For homeowners, tankless water heaters are the latest and most significant technological advancement, offering the opportunity to conserve energy, save space, and cut costs. They provide continuous hot water when you need it and last longer than tank-based units. But for optimum mileage from this investment, its usage and maintenance are of utmost importance. Unfortunately, many homeowners commit simple errors they are unaware of, which can directly lead to inefficiency and poor performance.
At Nexklima Inc., we’ve witnessed these problems firsthand — and are here to help you avoid them. Here, we are going to help you avoid the top five common mistakes homeowners make with tankless water heaters and how to solve them.
1. Skipping Regular Maintenance
One common myth about tankless water heaters is that they require little maintenance. They require less attention than do tank systems, but they still must be descaled and flushed yearly to remove the mineral buildup — especially in homes that use hard water.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to:
- Reduced water flow
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Shortened system lifespan
Pro Tip: Book professional tune-ups once a year to help your system run more efficiently and last longer. At Nexklima Inc., our technicians perform cleaning, descaling, and performance checks.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size Unit
Installing a tankless water heater that’s smaller than your family’s needs is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. A unit that can’t handle your home’s peak demand will result in inconsistent water temperature or no hot water at all when more than one fixture is running.
Pro Tip: Calculate how much hot water your household uses (showers, dishwashers, laundry) before installation. A professional installer can help you determine the right capacity for your needs.
3. Improper Installation
A tankless water heater is not a “plug-and-play” product. It needs to be vented correctly, with the right-sized gas line if you have a gas unit, and the electrical system must be able to handle the load. Here’s what can happen with a DIY or novice attempt to install one:
- Safety hazards
- Inefficient performance
- Voided warranties
Pro Tip: Always use a licensed HVAC or plumbing professional—such as Nexklima Inc.—for installation. We make sure your system is safely installed and reaches its peak efficiency from day one.
4. Ignoring Water Quality
The undisclosed nemesis of tankless systems is hard water. Minerals found in hard water, particularly calcium and magnesium, can build up inside the heat exchanger over time, decreasing efficiency and damaging the appliance.
Pro Tip: You might want to invest in a water softener or water filtration system. It also helps prevent mineral buildup in the process and keeps your heater running efficiently.
5. Setting the Wrong Temperature
Some homeowners turn up the temperature too high, reasoning that it will deliver “hotter” water more quickly. And that’s actually a waste of energy (and, yes, scalding potential). However, if the temperature is set too low, you can get uneven hot water.
Pro Tip: Set your tankless water heater to 120°F–125°F, and you’ll have plenty of safe, efficient hot water for your situation.
Final Thoughts
A tankless water heater offers limited luxuries of in-home comfort, fueled by energy savings and equipment space—but only if it’s not dripping wet. By avoiding these common screw-ups, you know you will have reliable hot water — and not a miserable utility bill!
At Nexklima Inc., we are experts in tankless water heater installation, servicing and repair. Get peace of mind with our professional technicians; they’ll perform maintenance and inspections at the right tempo without you having to think about it.
Call Nexklima Inc. today to book your tank-less water heater service or consult and see the difference professional attention makes.