Can you have a water softener with a tankless water heater?

Tankless Water Heaters

For customers who either already have a tankless water heater or are considering switching to tankless, a water softener is a great idea. Because it helps protect your water heater, we will actually recommend a water softener with all tankless installs we do!

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Will hard water ruin a tankless water heater?

Many experts believe that hard water is the number one enemy of an on-demand water heating system. Hard water can cause havoc on your home's appliances, including tankless water heaters.

How do tankless water softeners work?

Instead of holding hot water in a tank, the tankless water heater only kicks on when there is a demand for hot water, like when a shower is turned on. So, instead of being on all day and all night (even if it isn't in use) to keep the water in the tank hot, the tankless water heater is off until it is needed.

Is there an alternative to a water softener?

The most common alternative to a water softening system is a water conditioner. While water softeners remove the mineral ions from hard water and replace them with sodium ions through a process known as ion exchange, water conditioners alter the structure of the mineral ions.

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Do water softeners deteriorate water heaters?

Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.

How long do tankless water heaters last with hard water?

How long do tankless water heaters last with hard water? Even with hard water, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. However, this assumes that you perform regular maintenance.

How often should a tankless water heater be cleaned?

Tankless water heaters should be flushed out every year to 2 years.

What maintenance is needed on a tankless water heater?

The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.

Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?

Energy Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.

Does a tankless water heater increase home value?

If you are looking to increase the value of your home, adding a tankless water heater to your features is a great place to start. According to a study conducted by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more than their expected value. On average, these homes also sold 43 days faster than expected.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Can I install a water softener for hot water only?

Only use hot water to soften it

You'll probably see little change, but it will cut your salt and wastewater consumption in half. It won't hurt your dishwasher because it runs on hot water. Your water heater or piping will not harm you. You'll save money, and you could even be eligible for a municipal refund.

How close can a water softener be to a water heater?

Additionally, there should be at least 10 feet of piping between your water heater and water softener. This distance will prevent the possibility of hot water migrating backward into the softener during its regeneration cycle. If hot water gets into your softener, it could damage some of the tubing inside.

Do I have to flush my tankless water heater?

Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.

How much does it cost to flush a tankless hot water heater?

It costs around $150 to flush a tankless water heater. You especially need it at least annually if you have well water with a lot of iron. That causes more sediment buildup. The process takes about a half-hour.

Can I use CLR to flush my tankless water heater?

You can use small amounts of CLR with distilled vinegar to clean a tankless water heater. It safely removes calcium, lime, and rust deposits from several household wares, including coffee pots, showerheads, toilet bowls, and washing machine basins.

How much vinegar do I need to clean a tankless water heater?

Use a 1/6-horsepower pump, as anything stronger can damage the heater's inner workings. At $50 to $150 for a pump and the need for annual maintenance for tankless water heaters, it's wise to buy rather than rent. It will take 3 gallons of food-grade white vinegar to get this job done.

What is the life expectancy of a Rinnai tankless water heater?

The life expectancy (or useful lifespan) of a Rinnai tankless water heater is up to 20 years. Actual life is impacted by water quality, usage and proper maintenance. For comparison, a tankless water heater lasts about twice as long as a tank water heater, making them a better value in the long run.

How long does it take a tankless water heater to heat up?

Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater.

What are the disadvantages of a water softener?

How long do water heaters last with soft water?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Does soft water get hotter than hard water?

Soft water will boil faster than hard water, the reason being that hard water contains dissolved minerals which elevate it's boiling point.

Can you soften water without a water softener?

Boiling water is certainly one of the most effective ways to soften it. The boiling will have the effect of draining the hard water minerals to the bottom, like calcium and magnesium.