Tankless Water Heaters are becoming increasingly popular. This is for good reason. They provide reliable and continuous hot water. According to Jones Excavating and Plumbing, tankless electric water heaters use heating coils instead of tanks. This results in approximately 20% energy costs savings. This is significant because 18% of home energy costs come from water heating according to Energy Savings. These heaters are long-lasting too. In fact, they can last up to 20 years if taken care of properly. Here are 4 ways to get the most out of your tankless water heater.
Clean The Water Filter
Over time, the water filter in your tankless water heater can become blocked with debris. Occasionally, you will want to clean out this filter. First, turn off the water. Then, remove the filter and wipe it down gently. Finally, you can put the filter back in the water heater.
Clean The Air Filter
Air filters can accumulate dust over time much like how the water filter will accumulate debris over time. This also requires a simple fix. Use some soapy water and a brush to wipe down the air filter. Then, rinse it off with water and put it back in the water heater.
Flush The System
Minerals can build up over time in the heating chamber. This both reduces efficiency and causes damage if left unchecked. The solution to this problem is flushing out the system.
According to The Original Plumber, your tankless water heater should be flushed out once to twice a year depending on two factors. It depends on if you are using hard water or not. It also depends on your average water temperature usage.
Flushing out the system can be a relatively complicated process. It is recommended that you have a specialist do this part for you. First, you will need a vinegar water mixture. You don't want to use chemicals because they could cause health issues down the road. Next, turn off the power to the water heater. Then, use a sump pump to pump the vinegar mixture into the system. This mixture will eat away at the mineral buildup. Lastly, use the sump pump again to pump plain water into the system. This will flush out the vinegar mixture and any debris that was leftover.
Inspect Regularly
Inspecting your tankless water heater will also add to its lifespan. Look for any obviously broken parts. Check the valves, pipes, and heating elements. Also, look for rust or leaks. Inspecting your water heater will allow you to catch any problems quickly before they snowball into large issues.
A little care will go a long way. Your tankless water heater could last up to 20 years if you take care of it properly. It will provide you with significant energy savings all along the way. If you don't have a tankless water heater yet, consider contacting Miami Water Heater.