You work so hard throughout the day, and the last thing you would not want to find is no hot water to wash the dirt, and stresses of the day, off. A tankless water heater provides refreshing hot water 24/7, and what’s more, they are quite energy efficient. But, is that all there is regarding them?
The water heaters are also slim, unlike their older counterparts and easier to use. In the following review, we look at some of the best and who knows, you might find your ideal.
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Tankless Hot Water Heaters Reviewed
#1: Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai is the ideal tankless water heater for people looking for efficiency more than anything else. Other mouthwatering features include a thermal efficiency of up to 95%. It features a top of the range MC-91-2US digital controller, the source of this adeptness.
The tankless water heater has a decent flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute, adequate for residential, as well as, commercial application – reliability at its best. Its advanced venting system ensures a silent operation. It is a gem worth having in the house.
- A highly efficient gas water heater
- Thermal efficient and no energy goes to waste
- 15,200 to 199,000 BTU for effective water heating
- Features MC-91-2US, a top quality digital controller
- A high flow rate of 9.8 gallons every minute for all your needs
- You will need to be very careful when handling this product
- A high price tag
#2: Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 kW, tankless electric water heater
Apart from Rinnai, Stiebel is another established brand with an earned reputation for quality water heaters. Its simplicity is something else as it does not need any venting system ensuring reduced initial cost.
The product features a digital temperature control for more natural management. It also has a sleek design and will fit anywhere without a problem. And another good thing is its low energy consumption; you will not have to complain regarding the rising energy costs.
- No venting system needed which reduces the initial cost
- A digital temperature control
- Has a sleek design to comfortably fit anywhere
- Energy efficient to save on energy costs
- Uses a significant amount of energy especially during the cold season
- Can take some time before the hot water starts flowing
#3: EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The tankless water heater ensures a consistent flow of hot water for your needs. It also boasts one of the most advanced self-modulating technologies, making it a highly energy efficient water heater. The heater is especially ideal for Northern America and other places where the chill can demonstrate its strength.
EcoSmart ECO 27 has a decent flow rate of 3 gallons every minute, meaning it can support two running showers – you don’t have to wait for your partner to complete showering. The sleek design ensures it can fit in any space.
- Ensures a consistent flow of hot water
- An energy efficient device, saving you on energy bills
- Has a sleek design to fit any space you have
- Ideal for the coldest regions
- A good flow rate of 3 gallons every minute
- It is not very durable
- Their customer support is not the best
#4: Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG Indoor Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
Takagi is another excellent brand with top quality water heating products. Mainly, Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG flaunts a maximum flow rate of 6.6 GPM and can serve several needs in the household at the same time. The product has thermistors for active monitoring and management of temperature.
You will need a natural gas hookup and a 4-inch stainless steel vent before you can finally enjoy the refreshing sizzling hot water. The tankless water heater is energy star certified, and will not use a significant amount of energy.
- Features a flow rate of up to 6.6 GPM, powerful
- Comes with thermistors for active temperature control
- Energy Star certified for energy efficiency
- A powerful and reliable heater
- Ideal for hard water
- Venting is necessary
- Makes some noise
- Installation is not cheap
#5: Rheem RTEX-13 240V Heating Chamber Residential Tankless Water Heater
The professional water heater provides a consistent flow of hot water for single and multiple uses – it is one product that will not break your heart, with its high rate of efficiency. Rheem RTEX-13 240V has an adjustable thermostat for more natural control, and the LED display keeps you updated.
You quickly adjust the heat in increments of 1 degree F until you reach your ideal. Another thing worth highlighting is the durable heating elements it comes with.
- A powerful heater, providing hot water for multiple uses
- Adjustable thermostat for effective control
- An LED display for easier reading
- Features durable heating elements
- It is easy to use
- Unique and easy design
- Not powerful to serve multiple needs at the same time
What are the Tankless Water Heaters?
These are functional units that provide hot water for home use.
They provide the faucets with hot water for bathing, laundry, and other chores; you name them. And unlike the conventional heaters, the tankless provide hot water on demand.
What’s New with the Tankless Water Heaters?
There are many reasons to upgrade to the new units and mostly so is their efficiency. Some of the new generation tankless water heaters boast features to make anyone excited. For example, the microprocessing technology in some of them assesses the temperature of the water and adjusts the heat accordingly. They are, therefore, able to utilize energy in the best way possible without waste, to keep the water temperature steady.
Some gas models boast condensing technology, ensuring efficient use of the gas – it is recaptured and utilized to heat water. This provides utilization of less expensive venting equipment, as a matter of fact.
It may not mean much to some users, but reliability is an important feature. The contemporary water heaters are all about reliability in providing hot water for your needs, consistently.
How to Choose the Best Tankless Water Heater
You don’t just go out to the store, and find your ideal water heater, sitting right there on the department store shelf, waiting for you – it is not that easy. There are factors that you will need to consider, and which will guide you on the right path to your product.
The Choice Between Gas and Electric
Before you run to purchase a tankless water heater, the first thing you will need to consider is which between natural gas and electric suits you best. Apparently, each of them has strengths, as well as, shortcomings.
If you are always a bit tight on the budget, and you don’t want to give up on hot showers, then gas heaters may be ideal for you. Propane is typically the cheaper option and will save you a few dollars, in the long run. They are also quicker and more powerful, making them ideal for larger households and those that have no time to wait.
Natural gas heaters are also not affected by outages – reliable, and you will enjoy the little pleasures of warm water for some time.
However, the initial cost associated with the gas varieties is no laughing matter. You will need to prepare yourself well in advance. The indoor water heaters will require venting, and this will also leave a big hole in your budget.
These startup costs are what drives the popularity of the electric tankless water heaters. However, if you are looking for long-term reliability, then the extra investment to acquire the propane-powered variety, is every bit worth it.
But there are other factors, apart from the initial cost, which helps determine which between gas and electricity is ideal. For example, if you are trying to fully go green, with minimal effect on the environment, then electric varieties are better.
Demand
Depending on the size of your household and hot water demand, you can choose between a large and small heater for your needs. Big families that utilize hot water not just for bathing, but also for other chores, need a bigger tank. But if you live alone, a smaller tank is sufficient.
Climate
Climate varies across different regions. Some get colder than others while others are hotter. Depending on the area you are in, choose the tankless water heater that suits you best.
For example, if you live in those places that really get cold, then you will require a higher flow rate unit to overcome the challenges. In hotter regions, the smaller units with less power will do just fine – the water will not require that much ability to heat the water.
The Budget
Choose the unit depending on the much you are able and willing to spend. Both the gas and electric heaters will demand some initial investment, both for the unit and the installation. However, the gas units require a bit more than their counterparts, and it is wise to plan to avoid frustrations when you finally discover the amount you have is not sufficient.
Conclusion
The best tankless water heater is pure joy to own. It provides hot water on a moment’s notice not to mention their energy efficiency. The above recommendations are up to the task. However, we are going to choose Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series as our top choice based on several reasons.
With 15,200 to 199,000 BTU, 9.8 GPM and top of the range digital controller, you can understand why we are sticking our guns with it – the key word here is high performance and reliability.