If you have a tankless water heater in your Evansville area home, you might be wondering how long it will last. A tankless water heater is very cool and innovative, but like all appliances, it won’t last forever.
In this blog, Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing will talk about how long you can expect your tankless water heater to stick around and what you can do if it starts acting up.
So, let’s get started!
What’s a Tankless Water Heater?
First things first, let’s talk about what a tankless water heater is. It’s like a magic box that makes hot water when you want it. Instead of having a storage tank full of hot water all the time, it heats up the water as you need it. That’s why some people call it an “on-demand” water heater.
How Long Can You Expect It to Last?
Now on to the big question: How long does a tankless water heater last? Well, here’s the good news: they can last a long time! Usually, you can expect your tankless water heater to work well for about 20 years or even more if you take good care of it. Consider the following:
1. Maintenance: Just like a car needs regular tune-ups and maintenance, your tankless water heater needs some care too. Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing offers comprehensive plumbing check-ups to ensure your plumbing system, including your water heater, is always in tip-top shape. If you skip this important step, it might not last as long.
2. Quality: The brand and quality of your tankless water heater matter. If you get a good one from a trusted company, it’s more likely to last longer. Sometimes spending a bit more money upfront can save you from having to replace it sooner. You can count on Brackett to deliver the highest quality products and services.
3. Usage: How much hot water you use also affects how long your water heater lasts. If you have a big family that takes lots of hot showers, it might not last as long as if you live alone and use less hot water.
Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Needs Help
Now, let’s talk about what might happen if your tankless water heater starts acting up. Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Cold Water:
If you turn on your hot water tap, and only cold water comes out, that’s a big clue that something’s not right with your tankless water heater.
2. Strange Noises:
If your water heater starts making weird noises, like popping or crackling sounds, it’s time to call Brackett for some help.
3. Fluctuating Temperatures:
If your hot water goes from hot to cold and back again while you’re taking a shower, that’s no fun at all! Call Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing to schedule a water heater service call!
What Can You Do if It Breaks?
Don’t worry if your tankless water heater starts acting up. There are things you can do to fix it. Here’s what you can try:
1. Check for Error Codes:
Most tankless water heaters have a display that shows error codes when something’s wrong. Check the manual to see what the code means. If you feel adventurous or are especially handy, you may try to fix it based on the instructions. If DIY isn’t your thing, a quick call to Brackett will take care of the problem.
2. Clean It:
Remember we talked about maintenance earlier? Well, cleaning your water heater might solve the problem. Follow the instructions in the manual to flush it out, or let the trained plumbers from Brackett do it for you.
3. Call a Pro:
If you’re not sure what to do, or if the problem is too big, it’s a good idea to call a professional. The licensed plumbers at Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing know all about water heater repair and can get it back in working order.
When Is It Time for a Replacement?
Sometimes, no matter what you do, your tankless water heater just can’t be fixed. That’s when it’s time to think about a replacement. Here are some signs it might be time to say goodbye:
1. Old Age: If your water heater is more than 20 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. It had a good run!
2. Frequent Repairs: If you find yourself calling for repairs all the time, it’s probably more cost-effective to get a new water heater installed.
3. Rising Bills: If your energy bills keep going up, it could be because your water heater isn’t working efficiently anymore. A new tankless water heater will save you money in the long run.
Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing: Serving the Tri-State Since 1949!
In summary, a tankless water heater can last a long time, up to 20 years or more, if you take care of it. But if it starts acting up, don’t worry. A quick and easy fix is only a phone call away.
To learn more about high-efficiency tankless water heaters or to schedule your water heater repair, call Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing today, (812) 297-5434 or click here for easy online scheduling!
