The Average Life Expectancy for a Tankless Water HeaterAt Bradbury Brothers, we believe the benefits of tankless water heaters are proven and if you have to – or want to – install a new water heating system, tankless (also called “on-demand”) is the way to go. If you are remodeling or building new this year, you’re making a major investment in your property, and an article in The New York Times says “homeowners are staying put.” So you may be living in your current house a long time.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Tankless Water Heater?

Like a lot of things, the answer is, “It depends” but on average your tankless water heater should last from 15-20 years especailly if you are taking care of it on a regular basis.

Manufacturers can only predict a unit’s life expectancy based on normal usage and average upkeep. Tankless water heater maintenance requirements are not owner-intense, but they are very important.

Tankless water heaters are less exposed to water-based corrosion than regular water heaters, which are exposed to moisture 24/7. A traditional water heater lasts about 12 years; a tankless water heater lasts about 20 years.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates gas-fired tankless heaters save an average of $108 in energy costs per year over their traditional tank counterparts, while electric tankless heaters save $44 per year.   -Evergreen.Homes.com

When you do the math, tankless water heaters are a better investment for your budget and your planet. Conditions that affect the longevity of your tankless water heater include:

  • Water Quality – Hard water is exactly that: tough on appliances and plumbing systems throughout your home or office. It can reduce a water heater’s lifespan by 2 or more years!
  • Location – Water heaters located in garages or crawl spaces have to work harder to heat the water.

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

Tankless water heaters usually last for around 15-20 years before they need to be replaced, but they may need replacing sooner if they start to break down or lose efficiency.

Some common signs your tankless water heater needs to be replaced include:

  • Low water pressure.
  • Water doesn’t get hot.
  • Rising energy bills.
  • The water heater is making strange noises.

Bradbury Brothers offers expert repair, replacement and installation services for tankless water heaters. 

The average cost to replace or install a tankless water heater near The Woodlands is $2,500.

Tankless water heaters typically cost more than tank water heaters to install, but they are more convenient and more energy efficient. Tankless water heater replacement costs generally range from $1,200-$3,500. Some things that can affect the cost of tankless water heater replacement include the company’s labor costs, the brand and type of tankless water heater you want installed and any accessories.

If your water heater is over a decade old, making odd noises, leaking, or struggling to deliver enough hot water, it’s trying to tell you something—it’s time for a replacement.

Whole-House Solutions

We’ve got whole-house solutions for our North Houston neighbors in and around The Woodlands, TX with Bradbury Brothers. We’ll coordinate with your architect/contractors to ensure your service is on-time and within-budget.