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Are you looking to step into the future with a tankless water heater?
Well, here’s the deal:
We have done quite a bit of research on the best tankless water heaters in the market today. This review will help you choose the best option for your home.
The tankless water heaters we are recommending will ensure that you never run out of hot water even if you leave in a large home.
In addition, it’s important that the unit you buy is able to main good water pressure even when you live in a two-bathroom house.
Best Tankless Water Heaters 2019
Tankless water heaters are energy efficient. Most importantly, you save lots of money on energy cost. According to research, a tankless water heater will pay for itself within a period of one year by the money it saves on energy cost.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Electrical – Best Tankless Water Heater for a two-bathroom Home
The Germany manufacturer has six versions of Stiebel Eltron Tempra tankless water heaters. For this review, we are going to focus on Stiebel Elton Tempra plus 36 kW Tankless Water Heater which is a great choice for a large home with two or more bathrooms.
The maker of this unit has built a reputation for building extremely efficient precise machines that will exceed all of your expectations. In fact, it is this company that pioneered the development of tankless water heater technology in the early nineteenth century, and its product has been popular in Europe for decades.
You might be wondering why this tankless water heater is ideal for large households with multiple bathrooms?
Well, it uses Tempra advanced flow control technology for regulating the flow rate. When it senses a high demand (high consumption) it reduces the water flow to main a consistent temperature. In addition, it uses a smart microprocessor technology which allows you to set the knob temperature and maintain it at that level.
In addition, being an electric heater, it does not require venting devices, and therefore, it has a simple installation procedure. In addition, it has a compact design that saves space. Most importantly, it has thermostatic temperature control which helps you have reliable temperature control.
Key Specifications and benefits
- Compact and small Tankless water heater that design making it space-efficient.
- Internally built sensor to detect high consumption in order to reduce the flow rate, therefore, maintaining a consistent temperature in all the faucets running.
- 99% energy efficient because standby heat loss completely eliminated.
- High thermal conductivity and resistant to water corrosion because of a solid copper heat exchanger
- Electronic flow switch
- Thermal cut out protection from dry fire
- External knob for controlling the temperature
What people like
Many people like the thermal cut out protection for providing protection against overheating and dry fire. In addition, the working pressure of 150 psi is extremely reliable and is able to run two showers and 3 faucets simultaneously. You can expect water at a maximum temperature of 92°F or 82° depending on the climate. Also, because of the digital control, it automatically adjusts itself to consume the minimum amount of electricity. When water usage is high, it adjusts the flow rate to increase the amount of hot water. Finally, the external knob for control temperature seems to be quite popular with many people.
What I don’t like
The big downside of this Tankless water heater is the price. The cost is on the higher side of most electrical tankless water heater brands and units. Howerver, it is extremely energy efficient and it will pay for its self through the savings it makes on electricity bills. Another downsider, It has a high amperage draw of 2 X 50 Amps. This might require that you change your electrical panel.
Pro
- Great design that is compact
- It does not have a lag
- You can use it in more than one bathroom
- Energy Efficient of 99%
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
- High amperage draw
Rheem RTEX 13 Tankless Water Heater – Best Value for Your Money
Because of its compact design, the tankless water heater is small enough that it can be installed under a sink or in Recreation Vehicles and Cars (RV). This unit can be used as a point of use heater in order to give a continuous supply of hot water to one or two faucets. It only works at a maximum flow rate of 4.8 GPM. Because of the limited capacity, this model is not ideal for heavy user or in very cold places. It might not work very well for large homes with more than one bathroom.
Rugged brass and copper are used in the construction of its heat exchanger unit; thus, making it energy efficient. It uses a 13-kilowatt heater element that requires 240 v and 55 amps. Therefore, Rheem RTEX 13 tankless water heater will not shoot up your electricity bills. This heater has Energy Star certification, so you can be sure that it’s an energy-efficient unite.
Features and Benefits
- It gives you an option to adjust the temperature using an external control button
- Corrosion-resistant heat exchanger made of rugged brass and copper
- A super simple installation procedure – you will not need an expert even if you are not technically experienced.
- Compact design making it space-efficient, so it can be installed under the sink or in an RV
- Consumption of 13 kilowatts, 240 Volt, and 55 Amps
What people like
As a result of the self-adjusting model heat exchanger, this tankless water heater is very efficient. Most significantly, you can be able to control temperature; you only need to use a led indicator.
What people do like
The tankless water heater needs to be installed at the point of use where you need hot water, for example, on the sink, showerheads and other appliances. However, if you don’t have a very big house, this will not pose a big problem.
In nutshell: Rheem RTEX 13 is a compact and energy-saving tankless water heater. It is meant to be used with two or one faucets and it can also be used as a point of a use tankless water heater. In addition, this system can be ideal for boats RV’s or offices.
pro
- Inexpensive
- Great compact design (small in size)
- Easy installation
- Energy efficient
- It is quick to fire up and heat water
Cons
- Not great for household s with more than two minutes.
- Not great for household s with more than two minutes.
- Limited capacity ‘
- Not suitable for very cold climate
Ecosmart ECO 27– Best Tankless Water Heater for Hardwater
The temperature control panel is digital in nature making it easy to operate and adjust. According to the manufacturers, it can handle four faucets at the same time while maintaining a flow rate of 2 GPM in each of the faucets.
Ecosmart is able to supply hot water in a large household that has more than one bathroom. It’s simultaneously able to comfortably service a bathroom tab or a Jacuzzi. It has a significantly high flow rate than other models in the market at 3 GPM. Most importantly, it has a high energy of 100% which means it reduces by half the amount of energy.
It runs on 240 Volts and it has a 9 kilowatts element and 112 amps. Most importantly, the tankless water heater has installed thermal protection to protect it from overheating and dry fire. It operates with 0.75-inch inlet and output pipes.
Key specifications
- An ability to supply hot water to a large house and run more than three faucets at a time while maintaining the normal flow rate.
- Energy-efficient because of self-modulating technology for regulating energy consumption -which means lower electricity bills.
- A more accurate temperature control using a digital control panel.
- It only needs a small space for installation because of its compact design.
- 8 % energy efficient ratings.
What people like
Ecosmart ECo27 Tankless water heater is a powerful such that is able to comfortably supply hot water to multiple fixtures in the household at the same time. It has an accurate temperate control with self-moderating power consumption. It is a good option for homeowners with high demand and for places with very cold temperatures. And, it’s not as pricey compared to other tankless water heaters in the market which are of the same level of performance or even lower. The lifetime warranty is one of the best in the market. In addition, energy efficiency means increased savings on home heating costs. Finally, the self-regulating power control system is great for enhancing efficiency which leads to reduced power bills.
What people don’t like
When researching its reviews, I come across some people who claimed the lifetime warranty is not automatic, and you have to meet some conditions. Therefore, you should be careful and read the fine print before you buy. Unlike Stiebel Eltron Tempra that heats water instantly. There is a small delay in getting the hot water going.
Pros
- Ability to heat more than 3 gallons per minute depending on water temperature.
- Self-adjusting energy consumption technology
- Ability to supply multiple faucets with hot water
- Work well in very cold temperatures
cons
- Slight delay in getting hot water going
- High amperage draw required
- Warranty issues
Rheem RTGH– Best Tankless Water Heater for Very Large Homes
With an energy efficiency of 94%, it’s a great option because it will not result in your gas bill shooting up. In fact, if you have been using another gas model, it might result in a reduced gas bill. It has a compact design that is pack with many features and you have the option of buying indoor or outdoor modes depending on what you need.
The water heater uses condensation for heating water where heating happens inside its heat exchange which is made of stainless steel. Therefore, if you leave in a very harsh climate where you need a lot of hot water is essential then RTGH-95DVLN is the tankless heater for you.
The heater uses an electronic ignition, and it runs on natural gas. It’s designed for the indoors. It has an energy efficiency of 94% which makes among the most efficient natural gas heaters. It has 18.5 X 9.8 X 27.5 inches dimensions and has 0.75 inches gas inlets and a 0.75 inches water inlet.
Key Specifications and Benefits
- A tankless water heater unit that’s perfect for large household or homes with multiple bathrooms because of its high flow rate- flow rate of 9.5 gallons per minute.
- Ideal for very cold climates where large quantities of hot water is needed – it is able to give hot water at the Energy efficiency of 94% -thus, saving on the energy bill
- A stainless steel heat exchanger which as the efficiency of 94%
- Operates a patented safety Overheat Film Protection (OFP) which provides protection in case the heat exchange is breached.
- Freeze protection: up to -30°F
What people like
If you like instant water heaters, Rheem RTGH is a great model. With an energy factor of 0.94, it is pretty energy efficient. In fact, it gives the user an energy-saving star rebate. Most important, it uses an Overheat Film Wrap (OFW) to provide protection in case there is a breach of the heat exchange. In addition, it uses a Self-Diagnostic tool to monitor it and will warn you in case it ever malfunctions. Finally, the gas leak detector sensor is a useful feature for safety.
Also, the small compact design looks great. The electronic ignition is convenient.
What I don’t like
Compared to other tankless heaters, the price of Rheem RTGH is on the high side. When researching about this product, we come across several customers who complained that they had to incur an additional cost of installation. Although you will get a detailed instruction manual, you should be prepared to have a professional install it for you.
Pros
- Super easy installation
- Environmentally friendly
- Available for natural or propane gas
- Max GPM of 9.5
- Comes with a five years limited warranty
- Detailed instruction manual for installation
cons
- Expensive
- Installation is not as easy especially if you are not technically very experienced
- Not ideal for small households
Rinnai V75 7.5 GPM -Best for Mid Sized Homes
Rinnai’s V75-IN tankless water heater is the best choice for an average household because it has a flow rated of 7.5 GPM. With this kind of a flow rate, it can easily handle two or three faucets at a time without compromising on water pressure.
In addition, unlike Rheem which is pretty expensive, Rinnai’s V75-IN has a good price point, and you will not have to part with an arm and a leg. It has an energy rating of 82% which although is lower than Rheem is not too bad.
With a flow rate of 7.5 GPM, Rinnai V75iN is meant for a medium-sized home. It has Btu of 180,000. It is a non-condensing unit, and it has an efficiency of 82%.
Features and Benefits of Rinnai’s V75
- Electronic ignition
- Temperature controller
- Hot water temperature lock
- Ability to heat water at the rate of 7.5 gallons per minute
- 20 PPM emission levels making it an environment-friendly heater unit.
- 180,000 BTU
What People Like
Rinnai V75IN is able to handle multiple facets because of its ratings of 7.5 GPM. You can comfortably run two showers at ago. In addition, the price is not out of rich, unlike other water heaters that go for double the price. It has a temperature lock feature that ensures there is no accidental temperature of the water. In addition, it has a system to detect leakage which is an additional safety feature.
What I don’t like
Rinnai V75iN is suitable for small and medium-sized household, but it might not be suitable for commercial users.
Pros
- 7.5 Gallons per minute
- 180,000 BTU
- Leak detection
cons
- Not suitable for big houses
Takagi T-KJr2 – Best for Using Both Natural Gas & LPG
If you are on a budget and want a quality tankless water heater, Takagi tankless water heater is the best option in the market today. The notable feature of this japans’ made heater is its low price point and small size. Although it is a pretty small heater, it is able to supply hot water to two bathrooms at the same time. It has a flow rate of up to 6.6 GPM.
Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG provides a budget-friendly way of heating up small apartments, cottages, and condos. You can enjoy an endless supply of hot water with this model without having to break the bank. In addition, it has a small compact design that is durable and saves on space.
Most importantly, you have the option of either using natural gas or LPG with this heater. Like most modern units it’s installed with the Electronic ignition, and it has Maximum water pressure of 150 psi.
Key specifications
- Natural Gas input Minimum: 19,500- Maximum 140,000 Btu
- LPG input: Minimum 17,500 – Maximum 140,000 Btu.
- Gas connection: 0.75″ NPT
- Water connection: 0.75 NPT
- Voltage: 120 V
- Natural Gas inlet pressure: Min 5.5″- Max 10.5″ WC
- LP Gas inlet pressure Min: 9.5″- Max 14″ WC
- Water pressure min: 15 – max 150 psi
What People Like
Other than the price which one of its selling point of this heater, people love the ease of installation of this heater. It comes with an installation manual that gives simple step-by-step instructions for installing it. Although the installation is easy it’s probably advisable to have a professional install it for you because it is a gas system. It’s also a pretty durable heater, and you can expect to keep it for a long time. It gives the flexibility of either using natural gas or LPG.
What Don’t like
It is a pretty small heater and it might not keep up with demand if you have a large home. This heater is meant to be used in households that don’t have very large consumption. You can only claim the 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger or 5-year warranty on other parts if it is installed by a qualified professional.
[/su_list]Pros
- Small size that can fit in small space
- Great flow rate (6.6 GPM)
- Great safety precautions
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Not fit for large houses
- 82% efficiency
- Can use in more than one bathroom
What to look for when selecting a tankless heater
Tankless water heater work by a mechanism where cold water comes into contact with a gas burner or electric element which then heats the water. When selecting a tankless heater, you should consider the following factors.
The flow rate
Unlike a tanked water heater where the main worry is running out of hot water when the tank runs empty, the tankless water heater main issue is how first it’s able to heat water. These water heaters have a limitless supply of water, but what normally differs is the flow rater. Before buying you should check the flow rate specification for the specific model you choose. A heater with a high flow rate is able to fill the bathtubs more quickly. In addition, the flow rate is also critical when you have a two-bathroom home. The key to choosing the right heater is ensuring you get the right capacity that matches your needs.
The power sources for Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless heater works by having cold water pass through a heating element that can be powered by gas or electricity.
Gas
Whereas gas heaters are efficient and cheaper, they require ventilation to get rid of by-product gas. Gas-powered units tend to perform better in cold weather than electric powered heaters. In order to get the full benefits of a gas-powered heater, it is pretty important that you buy the right brand and model.
Electricity
Electric heaters are expensive to run, but they are clean, efficient, and don’t require venting. Tankless water that runs on electric power is very energy. most of them have an energy efficiency of 98%.(meaning 98% of the energy supplied is used to heat water) Electrical powered heaters are popular with people who are not comfortable using natural gas in their homes because of safety reasons.
Heater sizes
When selecting a tankless water heater for a house with two bathrooms, you need to consider the size of the heater. The bigger the size the higher the capacity. When determining the size of the tankless water heater, you should consider the temperature of the water being fed into the heater and the preferred temperature. Therefore, people leaving in cold temperatures require bigger size tankless heaters.
Energy savings
According to research, water heating takes the lion share of energy costs at homes. Therefore, you should try to get a water heater that conserves energy as much as possible. Energy saving is determined by how efficient a heater is in transferring heat energy from the source (gas or electricity) to the water. Generally, tankless heaters are more efficient than tanked heaters.
The efficiency of a tankless heater is because unlike the tanked heaters water does not need to be constantly be kept hot. This is because water is heated as it’s being used. In addition, when you have a tanked heater, there is sediment build-up which reduces the efficiency of the water heater. According to research, using a tankless heater saves up to 50% on homeowner’s energy costs.
Condensing and Non-condensing heaters.
Condensing
The gases produced are taken through a process that results in condensation to produce cooler gases. The final gas that is released is cooler because the heat has been taken through a process of cooling. This makes these types of heaters more efficient than the non-condensing heaters.
Another advantage of these heaters is you don’t have to use expensive ventilation because the gasses are cooler. They produce exhaust gas which is around 100°Fehernheit.
Non- condensing
Unlike the condensing heaters, they cool their exhaust gas outside the system The gasses produced are cooled outside the unit. They produce gasses that are at 300°Feherinheit.
These types of water heaters work by heating water directly without storing it. They are also known as an instant heater. They heat water on demand, and they are mostly installed near the point of use of faucets such as shower and kitchen taps.
How do Tankless Water heater work
They are more energy-efficient than traditional heaters because they don’t use a lot of energy to keep water hot over a long period. They work like this…
Coldwater flows through pipes into the water heater. Inside the unit, water is heated using either a gas banner or an electric element. It takes generally takes seconds for the cold water to get heated when it enters the unit; therefore, it’s possible for the units to produce an endless supply of hot water.
How is it installed?
It is installed near the point of use. You just have to remove your shower head, attach the heater and then connect the showerhead back on the heater and you are good to do. Each heater comes with an instructional manual.
How much do they cost?
Generally, tankless-heaters are more expensive to buy and install than a tanked water heater than traditional tanked heaters. On average, an electrically powered heater will go for between $500- 1,000. Gas-powered heaters are more expensive than electrical once. Gas-powered units go for about $ 2,500 plus installation cost.
Although the cost of buying and installing a tankless heater is higher than traditional heaters, in the long run, they are more cost-effective.
Are they better than a Traditional heaters
Deciding which is better between the traditional heater that stores hot water and a tankless heater is a trade-off. One advantage of a tanked heater is that it has a lower cost of initial installation. However, you will have to be paying more in power bills. On the other hand, tankless water heaters have a higher initial cost, but you will not be paying very high monthly power bills. Therefore, it will heater will save you money in the long run. In addition, Tankless are easy to fix and replace while traditional heater occupies more room and is hard to replace.
Do they save money?
In the long run, a tankless is more cost-effective because you will be paying less in monthly electricity or gas bills.
Do they use electricity?
Depending on the type and model you chose, they use either electricity or gas.
Can they use propane?
Yes, there are many models in the market that use propane.
Also Read: Best Electric Pool Heaters for Inground Pools Review
What size of a heater do I need?
First, decide on the number of faucets you want to be running. Next, add up the total flow rate of each fixture. You should get a heater that can handle the total load. For example, If you want to be running the kitchen tap with a flow rate of 1 GPM (gallon per minute) plus the shower with a flow rate of 2 GPM. You should buy a heater with the capacity to handle more than 3 GPM.
Can tankless keep up with demand?
Tankless can keep up with the demand provided that it is correctly sized.
Tankless not igniting?
When you get a no ignition problem, this is mostly because of gas supply or venting. It may indicate that you’ve run out of gas supply or your gas has been disconnected.
Tankless in RV?
Because of the limited space for water storage, Using a tankless heater is the best option for RVs. This way you will never run out of hot water when you need it. In addition, they don’t use a lot of propane because they don’t have to use up the energy to keep tanked water hot. You also have the option of using either electrical or propane. **Read our comprehensive review of the best RV tankless water heater**
Is tankless dangerous?
Unlike a tanked water heater which can experience an increase in pressure that leads to an explosion, tankless heater does not have a storage tank. Therefore, the risk of explosion is non-existence. The safety risk mostly associated with tankless heater is the risk of carbon monoxide. You have to ensure proper venting to prevent building up of carbon monoxide. Check out our post on dangers signs of water heaters.
Where are tankless installed?
Because tankless heaters are small in size they don’t take up large spaces and they can be installed anywhere. You can install it under the sink or closet. Unlike a tanked heater, tankless heaters are designed to be installed indoors. You should consider the existing plumbing before you select an installation space. These equipment are not designed to be installed in a place that can cause them to freeze during the winter. They should also be installed away from flammable materials.
How many GPM Can they produce?
Gas-powered heaters are more efficient than electric powered heaters. A gas-powered tankless heater can transfer up to 70 F degree temperature rise at 5.0 GPM. This is more than enough for most consumers. However, if your needs are higher, you can choose a big heater that is able to heat up even 7.5 GPM.
Tankless condensing vs non-condensing?
Condensing is those heaters that heat water using a gas burner, and instead of venting gases, the exhaust gases are condensed and reused to generate more heat. They are more efficient and energy-saving. On the other hand, non-condensing heater vent the exhaust gases outside. While condensing water heaters are efficient they are more complicated and prone to malfunction.
How long does a tankless water heater last?
Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. On the other hand, tanked water heaters have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. Also, because they have parts which are replaceable, this can extend the life to many more years.
My heater keeps on tripping?
The most likely cause of the tripping heater is a spoil thermostat. Other common causes include loose wiring and a shorted heating element.
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ABOUT LEON SMITH
Leon is a Thirty-Something-year-old blogger from Mauritius who is currently studying for a Master’s degree in chemical and processing Engineering at the University of Eldoret in Kenya. Read more about him.