Best Tankless Water Heaters: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Are you tired of running out of hot water or paying high energy bills with your traditional tank water heater? If so, it might be time to consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tankless water heaters, including their benefits, choosing the best one, hiring a contractor for installation, and switching from a tank water heater.
Here are the best tankless water heaters listed by name:
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water directly as it flows through the unit without using a storage tank. Tankless water heaters come in electric, natural gas, and propane models and can be installed in various sizes to accommodate different household hot water demands.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
One of the primary benefits of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. They don’t have to constantly heat and reheat a large tank of water, which saves you money on your energy bills. Additionally, tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than traditional ones, taking up less space and providing a continuous hot water supply.
Choosing the Best Tankless Water Heater
When choosing a tankless water heater, you’ll want to determine your household’s hot water demand, fuel source, size and installation requirements, and brand and model options. Some popular brands include Titan, EcoSmart, and Rheem, all offering a range of models to fit different household needs.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
1. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus
- Advanced flow control technology for a consistent hot water supply
- Energy Star certified
- Sleek, compact design
- Easy to install and operate
2. EcoSmart ECO 11
- Digital temperature control panel with 1-degree increments
- Self-modulating technology for energy efficiency
- Energy Star certified
- Ideal for small to medium-sized homes
3. Rheem RTEX-13
- Digital temperature display
- Compact design for easy installation
- 99.8% energy efficiency rating
- Suitable for medium-sized homes
4. Bosch Tronic 3000 T
- Sleek, space-saving design
- Easy to install and operate
- Maximum flow rate of 3.2 GPM
- Suitable for small to medium-sized homes
5. Titan SCR2 N-120
- Maximum flow rate of 4 GPM
- Energy-efficient
- Compact design for easy installation
- Suitable for medium-sized homes
Best Gas Tankless Water Heaters
1. Rinnai V94iN
Natural gas fuel source
- Offers up to 9.8 GPM of hot water flow
- Wi-Fi connectivity for remote temperature control
- Energy-efficient
- Compact design
- 12-year warranty
2. MRO Next Day 11.2 GPM, Natural Gas
- This bundle includes a NPE-240A2 tankless water heater, LP conversion kit, and neutralizer kit. The NPE-A2 line of water heaters are so efficient that they outperform much larger capacity non-condensing competitors.
- More output for the money, lower installation costs, and lower operating costs for customers make the NPE-240A2 the best choice for your next installation.
- The NPE-240A2 can be cascaded with up to 32 units with Ready-Link technology. When a unit gets up to 80% capacity the next unit will turn on to help meet requirements. The cascading system balances out the workload of each unit for longer life.
3. Rheem Performance Platinum RTGH-95DVLN
- Natural gas fuel source
- Offers up to 9.5 GPM of hot water flow
- Digital temperature control
- Energy-efficient
- Compact design
- 12-year warranty
Remember, these are just some of the features of each gas tankless water heater, and choosing the one that best fits your household’s hot water demand, and installation requirements is essential. Consulting with a professional contractor can help you make an informed decision.
Hiring a Contractor for Tankless Water Heater Installation
To ensure the proper installation of your tankless water heater, you’ll want to research and compare contractors, obtain multiple quotes, verify licenses and insurance, and check customer reviews. A professional contractor will assess your home’s layout and hot water demand to determine the best size and location for the tankless water heater.
Changing from a Tank Water Heater to a Tankless
Before installing your new tankless water heater, you’ll need to prepare for the installation process by disconnecting the old water heater and ensuring the new system meets local building codes. A professional contractor will handle the installation, which includes mounting the unit, connecting the necessary pipes, and testing the new system.
Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about tankless water heaters, along with their answers:
How do tankless water heaters work?
A tankless water heater heats water directly as it flows through the unit without using a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe and into the unit, which is heated by a gas burner or electric element. The heated water then flows out of the unit and through the tap.
How much does a tankless water heater cost?
The cost of a tankless water heater can vary depending on the size, fuel type, and brand. On average, a tankless water heater can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500, with installation costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
What size tankless water heater do I need?
The size of a tankless water heater you need depends on your household’s hot water demand. A professional contractor can help determine the appropriate size for your household based on the number of occupants and hot water usage.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This is longer than the lifespan of a traditional tank water heater, which typically lasts around 10-15 years.
Are tankless water heaters more energy-efficient?
Yes, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This is because they don’t have to constantly heat and reheat a large water tank, saving you money on your energy bills.
How much money can I save with a tankless water heater?
The amount of money you can save with a tankless water heater depends on your household’s hot water usage and energy costs. On average, a tankless water heater can save you up to 30% on your energy bills compared to a traditional tank water heater.
What are the maintenance requirements for tankless water heaters?
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning and longevity. This includes flushing the unit annually to remove mineral buildup and checking the igniter and burner for wear and tear.
Can a tankless water heater provide enough hot water for multiple showers?
A properly sized tankless water heater can provide enough hot water for multiple showers. However, choosing a model that can accommodate your household’s hot water demand is essential.
Can I install a tankless water heater myself?
We recommend hiring a professional contractor to install your tankless water heater. A professional contractor can ensure proper installation and advise on choosing the best model for your household’s hot water needs.
What are the advantages of a tankless water heater?
The advantages of a tankless water heater include energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, a space-saving design, and a continuous hot water supply. Additionally, tankless water heaters produce less carbon emissions than traditional tank water heaters, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
In conclusion, upgrading to a tankless water heater can offer many benefits, including energy savings, longer lifespan, and continuous hot water supply.
- Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus
- EcoSmart ECO 11
- Rheem RTEX-13
- Bosch Tronic 3000 T
- Titan SCR2 N-120
- Rinnai RUC98iN
- MRO Next 11.2 GPM, Natural Gas
- Rheem Performance Platinum RTGH-95DVLN
By choosing the best tankless water heater, hiring a professional contractor for installation, and switching from a tank water heater, you can enjoy these benefits for years to come.
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