If You Experience Any of the Following, Contact an HVAC Technician Immediately
Having hot water is a necessity for every home. Hot water is used for showers, baths, washing clothes, doing dishes, and by many appliances in the home. A tankless water heater is a great energy-efficient way to supply hot water to your home, but how will you know what to do when it malfunctions? Here are the five signs HVAC specialists look for when it’s time to have your heater serviced.
The Water Isn’t Getting Hot
This one is certainly hard to miss! If you step into the shower in the morning and the water’s as cold as ice, and this is happening repeatedly even when the heater isn’t being over-exerted, then there’s a problem. You may also notice that the water has started alternating between hot and cold. This is a sign you need to call a professional to look at your hot water system.
The Age of the Unit
Regular tank heating systems have an average life of about 10 years, while their tankless counterparts could last over 20 years. Making note of when your tankless unit was installed and scheduling maintenance checks with an HVAC technician will help you get the most of its lifespan so you can avoid major issues in the future.
Rust and Corrosion
If you see any rust or corrosion on your tankless water heater, it’s a sign that something is not right. Rust and corrosion could be caused by minerals or chemicals in the water, air, and humidity. By contacting a specialist to evaluate the damage, it may be possible to replace parts instead of the whole heater.
Leaking System
HVAC professionals all agree that any sign of water around your tankless unit means you need to take a closer look. Water leaks could be caused by loose joints or damaged pipes. This could mean simply having to replace parts, or you may need to change the whole system, depending on the severity of the water damage. If your unit is heated by gas, this also has the potential for leaks. If you detect gas, make sure to turn off the line to the heater and call a specialist immediately.
Displaying an Error Code
Most current tankless units have a display screen, which will show an error code if there is something wrong. This could include malfunctioning sensors, blocked filters, or any of the previous four issues. Calling in a technician to read the code and fix the issue will allow you to be worry free and enjoy your home.
HVAC specialists all agree that by taking the time to inspect and maintain your tankless water heater, you’ll be able to catch and prevent these warning signs before they become major issues, prolonging its lifespan significantly.
