Tankless Water Heater Services

Tankless water heaters are measured by how many gallons of hot water they can produce per minute. Models are available that produce between two and 12 gallons of hot water per minute. For average households, 5–10 gallons per minute (GPM) is appropriate.

Energy efficiency is another consideration. Electric models are a good choice if you need up to 8 GPM. For hot water needs greater than that, you’re better off with a gas model, though gas models pose risks associated with any gas appliance.

Several situations can lead to water temperature fluctuations with tankless water heaters, including:

• The unit cycling on and off can lead to a “cold water sandwich effect,” where sections of water inside the pipes alternate between hot and cold. A hot water cycling pump can alleviate this phenomenon.
• For gas units, if the water pressure flowing into the unit is too low, it can trigger the gas burner to turn off. If you have a well, check your pressure tank.
• When the inlet filter screen becomes clogged, it reduces water flow and turns off the gas burner. Check your owner’s manual for information about how to clean the filter and how often it’s recommended.

Here are three things you can do to keep your unit operating correctly — check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your model:

1. Perform a tankless water heater flush at least once every year. If you have especially hard water, more frequent flushes will protect your unit from mineral buildup.
2. Some tankless models have air filters or cold-water inlet filters, which must be cleaned regularly to prevent a reduced flow of water.
3. Clean the exterior cabinet of the unit (but not the fan blades, heat exchanger, or burner) with a damp cloth. This will allow you to perform a more effective visual inspection of the unit.