfront pricing. Call (781) 555-0193 or stop by 74 Commercial St, Malden, MA 02148. We’ve been serving your neighborhood since 2011 — and we’d love to help you make the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tankless Hot Water Heater Installation

How long does a tankless water heater installation take?

Most tankless hot water heater installations run between 4 and 8 hours. It really depends on the complexity. Swapping out an existing tankless unit? That’s on the quicker side. A full conversion from a tank water heater — which might mean new gas lines, venting, or electrical work — takes longer. Our licensed technicians will give you a clear time estimate during your free in-home assessment so there aren’t any surprises.

Can a tankless water heater work in an older Malden home?

Absolutely. We install tankless units in homes dating back to the 1920s throughout Malden, Medford, and the Greater Boston area all the time. Older homes sometimes need gas line upgrades, electrical panel modifications, or new venting pathways — but those are all things we evaluate and handle during the installation. Our exclusive focus on water heaters means we’ve genuinely seen every scenario out there.

What size tankless water heater do I need?

Two things determine sizing: how many fixtures you want running at the same time and your incoming water temperature. Here in Greater Boston, cold groundwater temperatures mean you need a more powerful unit than someone down in, say, North Carolina. For a typical 2–3 bathroom home, a gas tankless unit rated at 8–10 GPM usually does the trick. We’ll calculate the exact sizing during your estimate.

Is a tankless water heater worth the investment?

For most homeowners? Yes. Tankless units last 20+ years — that’s nearly double a tank heater’s lifespan. They cut energy use by 24–34%. And they may qualify for federal tax credits. Factor in the 10-year labor warranty we include on all new installs and the monthly energy savings, and the ROI is solid. Especially in a state like Massachusetts where energy costs aren’t exactly cheap.

Do you need a permit for tankless water heater installation in Massachusetts?

You do. Massachusetts requires plumbing and gas permits for water heater installations, and Malden actively enforces these requirements. All permits have to be pulled by a licensed plumber. We handle the entire permitting process as part of every job — it’s included in your upfront pricing. One less thing to worry about.

Will a tankless water heater work during a power outage?

Most gas tankless water heaters need electricity for the electronic ignition and control board, so they won’t work during an outage without backup power. It’s a common misconception. If power reliability is a concern for you, we can talk through battery backup options or whole-home generator compatibility during your consultation.

How often does a tankless water heater need maintenance?

We recommend annual flushing and descaling. This is especially important in the Malden area — the water mineral content here can cause buildup inside the heat exchanger over time. Keeping up with regular maintenance means your unit runs efficiently and your warranty stays intact. Water Heater Genies offers hot water tank flush and maintenance services to keep everything running like it should.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about tankless hot water heater install services in Malden

How long does a tankless hot water heater installation typically take?

Most tankless hot water heater installations take between 2 to 4 hours when replacing an existing water heater. If we need to upgrade your gas line, add new venting, or make electrical modifications, the process may take a full day. We always give you a clear timeline estimate before we begin so you can plan your day accordingly.

How much does it cost to install a tankless hot water heater?

The total cost of a tankless water heater installation typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the unit you choose and the complexity of the installation. Factors like gas line upgrades, new venting requirements, and permit fees can affect the final price. We provide transparent, upfront quotes with no hidden fees so you know exactly what to expect before we start any work.

Do I need a permit to install a tankless hot water heater?

Yes, in most cases a permit is required for tankless water heater installations, and we handle the entire permitting process for you. Pulling the proper permits ensures the installation meets local building codes and protects your home’s safety and resale value. Our team is fully licensed and experienced in navigating local permit requirements so you never have to worry about compliance.

What size tankless water heater do I need for my home?

The right size depends on the number of people in your household, the number of bathrooms, and your peak hot water demand. We perform a thorough assessment of your home’s hot water usage before recommending a unit, ensuring you get a system that delivers consistent hot water without overpaying for capacity you don’t need. Our goal is to match you with the perfect unit for your specific lifestyle and budget.

Can a tankless water heater be installed where my old tank water heater was?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on the existing gas line size, venting configuration, and available space. Tankless units require a larger gas supply line and different venting than traditional tank heaters, so some modifications are often necessary. We’ll inspect your current setup and walk you through exactly what changes are needed before any work begins.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to a tankless water heater?

Homeowners typically save between 20% to 35% on water heating costs after switching to a tankless system, since these units only heat water on demand rather than keeping a large tank hot around the clock. The exact savings depend on your household’s hot water usage and the efficiency rating of the unit installed. Over the lifespan of the unit, most homeowners find the energy savings significantly offset the initial installation investment.

How long will a tankless hot water heater last compared to a traditional tank?

Tankless water heaters typically last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, compared to the 8 to 12 year lifespan of a traditional tank water heater. Annual descaling and routine servicing are key to maximizing the life of your unit, and we offer maintenance plans to keep your system running at peak performance. Investing in a tankless system is a smart long-term decision for your home’s comfort and value.

What brands of tankless water heaters do you install?

We install a wide range of trusted, high-quality brands including Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, and Noritz, among others. Our team will help you compare models based on efficiency ratings, warranty coverage, and your budget to find the best fit for your home. We stand behind every unit we install and are here to support you long after the job is done.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes an emergency. Call (781) 555-0193 right now. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we’ll get a professional to your door fast.

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