Best Tankless Water Heaters

Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, often called on-demand water heaters, heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. This means they can deliver a constant supply of hot water, making them an attractive choice for many households.

Key Considerations

1. Fuel Type: Tankless water heaters can be powered by either gas (natural or propane) or electricity. Gas models typically have higher flow rates and are more suitable for larger households or those with higher hot water demands. Electric models are generally more efficient, easier to install, and better suited for smaller households or point-of-use applications.

2. Flow Rate: This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and determines how much hot water the unit can provide at a time. It's crucial to calculate your household's demand by adding up the GPM of all the fixtures and appliances that might be used simultaneously. For example, a showerhead typically uses about 2.5 GPM, and a dishwasher might use around 1.5 GPM.

3. Temperature Rise: This refers to the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired output temperature. Most tankless water heaters specify their flow rates at a given temperature rise, so it's important to know your incoming water temperature to choose a unit that can meet your needs.

4. Energy Efficiency: Look for models with a high energy factor (EF) or uniform energy factor (UEF), which indicate the efficiency of the heater. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency and lower energy costs over time.

5. Installation and Maintenance: Gas models often require ventilation and might need more extensive installation work, whereas electric models are generally easier to install but might require electrical upgrades. Regular maintenance, such as descaling, is necessary to keep the unit functioning efficiently.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

1. Whole-House Tankless Water Heaters: Designed to provide hot water for an entire household, these units typically have higher flow rates and are more powerful. They are suitable for larger homes or those with multiple bathrooms and high hot water demands.

2. Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters: These are smaller units installed near a specific fixture or appliance, such as a bathroom sink or a dishwasher. They are ideal for providing hot water quickly to a particular location without heating water for the entire house.

Top Recommendations

1. Rinnai RUR199iN (Gas): This model is known for its high efficiency and strong performance. It offers a high flow rate of up to 11 GPM and features recirculation technology to reduce water wastage. The Rinnai RUR199iN is suitable for larger households.

2. EcoSmart ECO 27 (Electric): An excellent choice for smaller homes or point-of-use applications, this electric model is compact and highly efficient with a UEF of 0.99. It can provide up to 6.5 GPM, depending on the incoming water temperature.

3. Takagi T-H3-DV-N (Gas): A robust option for whole-house use, this gas-powered model can deliver up to 10 GPM and is known for its energy efficiency and reliability. It requires professional installation due to its venting needs.

4. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 (Electric): This electric unit is well-regarded for its advanced technology and efficiency. It can deliver about 4 GPM at a moderate temperature rise and is suitable for smaller to medium-sized homes.

Conclusion

Choosing the best tankless water heater depends on your specific needs, including the size of your household, hot water demand, and whether you prefer gas or electric models. By considering factors such as flow rate, temperature rise, energy efficiency, and installation requirements, you can find a unit that provides reliable and cost-effective hot water. Researching and comparing different models will help you make an informed decision that meets your household's needs and budget.