Best Tankless Water Heaters Reviews and Guide
Table of Contents
Tankless water heaters are instant water heaters thatgive us warm water easily. They are the new adaptive technology that is a perfect addition to the current fast-paced lifestyle. Water heaters have become an irreplaceable element in homes nowadays. Its ability to save time, money and energy is what makes a tankless water heater an integral element in every household. Nowadays there isa wide variety of tankless water heaters in the market like portable, indoor, electric water heaters, water heaters that run on LPG cylinders, etc.
A tankless water heater stands out differently from other normal water heatersby its absence of a storage tank and continuous flow of hot water through the pipe. A tankless water heater can be a lifelong asset for every household as it can provide you with running hot water at very low energy consumption. The initial cost is slightly higher than other normal water heaters, but their maintenance cost is cheaper than conventional water heaters. Thus, tankless water heaters will be a complete aid for hot water supply for taking care of all household chores. Although tankless water heaters are a great useful appliance for your household you should choose the right one wisely according to your budget.
Tankless water heaters have become a must-have appliance in every household where a sufficient amount of hot water is supplied economically. Tankless water heaters are more efficient than storage water heaters in many ways. Tankless water heaters avoid standby water loss which is a major defect seen in storage water heaters. Although tankless water heaters’ initial installation costs are higher compared to conventional water heaters, they offer validity of up to 15-20 years, and their parts are easily replaceable. Thus, tankless water heaters can be seen as an apt appliance for a budget-friendly household too.
Tankless water heaters operate in two modes: electric and gas-fired cylinders. Electric tankless water heaters and Gas-fired tankless water heaters work efficiently on their separate connections but the gas-fired electric water heaters have more water flow than the electric ones. Due to its immense demand on the market, many new models have arrived in the market which gives a wide range of options tothe customers. For a wise choice, we should understand in detail the need and budget of our household for a useful purchase to happen. Following is a list of popular choices of tankless water heaters seen in the market:
Tankless Electric Water Heaters by ECO SMART company delivers endless hot water. It is too compact as it has only a 3.75* 8*11.5 inches size. It has a very sleek, wall-mounted design which saves space on the floor. It is 90% smaller than a water storage tank. It also saves energy by using electricity needed for heating the water when you want. It can heat the water to 3.1gallons per minute which can be used for a single shower.
ECO SMART ECO11 is a tankless electric water heater that can provide hot water for a small sink, a bathroom, office break-room, and other low-flow applications.ECO 11 model tankless water heater from Eco Smart company can be used for multiple or single applications depending on your climate. ECO 11 can provide hot water for one shower in a cold climate and it can heat water for two showers in a warm climate. It is also easy to install in your home which saves time.
Pros
Cons
Rheem tankless electric Water heaters provide continuous hot water whenever you need it.It is a sustainable choice for your household because it heats water when you need it, thereby saving energy. Compared to a conventional tank-type water heater you can save electricity up to 50% on heating water. It also saves space while installation because it is very compact and you can install it under a kitchen sink, in a bathroom, or closet. Since they do not require any venting, they can be installed anywhere which makes them more home-friendly.
Rheem water heaters are energy masters because they utilize energy modulation so that they consume the power needed for heating water. Highlighting the benefit of Rheem Water heaters is their digital temperature control on the front of each heater.
Pros
Cons
Rheem 240V model has a more energy-efficient temperature control system. It provides an external control to adjust the temperature in increments of 10F which makes it a 99.8% energy-efficient tankless water heater. It externally controls temperature through adjustable digital thermostatic control with an LED display which makes it different from other water heaters. It provides hot water for single point-of-use or multiple applications.
It’s easy to install and it is energy efficient because of the digital temperature controller. Easy replacement is also offered with good customer service.
Pros
Cons
Gasland portable gas water heaters are compact-sized water heaters that are easy to carry outdoors. It is a very sleek designed water heater that you can carry to your picnic spots, caravans, etc. It is very safe to carry with you wherever you want as it is a flame failure device. Also, there is anti-freezing protection, and overheating protection for protecting your family from accidents due to water heaters. Thus, we can say Gasland water heaters have given priority to family safety.
Instant hot water is available through these heaters, no need for any preheating. These water heaters provide 1.58 gallons of hot water per minute. Heat and water flow are fully adjustable. Gasland water heaters are complete energy-saving water heaters with advanced combustion technology to reduce gas consumption or burning noise. Also, Gasland companies assure you excellent customer service with an efficient team.
Pros
Cons
Ecosmart Eco electric water heaters provide continuous hot water. With Ecosmart electric water heaters, you will never run out of hot water. The water temperature and the water flow are constantly monitored so that a sufficient amount of hot water is produced without any wastage of water or energy. It works well in cold climates or high flow rates where incoming water temperature drops below 450 F. It is designed for cold climates because it has self- monitored flow sensor technology that regulates the amount of energy required to heat the water needed.
Like any other Ecosmart electric heater model, this model is also very sleek and compact which makes it easy to install anywhere despite the geographical terrain.It saves up to 12 cubic feet of storage space. It can produce hot water between 2.7 and 6.5 gallons per minute depending on the inlet water temperature.
Pros
Cons
Gasland outdoor water heaters are CSA-approved most professional water heaters which are designed to carry anywhere due to their compact size and an easy to install feature. It can be used anywhere, whether on the beach or for taking showers outside or, for bathing your pets outdoor. It is the best solution for outdoor hot water needs. It also prioritizes family safety by equipping the heaters with anti-freezing protection, flame failure feature, and anti-cheating protection. The anti-freezing drain plug can automatically remove the residual water to avoid freezing in cold areas or in case of a long time of no use.
They provide high-temperature protection above 1670F. They shut off the gas supply automatically when a flame is spotted. Gasland water heaters provide unlimited hot water when required without spending time heating water like in conventional storage water heaters. These water heaters come up with 11.5% energy-saving technology. The main burner and propane water heater exchanger are designed with advanced technology to decrease gas combustion and burning noise. Thus, it is an economic saver for a budget-friendly family.
Pros
Cons
Stiebel Eltron tankless water heaters are perfect tankless water heaters for budget-friendly families. It features exclusive Advanced Flow Control German patented technology invented by Stiebel Eltron to automatically maintain water temperature constantly. It will reduce water flow slightly if hot water demand exceeds the capacity to ensure that there will be no break in hot water flow. Its small, sleek design saves space yet still provides endless hot water for your daily requirements, and no venting is required. It has an eco-friendly unit that saves energy with auto-modulation and the ability to electronically control water flow. Another interesting feature of Stiebel Eltron tankless water heaters is its savings monitor which shows how much you save on energy costs.
These water heaters don’t save hot water like in conventional tank storage water heaters and thus, they don’t need venting which helps to save energy. Compared to other tankless water heaters which are portable, Stiebel water heaters are more efficient because they don’t lose energy while exposed to heat. It’s easy to use. The electronic switch activates the heater for heating water and is noise-free. It has a digital temperature display and users can preset the temperature. Also, they have memory buttons where you can save your commonly desired water heating temperature. The company is customer-friendly and provides a warranty for their water heaters while purchasing.
Pros
Cons
Girard 2GWHAM tankless water heaters are user-friendly water heaters that work on an On-Board-Micro-Processor which monitors the temperature of incoming cold water, the outgoing hot water temperature, and the flow rate, maintain a constant flow without any breaks. It regulates the burner to maintain the hot water temperature. It is easy to install as no extra plumbing or LPG lines are to be done. It comes in a model which can be mounted on a wall with a digital controller that shows the operating functions where you can set your desired temperature from 950F TO 1240F. The temperature readings can be changed to Celsius also. It also provides the facility of pre-setting the temperature which is ideal for parents who are concerned about over-heated water causing burns on children.
It comes with a door that can be easily opened and closed. The UCP also features visual diagnostics which allows seeing the temperature at which the water is getting heated up.
Pros
Cons
Camplux water heaters are a perfect companion for outdoor camping. Its sleek, compact size only weighs up to 10lb and comes with a handle to ensure maximum portability. It can be carried to mountains, beaches, or any picnic spots. It can also be installed inside houses where there is good ventilation. It can provide hot water up to 1.32 gallons per minute.
Camplux portable tankless water heaters have oxygen depletion water sensor water protection. It comes with a flame failure device, anti-freezing protection, and oxygen depletion safety shut-off protection.
It stands out as a perfect camping gadget as it works on 2 “D” batteries, so whenever there is no electricity, Camplux tankless water heaters will be a savior. It comes in liquid propane only. The ideal operating pressure for Camplux water heaters is between 3.0-110.0PSI. The system also works on a 12-volt pump.
Pros
Cons
Camplux indoor Propane water heaters come up in a compact size which is easy to install indoors. The tankless water heater has a trendy and modern design with a unique black glassy front panel which makes it easy to control the water temperature with an LED touchscreen that provides temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. This compact-size water heater saves more space while installed indoors than traditional tanks.
This gas water heater comes with a 2.3″ horizontal vent pipe for convenient and quick installation, which makes it great for a whole home, small cabins, or remote apartment. It also provides water for two to three people in a single house. The outstanding feature of this tankless water heater is that it provides instant hot water. It also comes with an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger and v-type stainless steel burner providing high heating efficiency of up to 89.98 %. This tankless propane water heater can resist backflow due to wind on high floors. 6-In-1 protection is provided to ensure the safety of the user. It is equipped with anti-freezing protection, dry combustion, flame failure device, and overheating protection. The most unique feature of this water heater is its fully automatic temperature controls with an energy-saving mode and it also helps parents to be tension-free by providing child lock technology in water heaters.
Pros
Cons
Technology has positively touched the lives of people across the globe. Every year witnesses advancements in technology which thereby help in reducing the workload or burden on the shoulders of mankind. Researches and innovations are an ongoing process that does not halt midway. They yearn for more even after reaching a pitstop. A water heater is the best example. The basic concept behind a water heater is that of a machine that can provide hot water whenever necessary. But even after developing traditional tanked water heaters that can provide hot water, research and innovations didn’t stop there. They further went on in hope of better technology and came up with tankless water heaters.
A tankless water heater, as the name itself, suggests, is a water heating machine that does not need storage tanks. It does not store hot water for later usage. Instead, it is equipped with a heating unit, through which, cold water is passed and gets converted into hot water instantly. So, the users need not prepare or store water in advance for it to get heated. They can simply switch on the machine, and the cold water from a connected source will flow through it and come out as hot water. These heaters are also known as instantaneous water heaters and demand-type water heaters.
Tankless water heaters are sold like hot cakes in the market due to the multiple advantages that they can provide over a traditional storage-type water heater. If you are intending to buy a water heater, compare and contrast a tankless water heater and a traditional one to finally decide on which one is the best.
More than nine million water heaters are sold in the US alone and this wide popularity owes to the fact that they can offer a steady flow of hot water to the user. Tankless water heaters, devoid of any storage units, consist of many technologically advanced components that ensure a continuous flow of hot water. Some of the major components of a tankless water heater are gas supply, temperature sensors, water valve, electric board, flow sensor, gas valve, gas burner, ignition system, heat exchanger, vent, exhaust, etc. It is the combined effort of these elements that ensure the efficiency of a tankless water heater. Let’s have a look at some of the key components of a tankless water heater in detail:
The ignition system of tankless water heaters differs in various models. But generally, electrodes are used to ignite the fuel and initiate the heating process. Some models contain more than one electrode to provide ignition. There is a part called a gas burner in the water heater system, and it is at this part that the fuel is ignited.
The gas burner is the part at which the ignition process happens and the flame is maintained steadily for a flawless water flow. Gas burners are usually made of stainless steel to gain maximum heat output. The burner can have one or more flames, but the flame should be maintained in a blue color, which is the sign of a steady fuel supply and proper combustion. The user can monitor the flame of the gas burner through a window-like opening provided in the front of the heater. The user is expected to observe and control the flame accordingly to avoid any dirty flames or improper combustion.
A heat exchanger is a part that situates right above the gas burner and the ignition system. It is usually made of copper or stainless steel, which are excellent heat absorbers. It receives the heat from below and transfers it to the concerned water flow, making it hot. It is constructed in a tube or cylinder shape enabling water to pass through it. Heat is applied to the water from all sides of the tube making them instantly hot. Heat exchangers tend to get wear and tear after ten to twelve years and the biggest advantage of it is that it is replaceable.
The combustion system of a tankless water heater consists majorly of two elements: gas valves and a combustion fan. Gas valves are the modulators of the flame produced. There are on and off modulators that should be used as per the discretion of the user. A combustion fan spins in the direction of the flame to ensure the mixing up of air with the flame for better burning.
Flame sensors and overheat sensors are two major safety features of a tankless water heater. Flame sensors monitor the status of the flame once it is burned. It makes sure that the flame is burning at a reasonable rate and in case the flame seems to be absent even after the ignition, it informs the gas supply to stop the supply and shut down the water heater. The overheat sensor looks for any temperature fluctuations in the system. It makes sure that the system shuts down if a higher than normal temperature is identified. This component will only allow the system to further start only after it is cooled properly.
The power panel or the control panel of a tankless water heater provides enough information for the smooth running of the machine. Information like fuel status, flame strength, etc. are shown on an LCD at the top of the water heater, named power panel. In case any anomalies happen within the system, the necessary error codes will also be shown on the panel.
A tankless water heater is equipped with numerous safety features. Some of them are the fan speed monitor, frost sensor, water flow sensor, pressure relief valve, etc. All these enable proper safety for the machinery.
Tankless water heaters had taken the markets over by storm within years of starting the sale. They nearly immediately replaced the traditional tanked water heaters and have emerged as the top sellers in the section. People opt for tankless water heaters for the numerous advantages that they offer. Some of the popular positives of tankless water heaters are as follows:
Traditional water heaters tend to consume comparatively a lot of energy as they have to be prepared for hot water, way before the actual usage, and thus spend energy on keeping a particular amount of water hot all the time. But when it comes to tankless water heaters, they need not store water in advance for heating purposes. They are connected to any cold-water source and when switched on, the water flows in from the source and gets converted into hot water immediately. So, the consumption of electricity is extremely low when compared to the traditional water heater. It is estimated that tankless water heaters only use 25%- 30% less energy than their traditional counterpart.
When it comes to a traditional water heater, it requires a little bit of time to heat a particular amount of water and once it runs out of that water, it will have to leave the machine on for some more time for another set of water to get heated up. But things are extremely convenient with the tankless water heaters because they are connected to a water source and they consist of a heating unit that can heat how much ever water flows through it. So, the water flow will be steadier and more continuous in the tankless water heaters.
Tankless water heaters come with no tanks, unlike the traditional water heaters that are attached to big tanks. This absence of extra tanks and accessories makes the tankless water heaters a space-saving option. They are quite small and thus, can be mounted on the wall for saving further space.
Traditional water heaters tend to go bad after several years. But tankless water heaters are estimated to have a life span of twenty to twenty-five years minimum. Its components are replaceable and this makes the lifespan even longer. If maintained properly, a tankless water heater can last for decades intact.
One of the most important advantages of a tankless water heater is the fact that it need not be maintained as frequently as the traditional ones. The traditional water heaters demand to be serviced annually or sometimes every six months. But when it comes to a tankless water heater, it need not have annual maintenance and it is observed that it can function perfectly for up to five years without any maintenance.
Tankless water heaters are available in multiple models and versions. They are available in various fuel-compatible versions that can be chosen according to the priority and preference of the customer. There are both electric and gas models available both of which have their fair share of pros and cons.
Choosing a tankless water heater should be done with ample care and attention. There are many models available in the market that have different features and specifications. So, if the product that you buy has to fit into your household perfectly, you have to put in much effort and time in understanding what exactly are you looking for in a water heater. Be well versed with your needs and budget, so that you don’t stray off your ideal water heater.
The following are several features that you should be looking for in a water heater before purchasing:
The size of a water heater is the major criterion that has to be considered primarily before purchasing one. Monitor the hot water needs of your household and calculate the approximate size of a water heater required. There is no point in buying water heaters that are bigger if your water needs are meager. It could only lead to space consumption and unwanted energy utilization. So, make sure that you are buying the right-sized water heater for saving space, energy, and money.
It is important to calculate the energy efficiency of a water heater before buying it. Energy efficiency simply means the amount of fuel consumed by the water heater to produce a unit amount of hot water. It is always better to have a heater of high energy efficiency.
Tankless water heaters are available in numerous versions of various fuel types. There are gas-powered heaters, electric heaters, and solar-powered heaters and the choice is of the customer. Each fuel has its positives and negatives and enough thought should be given to this criterion before purchasing a tankless gas heater.
Tankless water heaters are available in a wide price range. The price of the heater depends upon the size of the heater, fuel used, brand, etc. So, with careful curation, you can find the best deal out of the lot. While settling on a price, check whether it includes the installation cost. Because installation cost does cost a decent sum of money and it should be confirmed with the seller before buying a product.
You should be very clear about the purpose of the water heater as to whether it is for the indoors or outdoors. If it is for an outdoor purpose, make sure you ask for heater models with temperature-regulating mechanisms. There are water heaters that come with self-warming elements that are capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the outdoor.
Unlike many other devices that come with a single product warranty, a tankless water heater could or could not come with a single product warranty. Generally, manufacturers provide a separate warranty for the various parts of the water heater. For example, the heat exchanger part of the water heater is usually provided a warranty of up to 20 years whereas the other parts have only coverage of up to 5 years. So, it is extremely important to compare the warranty coverage of various models to find the best deal for you.
Deciding on the size of the tankless water heater should be according to the user’s discretion and needs. The amount of hot water that you might need at a time should be rightly calculated to find the most appropriate water heater. This rate of water that has to be flown through a water heater in a unit of time is called the flow rate. Once you have determined the flow rate of the required devices in your household or wherever you plan to plant the heater, calculate the temperature up to which it should be raised when running. For example, a regular-sized shower head would need approximately 3 gallons per minute at a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. In this way, the requirements of each of the devices should be calculated and the net needs should be calculated, and then search for an appropriately sized one. If the requirements are high, you’ll have to opt for an accordingly bigger-sized water heater.
There are different kinds of tankless water heaters available. For reference sake, let’s look at how a tankless gas water heater is installed. Before proceeding to install a water heater inside your household, make sure there are no guidelines regarding such activities in your local authority. Make sure such legal aspects are taken care of. For installing a gas water heater, find an appropriate spot where air circulation is possible well. The vent of a tankless water heater usually opens directly to the outside and thus, there should be an open space through which the vented heat and air can go out.
Once you are final with the spot, take the accurate measurements of the water heater and build a frame or holder on which the heater can be mounted. Ensure the strength and sturdiness of the holder to avoid any accidents. Then connect the home gas line to the water heater unit using a tee. Add further components like gas regulating valve and sediment trap at this point. At the top of the heater, some valves have to be connected to the water supply line; check them well and connect them appropriately. The water heater must have come with a pressure relief valve; refer to the instruction manual and connect the valve accordingly. Double-check every component for any kind of leaks. The exhaust vent and associated apparatus should also be connected afterward. Then verify that the connections are intact and working by switching on the system and conducting a trial.
Flushing a tankless water heater is extremely important whether it is gas or electric. Over regular usage, the water heater gets deposited with sediments and the process of removing this accumulated sediment is called flushing. It is ideal to flush the water heater on an annual basis. First of all, make sure that the water heater is switched off and is completely devoid of any power. Close the valve that permits water to flow into the heater so that no water will enter the heater during flushing. Also, open the pressure relief valve to ease out the pressure inside the system before flushing. Place the pump that is used for flushing inside a container or a bucket and then connect its hoses to the cold-water port of the heater. The port through which hot water comes out of the heater should be left open and loose into a bucket or container. Pour the flushing or cleaning liquid of your choice into the pump and switch it on. The liquid will pass through the system and comes out along with the sediments through the hot water port. Repeat the process as necessary and once finished, switch off the pump, flush out the excess liquid from the heater using freshwater, and then clean the filter inserted into both cold and hot water ports separately. Put the filters in their designated place, open the valves that were closed before, and then switch on the heater to make sure that everything is intact and is working perfectly.
The lifespan of a tankless water heater is much better than a traditional water heater. If provided with proper maintenance, tankless water heaters are estimated to last for almost 20 years. Some of the newest additions to water heaters use advanced technologies and are offering more than 20 years as an estimated life span. This longer life span owes to several key features of tankless water heaters. Unlike the traditional water heaters, tankless ones have replaceable parts. In case any kind of issue happens with any of the parts, they can be replaced and the entire system functions perfectly afterward. Also, they are not quite vulnerable to corrosion as they are not constantly exposed to water and moisture like the traditional water heaters. They come in close contact with water only when they are being operated, unlike the traditional ones that store water all the time. If you take care of the tankless water heater well and make sure that they don’t get affected by corrosion of any kind and provide necessary servicing, they are bound to last decades in perfect condition.
A tankless water heater needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid any kind of sedimentation. The process of removing the sediments and dirt particles from a tankless water heater is called flushing. It has to be done annually for a standard-sized water heater. It is done with the help of a pump and in most cases, professional help would be ideal to do that process properly. Along with flushing, several other things have to be done to maintain cleanliness in a water heater. The first one is to clean the air filter of the water heater. You can simply switch off the heater and remove the air filter from the front part of it. You can wash it using water and soap and let it dry for half an hour before placing it back. Doing this occasionally can keep the system clean.
Tankless water heaters consist of removable parts. So, make it a habit to remove the necessary parts and clean them separately. You can check for any kind of clogs in the machinery and clean it accordingly. Use an appropriate cleaning agent to prevent any kind of reaction. Adding an extra filter is also recommendable to keep the water heater clean.
Adjusting the temperature of a water heater is usually an uncomplicated process. It does depend on the kind of water heater that you are using. But still, for most water heaters, the power panel contains information regarding the level of temperature within the system at present. It could either be a digital input method or a manual one. The dial or the switch provided for this is connected to the gas control valve and when you raise or reduce the temperature, it is actually the inflow of the gas that is regulated, and the flame is thereby controlled and creates the desired temperature. But what is to be noted is that the temperature does not change right away once you have provided the input. It would at least take a couple of hours to have the desired impact. So, make sure to wait it out before any conclusion. Also, while turning the heat up, make sure to limit it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as any temperature above that could possibly harm you.
A tankless water heater might not function properly due to several reasons. As it contains multiple components, chances are high for any of them to go wrong at any time. First of all, check whether the required valves are open or not. If any of the valves are not open, ignition won’t happen, and thus, the temperature would not go up. Also, make sure that the pressure condition inside the system is ideal for ignition and combustion. If any anomalies regarding pressure are noted, try to adjust it accordingly with the pressure gauge in the power panel. Check whether the water heater is properly cleaned. If the system is unclean and contains any sediment deposition, it could clog it and resist it from functioning smoothly. Also, if you are staying in a cold weathered area, check for frosts inside the water heater; it could also hinder the proper working of the water heater.
A tankless water heater gets frozen during cold weather. Even though they don’t store water to freeze, as it contains minute water particles inside the pipe and the tube due to regular use, chances are there for them to get frosted during a low temperature. People living in high altitudes often face this problem. It is also possible for the external water connection to get clogs of frost inside too, hampering the proper functioning of the water heater. There is extra protection like pipe insulation available in the market that can prevent the water heater pipes from freezing. It is recommendable to use such added layers for your heater, especially if it is installed outdoor.
In this fast pacing world where household appliances are expected to be handy and easy to use, a tankless water heater is a must-have. It is sustainable, economical, and easy to install. Proper guidance can lead to a wise purchase of tankless water heaters. It is the peak time to change the conventional storage water heaters which waste electricity and water unnecessarily.
Nowadays tankless water heaters are carried for picnics and camping. The old concept of indoor water heaters has been transformed widely into handy portable tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are now in popular demand which led to the availability of a wide variety of models in the market and the most commonly recommended ten varieties are discussed above. From those, the most convenient and user-friendly water heaters according to the review are listed below.
Tankless water heaters are an essential thing in these drastic climate-changing situations. It will be a great aid for your daily chores and your recreational needs. There are water heaters in which drinking water can also be heated out. Thus, tankless water heaters are a new innovative experience that deserves to be welcomed in every household. Check your needs and requirements before buying a tankless water heater. Choose the right water heater and turn your water heating experience eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
This post was last modified on May 22, 2022 1:42 pm