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.
More expensive installation and maintenance.
Tankless systems require special venting, rerouted gas lines, possibly multiple units for a larger household, and sometimes maintenance like installing a softener.
Tankless water heaters usually last for around 15-20 years before they need to be replaced, but they may need replacing sooner if they start to break down or lose efficiency. Some common signs your tankless water heater needs to be replaced include: Low water pressure.
Common signs that it's time to replace your water heater include its age (usually 10-15 years), rusty or discolored water, strange noises, leaks or pooling water around the tank, and insufficient hot water supply.
You can go with a small tank and a small tankless water heater at the same time. You install this as a single device (1.5 gal per minute) tankless water heater with the output going to the tank and the tank feeding your household. If you need a lot of hot water quickly both water heaters run at the same time.
For an electric tankless water heater, the average cost is around $8,850. Replacing a gas tankless water heater costs approximately $4,700, while replacing an electric tankless water heater costs about $4,200. Factors such as fuel type, brand, labor, and home modifications can influence the overall installation cost.
Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!
Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.
Installing a tankless water heater typically takes four to five hours, depending on the type of system and a household's needs. The installation process duration also depends on your location and which professionals are available when you need an installation.
Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.
The average cost of maintaining a tankless water heater in the United States ranges between $100 to $500 per year. However, the total cost can vary depending on various factors, including the age of your unit, its condition, and the type of maintenance required.
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, have low maintenance costs, and are reasonably durable. But just like any appliance, they're not completely immune to issues. From time to time, they may present with minor problems, such as having no hot water, or not firing.
Additional Installation Costs
Tankless water heaters are much more complex than traditional hot water tanks. As a result, they require professional installation. If you're switching from a hot water tank to a tankless unit, you will likely need your gas lines rerouted, as well as a larger gas supply line.
Installing a tankless water heater can require gas line upgrades, electrical modifications, and specialized venting—all of which can increase costs. Professional labor also runs from $500–$1,500 due to complex installation requirements.
The most complicated and time-consuming tankless water heater maintenance is typically descaling and flushing out the unit. Even with the inline water filter, lime and calcium deposits can build up inside the tankless system. If you have hard water, it's a good idea to descale and flush the unit once a year.
Tankless water heater replacement is a complex process that involves the skills of a highly trained technician. Unless you are experienced and comfortable enough to solder pipe, make gas connections and follow local codes, hire a licensed professional.
While tankless water heaters are designed for efficiency and on-demand hot water, they can sometimes take a bit longer to deliver the hot water we desire. The reasons can range from the size and capacity of the heater, the distance between the heater and tap, to mineral buildup and low gas pressure.
The average cost to flush a tankless water heater can vary. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $100 and $300 for a professional flush, including any additional maintenance services required. DIY flushing costs can range from $30 to $100, depending on the flushing kit purchased.
If you turn on the shower for hot water, the tankless system will detect the movement of water in the hot water lines and start to apply heat through a heat exchanger to the water. It will keep doing this as long as there is demand – and that means you won't run out of hot water!
What happens if I don't flush out my tankless water heater? Mineral deposits may build up. This could cause a clog within the unit and may prevent normal heating activity. Your hot water could also fluctuate and overheat the system, impacting its efficiency.
A: Yes, but depending on the wattage of your unit, and the temperature you set, the pressure may go down.
A 50-gallon water heater should be replaced with a tankless system with a 10 GPM flow rate just to be safe. Selecting the right flow rate ensures you won't experience cold showers or excessive energy costs. Proper sizing optimizes performance, providing hot water on demand without unnecessary waste.
Small households of two people need a tankless heater with a flow rate of 6 to 8 GPM, while a larger household of four people requires a flow rate of about 8 to 10 GPM. Remember to factor in temperature rise when deciding how big of a tankless water heater you need for your household.