Water Heater on the Fritz – Repair or Upgrade to Tankless?

When your water heater is on the fritz, it is time to call a company for water heater repair in Charleston, SC, but before you dial, consider whether repairing or replacing it is the wiser choice. Tankless water heaters offer a ton of advantages over traditional water heaters, but are they for you? These are just some of the benefits of replacing your water heater if you rip off the bandage and replace it, rather than just fixing it!

What’s the smarter move: repair your water heater or switch to a tankless model?

• Repair if the unit is under 10 years old and the issue is minor or inexpensive
• Replace if the tank is leaking, repair costs are high, or failures are recurring
• Upgrade to tankless if you want endless hot water, better energy efficiency, and a longer-lasting system
• Tankless systems also save space and reduce long-term utility bills

Endless Hot Water

As anyone who has ever been in the shower when the hot water runs out can attest, a cold shower is never fun. If your hot water heater is having a hard time keeping up with the demands of your busy family life, then upgrading to a tankless water heater is the way to go. A tankless version will supply as much hot water as you want without ever running out. Say goodbye to cold showers with endless hot water from a tankless version!

Cleaner Water

A traditional hot water heater has a tank that holds a specific amount of water that is continuously heated. Over time, the tank will collect sediment; when heating, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. By updating to a tankless water heater, you will get hot water that comes straight from the tap without sitting for a long time collecting dirt and debris. The water from a tankless water heater is fresher, without all the impurities that can collect in a tanked version.

Energy Efficiency

A traditional tank water heater is heated around the clock so that it is hot and ready when you want to use it. That’s great in terms of having hot water, but that is a whole lot of wasted energy used to keep the water in the tank reserved. A tankless hot water heater only uses energy to heat the water when you need it. That means lower energy costs year-round. Although upgrading will cost at the outset, the money you will save monthly will add up really quickly and pay off your investment.

Your Carbon Footprint

We should all do our part to limit our carbon footprint. By using less energy by not heating a traditional water heater, you can significantly reduce your impact on the environment. When it comes to our earth, every little bit helps. So a tankless water heater is your best way to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient at the same time!

If your water tank isn’t cutting it, you can call a company for water heater repair in Charleston, SC to fix it. But your better option might be to upgrade to a tankless version and reap all the benefits that come from replacing your traditional water heater. At 1st Choice, we install the latest and greatest tankless water heaters in the industry to save you energy, provide cleaner water, and make you more eco-conscious. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to upgrade to a tankless version!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Should I just repair my existing water heater or switch to a tankless model?
Answer: If your current heater still performs reliably and the cost of repair is modest, a repair may be the sensible choice. However, if you’re facing frequent breakdowns, inefficiency, or the unit is nearing end of life, upgrading to a tankless model may provide better value in the long run.

Question: What benefits does a tankless water heater offer compared to a traditional tank model?
Answer: A tankless system delivers continuous hot water on demand, avoids tank-sediment issues, uses energy only when water is needed, and reduces environmental impact. It can also take up less space and typically lasts longer than traditional models.

Question: What are the drawbacks or considerations when switching to tankless?
Answer: Installing a tankless heater typically costs more upfront and may require upgrades to gas lines, venting, or electrical systems. They must be properly sized for your household needs and may struggle with simultaneous hot water demands in larger homes.

Question: How do I know if my traditional water heater is worth repairing or if replacement is the better option?
Answer: Consider the unit’s age, repair history, energy bills, water quality, and whether it’s still meeting your demand. If it’s old, inefficient, or not delivering enough hot water, replacement may be more cost-effective than frequent repairs.

Question: Will switching to a tankless heater always save me money?
Answer: Not always. While tankless models are more energy-efficient and can reduce utility bills over time, the savings depend on your hot water usage and the complexity of installation. The higher initial cost means the payback period varies by household.