How long do tankless water heaters last?

May 2024 · 7 minute read
Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that may extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

What is the average life of a tankless water heater?

One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Most Common Problems With Tankless Water Heaters

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.

How Long Will Tankless Water Heaters Last?

How much does it cost to flush a tankless water heater?

It costs around $150 to flush a tankless water heater. You especially need it at least annually if you have well water with a lot of iron. That causes more sediment buildup. The process takes about a half-hour.

How much does it cost to maintain a tankless water heater?

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Costs

To protect the investment and keep it working in top shape, maintenance should be performed twice annually by a professional. The total cost for preventative maintenance ranges from $45 to $200 per visit.

What happens when a tankless water heater fails?

A tankless system can also fail in the ways that a standard gas-powered water heater or furnace can fail. The gas jets can become dirty and fail to ignite fully—or ignite at all. If the electronic ignition system breaks, the water heater won't come on and you'll end up with no hot water at all.

Are tankless water heaters unreliable?

With so many wires and small parts, tankless hot water heaters can have a long list of possible problems. The air supply and specialized exhausts have a tendency to get blocked, which usually makes the device shut down.

Do tankless water heaters burst?

We have some good news: tankless water heaters don't burst. There is no tank, so there's no need to worry about pressure buildup. Because tankless water heaters tend to be gas-powered, there is technically a risk of a carbon monoxide leak, but this is easily avoided so long as you schedule regular maintenance.

Can a hot water heater last 20 years?

Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.

Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?

Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.

Do tankless water heaters increase home value?

If you are looking to increase the value of your home, adding a tankless water heater to your features is a great place to start. According to a study conducted by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more than their expected value. On average, these homes also sold 43 days faster than expected.

Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?

Energy Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

When should I replace my tankless water heater?

Water Heater Lifespan

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.

Why did my tankless water heater stop working?

My Gas Tankless Water Heater Won't Ignite

Check the gas valve and ensure that it is open, and that you have paid your gas bill. Check all sensors, wiring fuses, and electrical components to ensure they have not burned out. Ensure there is no condensation or debris on the burners that may cause them to not ignite.

How often should tankless water heaters be serviced?

Just like a tank unit, tankless water heaters need to be flushed once per year. Homeowners with hard water should consider flushing and cleaning the unit even more frequently, perhaps every six to nine months because of the excess amounts of magnesium and calcium found in hard water supplies.

How do you take care of a tankless water heater?

8 Steps to Maintain your Tankless Water Heater

  • Turn off the energy source. ...
  • Close all the water valves. ...
  • Disengage the purge port valve caps. ...
  • Attach hosing line to each valve. ...
  • Open the port valves. ...
  • Add descaling solution or white vinegar to the unit. ...
  • Flush and drain the tankless water heater. ...
  • Restart the tankless water heater.

    • Which is better tank or tankless water heater?

    According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

    How long should I run vinegar through my tankless water heater?

    Allow the vinegar to circulate through the heater for a minimum of one hour (longer if the pump runs at less than four gallons per minute). This breaks down the scale and flushes out the sediment.

    Can you run CLR through a tankless water heater?

    You can use small amounts of CLR with distilled vinegar to clean a tankless water heater. It safely removes calcium, lime, and rust deposits from several household wares, including coffee pots, showerheads, toilet bowls, and washing machine basins.

    Can you use vinegar to clean tankless water heater?

    Tankless water heaters will build up calcium and debris on the elements and the filters inside the machine. It's important to perform a flush with food-grade, white vinegar at least once every 12 to 18 months. Performing this simple maintenance will improve the efficiency and life of your water heater.

    How noisy is a tankless water heater?

    Gas tankless hot water heaters all make noise when firing up and heating water, but the levels are usually less than 90 decibels. A decibel meter can be used to find out how loud your tankless water heater actually is.

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