How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?

If you are in the market for a new water heating solution, you will want to consider all the pros and cons of going with a tankless water heater, also referred to as an on-demand water heater. One of the most common questions we get is how long do tankless water heaters last? It's essential to answer this to know what kind of investment you are making.

How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?

how long do tankless water heaters last when installed by a professional

A quality tankless water heater will last 20+ years, and this is true whether it's gas-fueled (like with this natural gas Noritz EZ111 series) or electric. That's a ripe old age for a water heater. Consider it's two or three times longer than traditional tank units (about 8 to 12 years). The heating system's longevity is typically linked to how well it's installed and cared for by the homeowner.

How to Make Your Tankless Water Heater Last Longer

Just how long a tankless water heater lasts depends on how well you take care of it. Here are some tips for ensuring your unit lasts as long as possible:

Keep the heater's thermostat at moderate temperatures, like maybe 120 degrees F. This will help prevent scale build-up that can damage the coils in the water heater. The lower you go, the better results you will see. Scale is what forms over time when you have minerals in your water.
Avoid using chemical cleaners or harsh cleaning solutions that could harm the outside unit (or inside either). These can corrode parts and lead to leaks, which no one wants.
Clean your tankless water heater regularly to remove built-up sediment and mineral deposits. This is how you keep scale from building up in the unit.
Remove debris that may have collected on top of the unit at least once per year or more often if it's really dirty. The residue can cause rust, reducing performance and damaging internal parts over time.

If you want to learn how to flush a tankless water heater, then click on the article link where we cover that in-depth.

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If you have other questions about tankless water heaters, check out our helpful tankless water heater FAQs. If you already know what you need, go ahead and shop our tankless water heaters, or look through our huge selection of water heater parts. If you can't find what you need, don't hesitate to contact us. We carry the best brands, including Bradford White, Noritz, and Takagi.