To maximize your tankless water heater's performance and service life, it's important to regularly clean or replace the water filter, clean the air filter (for gas units), and
Common Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Expenses
Labor costs can range from $50 to $150 per hour, while replacement parts can cost between $20 to $500, depending on the part's complexity and brand.
A tank heater is very easy to flush, you just need a garden hose, drain it fill and check anode rod. A tankless is also easy to flush, you will also need a pump and a bucket.
Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.
If you have hard water, it is important to descale and flush your unit at least once a year. If you have a water softening system, we recommend performing a flush of the system every 3-5 years.
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.
As water flows through your tankless water heater, it will leave behind small amounts of minerals and sediment. Over time, this can create buildup within the unit that may negatively impact the heat exchanger and restrict water flow.
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. How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
The federal tax credit for tankless water heaters can lead to significant savings for homeowners. Eligible tankless gas water heaters must have an ENERGY STAR certification and a UEF of greater than 0.95. Homeowners can claim up to $3,200 in tax credits for eligible home improvements in a single year.
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.
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.
Endless Supply of Hot Water
The tankless water heater is—you guessed it—tankless! Because there's no tank, it doesn't work off of capacity; it works off demand. A tankless water heater heats up water as you need it, and it brings hot water to your appliances quickly—and never runs out.
Use 4 gallons (15.1 liters) of undiluted white vinegar to clean your tankless water heater. Never use chemical solutions of any kind. Since your home's drinking and bathing water mostly likely flows through your tankless water heater, using chemical cleaning solutions could be extremely harmful to your health.
Flushing your tankless heater is a simple task, but it does take 1-2 hours to complete. For most water quality, completing this task once a year will suffice, but if you have especially hard water you may want to complete more often.
The initial investment for a tankless water heater is typically higher, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or even more, depending on brand, size, and specific features.
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.
Water Heater Tax Credit Details.
You can claim 30% of the project cost, up to a $2,000 maximum credit. Heat pump water heaters that have earned the ENERGY STAR are eligible for this credit. You can find a list of ENERGY STAR certified models here.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price.
You may be eligible for a California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) up to $3,644 for tax year 2024 as a working family or individual earning up to $30,950 per year. You must claim the credit on the 2024 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or if you e-file follow your software's instructions.
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.
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.
Key Takeaways: Tankless water heater flush cost can range from $50 to $1,300, with an average cost of around $600. The maintenance cost is influenced by factors such as the size of the water heater, materials needing replacement, labor costs, and location.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
They're less expensive than gas-powered ones but aren't efficient if you run multiple hot water devices. They may struggle to keep up with multiple appliances at the same time.
How Often Should Tankless Water Heaters Be Serviced? To be certain your Navien tankless water heater is working correctly and will provide service for many years, annual maintenance is recommended. Annual maintenance removes mineral deposits collected on heat exchangers and other parts.