How Much Does a New Water Heater Cost in 2025–2026 in Follansbee, West Virginia? (Tank & Tankless)
December 14th, 2025
3 min read
By Alex Largent
Quick Answer
In Follansbee and nearby Brooke County areas, a professionally installed tank-style water heater typically costs $2925–$5950, depending on size, fuel type, and accessibility. A tankless water heater — the compact, energy-efficient option — averages $5290–$5965 installed.
Why Water Heater Costs Matter in Follansbee
If you’ve noticed your water taking longer to heat, or you’re hearing popping or rumbling sounds from your tank, it’s time to start planning your replacement. Many Follansbee homes — especially those near Brooke High School or along Main Street — still use older 40- or 50-gallon tanks that are far less efficient than newer systems.
According to Energy.gov, water heating accounts for roughly 18 percent of the average West Virginia home’s total energy use. Upgrading to a modern, energy-smart system can reduce that portion significantly — while giving your family more reliable hot water.
At Honest Fix, we specialize exclusively in water heater replacement and installation throughout Follansbee, Wellsburg, and the Upper Ohio Valley. The following price ranges reflect what local homeowners are actually paying in 2025–2026.
Standard Tank Water Heater Costs
40- & 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters
If your home already uses natural gas, this remains the most affordable and efficient long-term choice.
| Size | Typical Home | Installed Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gal gas | 1–2 bathrooms | $2925–$5950 | Fast recovery and proven reliability |
| 50 gal gas | 2–3 bathrooms | $2925–$5950 | Ideal for mid-size family homes |
Gas systems offer quick heating and lower energy costs over time. Honest Fix installs Rheem and Bradford White units — brands known for solid warranties and durable construction.
40- & 50-Gallon Electric Water Heaters
Electric units remain common in Follansbee homes that don’t have access to natural gas.
| Size | Typical Home | Installed Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gal electric | 1–2 bathrooms | $2,715–$2,725 | Easier installation, no venting |
| 50 gal electric | 2–3 bathrooms | $2715–$2725 | Reliable and easy to maintain |
Electric systems are simple and space-efficient, but electricity rates are generally higher than natural gas. A hybrid (heat-pump) water heater can lower your energy use by up to 25% each year and often qualifies for local or federal efficiency incentives.
Tankless Water Heater Costs in Follansbee
| Type | Installed Price Range | Lifespan | Energy Savings vs. Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Tankless | $5290–$5965 | 20+ years | 20–40% energy savings |
| Electric Tankless | $5290–$5965 | 18–20 years | 10–20% savings |
Tankless water heaters deliver continuous hot water by heating only when you need it. They’re ideal for homes with back-to-back showers, large families, or finished basements with limited space.
Most homeowners in Follansbee spend $5290–$5965 installed, depending on access, venting, and electrical or gas upgrades. Local permit and inspection fees are usually required for new installations and can add modestly to the total project cost.
What Affects the Price
Can Increase Cost:
- Switching from gas to electric or vice versa
- Adding code upgrades (expansion tank, drain pan, shutoff valves)
- Difficult basement or crawlspace access
- Opting for higher-efficiency models like Rheem Platinum or Bradford White RE Series
Can Reduce Cost:
- Replacing a similar model in an open space
- Using existing venting and plumbing connections
- Scheduling during regular weekday service hours
Common Questions from Follansbee Homeowners
Can I install a water heater myself?
West Virginia state plumbing code requires that water heaters be installed by a licensed professional. DIY installation can lead to leaks, safety issues, and warranty loss. Honest Fix handles all removal, setup, and testing for a clean, compliant install.
How long do these systems last?
- Tank models: 8–12 years
- Tankless systems: 18–25 years with regular maintenance
What guarantees come with Honest Fix installations?
Every new installation includes our Honest Fix Lifetime Trust Shield, which provides:
- 15-year labor coverage for installation-related repairs
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee — if you’re not happy, we’ll make it right or refund your cost
- No-lemon guarantee: three major failures in the first year = free replacement
- Energy-savings guarantee: if your energy use doesn’t drop 15%, Honest Fix refunds up to 10% of your install cost
Warranty Coverage for Follansbee Water Heaters
Honest Fix focuses solely on water heaters, so our warranties are structured for long-term reliability and peace of mind.
For Standard (Tank) Water Heaters:
- 10 years parts coverage (manufacturer)
- 10 years labor coverage (Honest Fix)
- Routine maintenance required for full coverage
For Tankless Water Heaters:
- 5 years parts coverage (manufacturer)
- 10 years labor coverage (Honest Fix)
- Documentation and yearly service required to maintain coverage
Our team keeps installation records on file so your warranty stays valid as long as you stay current with annual maintenance.
Real Follansbee Example
A family living near Brooke High School replaced their 11-year-old 40-gallon gas Rheem with a new Bradford White tankless model for improved efficiency and space savings.
Installed cost: $5,900 (including standard venting upgrades and permit)
Expected energy savings: about $160 per year
They now enjoy endless hot showers and a cleaner, quieter utility area.
Final Takeaway
In 2025–2026, most Follansbee homeowners will spend between $2925–$5950 for a tank-style water heater, or $5290–$5965 for a tankless system installed by Honest Fix — the Upper Ohio Valley’s trusted water heater replacement specialists.
Exact pricing depends on your fuel type, access, and setup.
Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote. Learn about our guarantees before you decide.
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
