How to Choose the Best Tankless Water Heater
Finding the ideal tankless water heater to meet your needs is determined by the GPM (gallons per minute) of faucets you anticipate running simultaneously. This number, known as expected temperature rise, should be listed in either your product specification sheet or the owner’s manual from your water heater manufacturer.
Consider the EcoSmart ECO 11 for point-of-use applications. It is small and affordable, featuring innovative options compatible with a Rinnai Wi-Fi module (sold separately) and even auto-adjusting power consumption to optimize energy efficiency.
1. Rinnai RSC199iN
Rinnai RSC199iN indoor tankless water heater provides a constant hot water supply without incurring energy costs from storage tanks. Certified as Energy Star compliant and boasting an outstanding Home Energy Rating System Index Score as well as LEED qualification, this model uses natural gas burners to heat the water efficiently – it has the power to run seven fixtures at the same time without energy waste – using Smart-Circ technology that measures usage patterns to adjust pump and recirculation times accordingly to save you energy and money.
Rinnai RSC199iN water heaters boast another advantage over other models in that they can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi using a Control-R WiFi Module sold separately, enabling remote monitoring and control via smartphone or tablet as well as alerts when maintenance is required as well as help troubleshoot any issues that arise.
This model features a digital wireless controller to make setting your desired temperature easy and safe, eliminating manual temperature adjustments that could lead to scalding or overheating. This excellent safety feature ensures your favorite temperatures stay where they should be without being manually altered by hand – something which could otherwise increase hazard risk or lead to overheating!
Due to its energy-saving design, the RSC199iN can save up to $140 annually in energy costs. Furthermore, its low maintenance requirements reduce repair needs while extending its life span.
Rinnai offers an expansive selection of water heaters, and the RSC199iN tankless water heater is no different. Offering excellent value for the price point with outstanding energy efficiency and voice activation capabilities. Ideal for homes with limited space or needing to conserve energy.
2. Rheem RTEX-18
As more people focus on protecting the environment, tankless water heaters have become an excellent way to conserve energy and water usage. One such model, the Rheem RTEX-18 electric tankless water heater, is among the best on the market; it is highly energy efficient, with use limited solely when needed,, and offers user-friendly features for easy operation.
Another fantastic feature of this unit is that it does not incur standby heat loss, thus consuming electricity only when necessary for hot water usage – helping save you a considerable amount over time! Its ultra-quiet operation won’t disrupt family or pet life while running.
The Rheem RTEX-18 has an impressive 12-year copper heat exchanger warranty and 5-5-1 parts/service warranties from Rheem, proving that they stand by their products’ quality and service provision. This remarkable warranty highlights their confidence in producing top-of-the-line tankless water heaters.
This unit boasts a power rating of 24 kW and can be used in either single point-of-use or multi-applications. Additionally, it features more extensive 3/4″ water connections for ease of installation and adjustable temperatures from 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
This unit is also ideal for manufactured homes, as it can usually be installed. However, to ensure proper functioning and provide safe wiring for this device in your home. Otherwise, its voltage might not meet requirements and work improperly.
3. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is one of the most potent electric whole-house tankless water heaters supplying enough hot water for an entire household. ETL listed, this model provides an efficient alternative to traditional tank heaters while still being energy-efficient – but requires at least 300 amp household electrical service, which may prove restricting for some homeowners given most households do not possess such power capacity.
This model boasts numerous energy-saving innovations that help keep costs and performance within reach. One such innovation is intelligent self-modulating technology, which detects changes to temperature and flow rate from home plumbing systems. As soon as any deviation occurs, heating elements adjust automatically to reach the desired temperature as quickly and efficiently as possible, saving electricity and overall energy consumption costs simultaneously.
Stiebel Eltron’s Tempra series boasts unique Advanced Flow Control technology that automatically adjusts water temperature and flow rate when demand surpasses working capacity, maintaining consistent hot water delivery at an ideal temperature and avoiding sudden loss. This ensures consistent delivery without a sudden decrease in hot water supply when demand spikes unexpectedly.
The Tempra is equipped with an auto-diagnostic system that helps diagnose problems quickly, alerting you when it is time to replace its burner. Furthermore, this tankless water heater doesn’t store water, making it less prone to sediment build-up and leaks.
4. EcoSmart ECO 27
The EcoSmart ECO 27 electric tankless water heater is one of the market’s most influential electric tankless water heaters, capable of heating 6.6 gallons of water per minute – enough to run multiple showers and sink simultaneously in warmer climates. However, you must ensure your heater is appropriately sized to meet your hot water requirements; use Ecosmart’s Sizing Guide to determine exactly which size heater you require.
EcoSmart tankless water heaters are widely respected for their energy efficiency and ease of installation and offer a lifetime warranty on parts. This model from their lineup makes an excellent addition to any home’s bathroom space while saving energy and money!
This model is ideal for tiny homes and apartments as it uses less energy. The digital display makes temperature adjustments simple; temperature can be altered in 1-degree increments. Plus, thermal auto protection protects from overheating or overloading. Requiring 240-volt electrical service with three 9kW elements drawing 112.5 amps total amperage draw per element.
Tankless water heaters may be more costly than traditional tank models. Still, they save energy and money by only heating water when necessary, saving electricity and gas consumption as you wait for hot water to arrive. Furthermore, these units can reduce utility costs up to 50 percent faster.
5. Rinnai Condensing
Though this unit comes at an initial high price tag, it can save energy and money over time by only heating water when necessary and featuring low carbon monoxide and nitrogen emission ratings. Unfortunately, to take full advantage of these features, you must install a ventilation piping system – making this option unsuitable for homes with limited space.
As a condensing model, this natural gas tankless heater uses heat and condensation released during its operation to increase energy efficiency and performance. It is equipped with a digital control panel and display that lets you monitor gas and hot-water usage from anywhere around the house; it is Wi-Fi compatible and features an internal recirculation pump activated via a timer, motion sensor, or smartphone; it offers advanced efficiency at affordable rates.
This gas tankless heater can accommodate the hot-water needs of even large households thanks to its powerful 199,000 BTU output and easy installation process. Plus, this space-saving device boasts on-demand hot water, energy savings, and a longer lifespan than traditional tanks – perfect for tight closets or under-sink spaces!
Remember that professional installation of all tankless models is required to comply with code and permit requirements. A certified plumber can assist in selecting the appropriate model for your home, offering financing solutions, and performing top-quality installation. They can also ensure your new heater integrates smoothly with your current plumbing system to avoid unexpected issues later. Moreover, they may help identify rebates or incentives you may qualify for.