0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Discover it Chrome Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a Tankless Water Heater

How to · Home

How to Pay for a Tankless Water Heater

Get your hot water system upgraded before the winter rush hits and use a structured payment plan to keep your cash flow steady.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Switching to a tankless heater means you stop paying to keep a giant tank of water hot all day. You get hot water on demand, which saves space and lowers your monthly utility bills. Most installs take a single day if your gas lines are already set up correctly.

Book your contractor in the fall before the first freeze. When the temperature drops, everyone realizes their heater is dying at once, and plumbers will charge a premium for emergency calls. Get three quotes from local pros to make sure you aren't overpaying for the labor.

Remember that the 18-month 0% period is a deadline, not a gift. If you have a remaining balance on the card after the intro window ends, the interest rate jumps to the standard rate, which will cost you significantly more.

The steps

  1. 01

    Collect three quotes

    Call three different local plumbing companies to get estimates. Compare not just the price, but the specific heater model they recommend. Ask them if they include the cost of clearing out old pipes or venting requirements in the quote.

  2. 02

    Check your space

    Your plumber needs to ensure your existing gas line and venting can handle the output of a tankless unit. If you have to upgrade your gas lines, that adds cost. Know exactly what the total will be before you sign anything.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to pay for the installation. The card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you avoid interest while you pay down the $2800 cost over the 18-month intro window on purchases.

  4. 04

    Set your monthly payment

    To pay off the $2800 before the intro window expires, set an automatic payment of $155.56 per month. This keeps you on track so you aren't left with a large chunk to pay at the end.

  5. 05

    Schedule the install

    Once you have your financing plan and your chosen contractor, pick a date before the winter spike. Confirm the permit requirements with your city so your plumber can file the paperwork ahead of time.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a tankless heater worth the cost?

It depends on your household size and local gas prices. You save money by not heating water you aren't using, but the installation is more complex than a standard tank.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can sometimes void your 0% offer entirely. Always set up an autopay to ensure you never miss the due date.

Do I need a permit for this?

Almost certainly. Your plumber should pull the permit and arrange for an inspection once the work is done to ensure it meets local safety codes.

Can I install it myself?

Unless you are a licensed plumber with gas experience, skip it. Dealing with gas lines and venting is dangerous and requires specific certifications to ensure your home is safe.