Tankless Water Heaters: Benefits and Maintenance

Have you heard about tankless water heaters? Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, they’ve become a popular choice for homeowners who want reliable and energy-efficient hot water. 

Traditional tank-style water heaters store heated water. Meanwhile, tankless units heat water as it flows through the system. This gives you hot water only when you need it. As you might imagine, this is incredibly efficient in addition to being a bit of a money saver.

Thinking about getting one for your home?

Tankless systems offer several advantages over their traditional counterpart. However, as with any appliance worth the investment, proper maintenance is going to be the key to keeping yours running efficiently.

So, let’s talk more about what that maintenance looks like and whether or not going tankless i a good fit for your home.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

One of the main reasons tankless water heaters are so efficient is that they heat water only when you need it. It’s a modern, on-demand approach to help reduce your water heating costs. And it can do so by up to 20% each month! Going tankless also means that you’ll never run out of hot water. This can’t be said for traditional units during heavy usage, such as back-to-back showers or lots of laundry! 

These compact units also take up far less space than traditional water heaters, which makes them ideal for basements, utility rooms, or smaller homes where space is limited. And we’d be remiss to not mention the safety side of things. Without a large storage tank, as with a more traditional style hot water heater, there’s less chance of a rupture that could completely flood your basement or utility area.

Finally, know that with proper maintenance, tankless units typically last around ten to fifteen years longer than traditional tank-style water heaters. So, even though they typically cost a bit more than traditional water heaters, you’ll have more time with your unit.

Maintenance and the Need to Descale

Tankless hot water heaters can be a great investment. But as with any great investment, proper maintenance is the key to giving your appliance a long life and preventing expensive repairs. 

So let’s talk about what that looks like.

Mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water, can reduce water flow and heating efficiency. Left unchecked, this can strain your tankless water heater, trigger error codes, and even shorten its lifespan—yikes!

Luckily, there’s a fix. By doing what’s called “descaling” on your unit, you flush the system to remove mineral deposits. Most manufacturers recommend doing this at least once a year. Note that frequency may vary depending on water hardness and usage. But know that descaling is essential to help maintain water flow, heating efficiency, and overall performance. So, if it’s not something you want to do, it’s important to connect with a reliable plumber to help you, and work that cost into your overall appliance maintenance budget.

DIY Inspection Tips

Between professional maintenance appointments, we’d recommend doing the following to ensure your unit is working properly:

• Listen for unusual noises like popping or whining, which may indicate mineral buildup

• Watch for drops in water pressure or inconsistent hot water temperature

• Check for any error codes displayed on the unit

Remember: minor inspections can be done yourself; professional service is recommended for thorough descaling and a complete system check. 

Final Thoughts on Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency, endless hot water, space savings, and a longer lifespan. That said, they require regular maintenance for homeowners who are looking to maximize their benefits.

Need help to ensure your tankless water heater is running at peak performance prior to winter? Contact our team today for a professional inspection. At G.T. Campbell Plumbing, we can help to ensure that the internal components of your unit are clean, safe, and functioning optimally.