How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?

How long does a tankless water heater last?

A tankless water heater typically lasts around 18-25 years. Any plumber will tell you, this is much longer than a traditional water heater. In Ocean City, NJ, we are seeing more and more homes and businesses install these systems, for this reason, but also a few other key benefits.

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A Tankless Water Heater Doesn’t Run Out Of Hot Water

The most significant benefit of a tankless water heater is that it doesn’t run out of hot water. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, instead of storing it the way a traditional tanked system does. Instead a tankless water heater will heat the water as needed, therefore never running out of hot water. 

A traditional tank can only hold so much water. After a few showers, maybe filling a bath, the hot water is gone, and you need to give the system some time to heat up more water. 

A properly designed and installed tankless water heater allows you to never run out of hot water again. 

Read More: Tankless VS Traditional Water Heater

A Tankless Water Heater Uses Less Energy

A tankless water heater uses less energy than a traditional tanked system. A tank has to hold onto gallons and gallons of water, and store them at the desired temperature. This means that the tank is never not working. It may work easier once the water is heated, but then every time it cools down, it will need to use energy to heat it back up. This is a huge waste of energy. 

The worst part is, even though it uses more energy than a tankless water heater, it can still run out of hot water! 

Tankless systems are energy efficient, while also providing more hot water! 

A Tankless System Takes Up Less Space And Lasts Longer

Tankless Systems Take Up Less Space

A traditional water heater uses a large tank to store gallons of water. This is usually about 5 feet tall, and t feet across. Normally this is stored in a basement, somewhere people aren’t usually hanging out. 

A tankless water heater is slim and takes up about ⅓ of the space a traditional tank does. This system is sleek, and mounted on a wall, out of the way. It’s not that this is a major factor in making the decision to go tankless, but it’s a great little plus getting that old, clunky tank out of your basement. 

How Long Does A Traditional Water Heater Last?

A traditional water heater tank lasts for 8-12 years. This has a much shorter lifespan than the tankless system for a few reasons. 

A traditional system stores water in a large tank. This water can have some sort of minerals and debris in there, even if it’s a very very small amount. The term “Hard Water” refers to water that has a higher concentration of calcium or magnesium. 

These minerals can settle inside of a water heater, and increase the rate of corrosion and rust. This will eventually lead to cracks and leaks in your system, with it eventually breaking down. You just have to hope it isn’t too messy. 

Hot water tanks are also typically in basements, and cooler areas that may not have the insulation the rest of the house has. If your water heater is in a cooler space, that means it’s working harder to keep the water warm. This increase in work for the water heater leads to extra wear and tear. 

A tankless system only uses energy when it’s on, not all the time like a traditional tank. The storing of the water, coupled with the extra output of energy means these systems just don’t last as long as tankless. 

Read More: 4 Reasons To Upgrade To A Tankless Water Heater

Deciding To Get A Tankless Water Heater

As we’ve mentioned, tankless water heaters last much longer than a traditional water heater, and have a lot of other great benefits. The toughest part to deal with is the upfront cost. They are more expensive than a traditional tank, but you can see why. You get almost double the lifespan, endless hot water, and will pay less in energy bills. 

If you have purchased a home you plan to spend many years in, this is a great investment. You won’t have to worry about a replacement for decades, and you will have better provided hot water. 

Even if you rent out your home or plan to sell it, this system adds value to your property, and will make your place that much more appealing and technologically advanced. 

Plumbing In Ocean City, NJ

If you are looking for a plumber in Ocean City, NJ, or any of the South Jersey shore points, Broadley’s can help you out. We have been installing tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters, and dealing with any plumbing issues for homes and businesses in our area for years. 

If you have any questions about your plumbing or home comfort, give us a call at (609) 390-3907, or visit us online at www.broadleys.net

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