A gas or electric water heater is an essential device for the home to produce hot water for the taps and showers. There are various solutions on the market to choose from for both technologies, taking into account the price of the water heater and the budget you have available.

Obviously, in addition to the cost of the water heater you need to consider the installation costs so that you have a clear idea before making this investment and improving your thermal comfort. We’ll look at how much a water heater costs, including installation costs, so you can make an informed, educated decision.

The cost of an electric water heater

An electric water heater is a device powered by electricity that supplies domestic hot water to your home. In general, the water is heated by a specific electrical resistor through the so-called Joule effect. The way this phenomenon works is that part of the electricity disperses into thermal energy, i.e. heat, which increases the temperature of the water up to the desired value.

The main difference in these cases is between storage electric water heaters and instant electric water heaters. Storage water heaters have a tank to store the hot water and keep it at the programmed temperature, which is an ideal solution for anyone who has a high demand for hot water. Instant water heaters heat the water at the time of consumption, optimising space and reducing energy consumption when they are only used sporadically.

An instant electric water heater can cost between around 100 and 550 euro, depending on various factors like its power, size and integrated functions, as well as performance and energy consumption. The cost of a storage electric water heater, on the other hand, largely depends on the capacity of the hot water tank. On average, the price of this type of system ranges from around 110 to 450 euro. As an example, a good-quality 80-litre storage electric water heater would cost around 180 to 220 euro.

The cost of a gas water heater

A gas water heater is a more traditional device for supplying domestic hot water. It is connected to the methane gas network and heats water through the combustion of gas and a special heat exchanger. There are various models to choose from in this case too, such as storage or instant gas water heaters, which can be installed in the floor, wall, inside or outside.

The cost of a gas water heater always depends on various aspects, such as the device’s technology, the size of the storage tank, the functions available and the quality of the materials used. On average, a gas water heater can cost between around 120 and 400 euro, however, the majority of devices on sale cost between 200 and 300 euro.

The most advanced and efficient models are condensing gas boilers, which recover heat from exhaust fumes and reduce energy consumption, which is an ideal way to reduce harmful emissions and lower your energy bills. This technology is also more expensive, costing around 400 to 1,200 euro depending on the model, but the highest amount can be recovered thanks to the high energy savings.

How much does it cost to install a water heater in your home?

When you need to choose which water heater to buy, it’s important to assess the installation and labour costs too. These costs can vary a lot depending on the area you live in, the type of water heater you choose and how difficult the work might be. On average, the installation cost could account for up to 40–50% of the total cost, with a guideline price of 75 to 250 euro for a gas or electric model.

In both cases, it’s important to use qualified technicians who are specialised and authorised to install plumbing and heating systems or electric systems. In some cases, you might be able to get the manufacturer to install the water heater, especially with companies that have a network of qualified installers and maintenance technicians who can carry out the work and ensure the highest safety and quality standards.

The importance of buying a high-efficiency water heater

If the water heater is faulty, obsolete or requires expensive repairs, you should consider buying a new system. There are plenty of solutions on the market suitable for every need, for both gas and electric water heaters. This is why it’s important to find out as much as you can before buying a new water heater, carefully considering the models most suitable for your domestic hot water needs.

In particular, don’t simply take into account the cost of purchasing the hot water heater, but also its energy efficiency and the savings it may be able to offer you on your energy consumption. In some cases, a product that appears expensive to buy may ensure lower energy consumption, allowing you to take advantage of lower bills, quickly recovering the initial outlay and benefitting from savings over the long term.