Did you know that in 2023, the global tankless water heater market had an estimated value of $3.74 billion? By 2030, experts forecast that to nearly double and reach a whopping revenue of $6.8 billion! They also project the North American sector to expand the fastest during that period.
One reason tankless water heaters are becoming more popular is their energy efficiency. Depending on their use, they can be 8% to 34% more efficient than their tank-type counterparts.
Tankless water heater maintenance is also simpler than conventional tank heaters. It has no bulky storage container that can leak due to age and lack of upkeep.
Still, that doesn’t mean you can forget and not care for your tankless heater. It still requires some TLC to ensure it remains energy efficient.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure how; our tips can help you maintain your tankless system, so read on.
Never Tinker With an Electrified Heater
All tankless water heaters, including gas-powered ones, need electricity to run. Thus, you should never tinker with yours without cutting off its power source.
The main reason is to protect yourself from an electrical shock. This is common in the U.S., with about 30,000 non-fatal incidents occurring yearly. Some are severe enough to hospitalize and land people in burn units.
You can cut off your heater’s power source by turning off the circuit breaker it connects to. Shut the main gas line, too, if you have a gas-powered system.
Inspect for Leaks
Folks at Todd’s Water Heater Repair say a common question about heaters is what to do if there’s water at their base. This problem is more common in tank-type systems, which can occur because of leaking tanks. However, it can also happen to tankless systems due to poor installation or failed pipes.
When a tankless heater leaks, it can cause low water pressure. That can then make the water temperature fluctuate. It can also give rise to water damage, which can then lead to mold growth.
So before any of that happens, make it a habit to inspect your system once every six months. Check the state of the gas, cold water, and hot water pipes. Look for signs of corrosion and moisture.
If you don’t see those symptoms and the pipes are secure, then great. But if you do, it may already be time to schedule professional tankless water heater repairs. These problems can indicate water or gas leaks.
Flush It
Flushing your tankless water heater once or twice yearly helps drain sediments out. You don’t want those dissolved minerals, as they can settle and turn into limescale. If you let limescale form, it can reduce your system’s heating efficiency and clog pipes.
Before flushing your tankless heater, check your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer directions. Some models may require a sump pump for this procedure. If yours does and you don’t have a sump pump, it’s best to call a professional instead.
If you do, you can DIY, so long as you’re confident with your skills.
To start, place a bucket below your heater’s water valves. Most heaters have two; a red one for hot water and a blue one for cold water. You must close these valves to prevent water from spurting out while you flush the heater.
Next, remove the purge port valve caps attached to and secured by a string-like piece of rubber. Be careful while you do this, and ensure the rubber sealing disc remains inside each cap.
Place one end of a hosing line inside your bucket or a nearby drain. Connect the other end to one of the valves, and then open the drain or purge valve to discharge excess water. Then, clean the system using undiluted white vinegar.
The entire process may take 30 to 45 minutes. You must repeat the steps if you only have one hose.
Once done, carefully place the caps back and secure them, but don’t overtighten them.
Finally, perform a tankless water heater reset to turn the system back on. Refer to your manual for the exact steps to complete this procedure.
Keep the Air Filter Clean
A tankless water heater air filter provides fresh air to the system’s heat exchanger. The heat exchanger uses this air to heat the water passing through it quickly. So if the filter becomes clogged with particles, it can make the system work harder than it has to.
When that happens, the heater consumes more energy, increasing your heating bills. It can also cause potential heater malfunctions.
Prevent those issues by checking your air filter at least once every six months. You should find it at the side or the bottom of the unit. You can also check your owner’s manual to learn its exact location.
Once you find the filter, remove it from the system (you may need a screwdriver for this). You can then clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. You may also rinse it, but dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it.
Schedule Professional Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
You may need to do the above steps twice or more yearly if you have high water usage, hard water, or poor air quality. Any less than that, and your tankless heater may break down and fail sooner.
Not only is that an inconvenience, but it may also lead to severe water leaks. Fluctuating water temperatures may also pose hazards like scalding injuries.
So if you can’t commit to regular heater maintenance, hire pros instead. They can look after your system and give it all the TLC it deserves once or twice yearly.
Make Your Tankless Water Heater Last
Proper and regular tankless water heater maintenance keeps your system energy efficient. It also helps prevent premature breakdowns and early failure. Most importantly, it lets you enjoy relaxing and safe hot water showers and baths.
All that should be enough reason never to neglect your tankless heater’s upkeep. Besides, with them costing hundreds of dollars, you want to make yours last as long as possible.
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