You love your tankless water heater—it delivers endless hot showers and saves energy. But to keep it performing at its peak, a little twice‑a‑year TLC goes a long way. Let’s make sure yours lasts longer and works smarter.
Why Bi‑Annual Maintenance?
Extends unit lifespan — Regular maintenance can stretch life well past 20 years
Boosts energy efficiency — Scaling reduces heat transfer, making the unit work harder
Prevents sudden repairs — Catch minor issues before they snowball
What Bi‑Annual Maintenance Includes
Flush the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution (or approved descaler) using hoses and a pump
This removes mineral buildup—crucial in areas with hard water
2. Clean Water & Air Filters
Rinse or replace the inlet water filter where sediment accumulates
Brush out the air intake filter on gas models
3. Inspect Burners & System Components
Technicians inspect burners, heat exchanger, valves, and sensors for wear
Diagnostics ensure unit settings are optimized for your usage
4. Check Ventilation & Condensate (if applicable)
Ensure proper airflow, and clean condensate trap on condensing units
Proper venting = safer operation and longer life.
DIY vs Professional
| Task | DIY Handy-Homeowner | Professional HVAC Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Flushing & descaling | ✔️ with kit & instructions | ✔️ safer, faster, warranty‑compliant |
| Cleaning filters | ✔️ easy rinse | ✔️ polished, full filter check |
| Burner & sensor inspection | ✖️ not recommended | ✔️ expert diagnostics |
| Vent & condensate check | ✔️ visual check | ✔️ adjustable, detailed |
Maintenance Schedule
Every 6 months: Flush & clean filters — especially if you have hard water
Annually: Full inspection by a pro, especially for gas/collaborative units .
Skip Maintenance? Here’s What Can Happen:
Decreased water pressure & inconsistent temperature
Reduced efficiency → higher energy bills
Premature failure (and voided warranties)
Final Takeaway
To keep your tankless unit efficient, long-lasting, and safe, treat it to bi‑annual maintenance. Flush, clean filters, check airflow—and bring in the pros yearly for a deeper tune‑up. Your heater will thank you with reliable hot water and lower bills.
DRE ID: 02194323 | NRDS#: 198039676 | MLS ID: 02194323
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