When your tankless water heater starts acting up, it’s normal to wonder: Should you repair it or just go all in for a new one?
We know this decision isn’t just about cost, but about keeping your home comfortable, and we get it.
That’s why we’re here to break down both options for you so that you can make the best choice for your home in a way that’s easy to understand.
Why Tankless Water Heaters Are Popular
Before we get into the repair vs. replacement discussion, however, let’s briefly talk about why tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand heaters) are so great.
Tankless water heaters are different from traditional water heaters, that store hot water in a tank and heat the water only when you need it.
What this means is that they are more energy efficient and use less space. But like any appliance, they don’t last forever and do sometimes require repairs.
If you’re wondering if you should attempt to fix your tankless water heater or if it’s time to begin shopping for a new one.
Here is a simple guide to help you make that decision.
1. How Old Is Your Tankless Water Heater?
The first thing you should think about is the age of your unit. Tankless water heaters usually last around 20 years, far longer than tank models.
However, they can lose efficiency over time and, as a result, get more repairs.
Is your heater 15–20 years old? It could be time to replace it. However, if it’s still quite new, a repair should add many years to the life of the stent.
2. Compare Repair Costs to Replacement
Money matters, right? One rule of thumb: If your old water heater is costing you more to repair than to replace it, then buy a new one.
Finest Heating & Air offers detailed repair estimates, and you can compare the costs before making a decision.
It’s simply about what you can find what’s best for your budget.
3. Energy Efficiency and Utility Bills
There is a reason tankless water heaters are famous for being energy efficient. But if you’ve recently noticed your utility bills creeping up, your system may struggle with efficiency as it used to.
Sometimes, all your heater needs is a simple repair, like replacing a leaky part or cleaning out the mineral buildup.
If your system is sucking energy, however, replacing it with one that consumes less may help save you money in the long run.
4. Is It Still Meeting Your Needs?
Ask yourself: How is your tankless water heater performing these days?
But if it’s taking longer to heat up, or if you’re finding you’re running out of hot water more frequently, this could be because the system isn’t working as fast as your household requires.
If you’re always having problems, it might be time to upgrade, but a repair can occasionally solve these problems.
5. Maintenance History: Have You Kept Up?
Its routine maintenance will help prolong the life of your tankless water heater.
Your system might just need a quick repair if you’ve kept up with things like descaling and cleaning.
If maintenance has been neglected, though, you may be staring at bigger issues that will render replacement a better choice.
6. When Replacement Is the Right Choice
Also, there are some signs that point directly towards replacement rather than repair. Keep an eye out for:
- Frequent Breakdowns: But if you’re calling for repairs often, it’s a signal your water heater is nearing the end of its life.
- Rusty or Metallic Water: That could mean there is internal corrosion, which is not easy (or inexpensive) to fix.
- Loud Noises: Usually, the main reason for unit rumbling or banging sounds (in that order) is sediment buildup on your unit.
- Leaks: If you have small leaks, you might be able to repair them, but major ones need a full replacement.
7. Think Green: Environmental Impact
If you’re environmentally conscious, maybe upgrading to a newer tankless water heater is the right move.
They are also modern models that are more energy efficient and have a smaller carbon footprint. That’s a win for the wallet and the environment!
8. What About the Warranty?
Check and see if your tankless water heater is still under warranty.
Warranties on many are for 10 to 15 years, which might cover repairs. If the warranty has passed, it’s up to keep repairing your machine, or get a new one.
Consult a Pro Before Deciding
Always get a professional opinion about anything you decide to do. If our team at Finest Heating & Air assesses your current system, we can advise you on what makes more sense: a repair or a replacement.
Common Repairs for Tankless Water Heaters
If repair is the right choice, here’s what you might expect:
- Replacing Heating Elements: If your water doesn’t get hot enough, the heating elements may need to be replaced.
- Fixing Leaks: If they’re caught early, internal leaks are almost always fixable.
- Cleaning and Descaling: If you don’t clean it regularly, it can suffer from mineral buildup, preventing efficiency.
- Replacing Sensors or Valves: Incorrect sensors can give inconsistent water temperatures.
Benefits of a New Tankless Water Heater
If you go the replacement route, here’s what you can look forward to with a new unit:
- Better Energy Efficiency: Lower utility bills — that’s why new models use less energy.
- Advanced Features: They’re often smart technology with temperature controls and monitoring through your phone.
- Improved Performance: Since it’s a new unit it’s also not likely to break down and will provide more consistent hot water.
Final Thoughts: Repair or Replace?
The decision to repair or replace your tankless water heater boils down to a few key factors: the age, the cost of repairs, energy efficiency and the amount of maintenance.
If you think through these considerations, you will make the right choice for your home and your budget.
At Finest Heating & Air, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to perform tankless water heater repair or replacement, no matter your preference.
Want to know more? Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s discuss solutions for your home.
