Electric tankless water heaters are a popular choice for homeowners seeking an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional tank-based water heaters.
These innovative appliances heat water on demand, providing a continuous and reliable stream of hot water without the need to store and maintain a large tank. By choosing an electric tankless water heater, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint, but you’re also enjoying the benefits of a more streamlined and efficient water heating system.
Stay tuned as we explore our top picks in electric tankless water heaters to help you make the best choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
One of the key advantages of electric tankless water heaters is their ability to save space in your home. With no bulky tank to contend with, these compact units can be easily installed in a closet, garage, or even an outdoor space.
Additionally, electric tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than their tank-based counterparts, resulting in less maintenance and replacement costs over time.
When selecting the best electric tankless water heater for your needs, consider the following important factors:
Capacity and Flow Rate
Determine your household’s hot water requirements by calculating the maximum flow rate (gallons per minute) you will need. Keep in mind the number of fixtures and people using hot water in your home. Higher flow rates typically cater to more significant demands.
Energy Efficiency
Look for a water heater with a high energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF, the more efficient the unit will be in converting energy to heat.
In addition, electric tankless water heaters generally have better energy efficiency than those powered by gas.
Ease of Installation
Electric tankless water heaters usually need less space and are easier to install than gas variants.
Ensure you choose a suitable size and design for your home and check whether any additional electrical or plumbing modifications are needed.
Temperature Controls
Select a unit with precise temperature controls, especially if you live in colder climates.
Having a digital display and adjustable thermostat can help you easily set and monitor the desired water temperature.
Warranty and Reliability
A good warranty is a sign of a reliable product. Look for units with longer warranty periods and check customer reviews for feedback on the unit’s reliability and durability.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Discover our top picks for the best electric tankless water heaters, ensuring you always have instant hot water in your home while saving energy and space.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a budget-friendly electric tankless water heater with an efficient performance that can optimally serve one or two showers depending on the climate.
✅ Pros
- Endless on-demand hot water
- Compact design saves space
- Energy-efficient operation
❌ Cons
- May struggle in colder climates
- Inlet temperature can impact performance
- Limited flow rate for multiple applications
The EcoSmart ECO 11 electric tankless water heater is a convenient and cost-effective solution for those looking to save space and energy in their home. With its patented self-modulating technology, this water heater provides endless hot water without consuming much energy. I recently installed it in my home, and it has been a game-changer.
In warmer climates, the ECO 11 can easily provide hot water for two showers simultaneously. However, if you live in an area with colder incoming water temperatures, it might be better suited for single applications such as a bathroom or a small sink. Regardless, the digital temperature control allows you to set your desired temperature in increments of 1 degree, ensuring personalized comfort.
Installation was quite straightforward, and I appreciated not having a bulky tank taking up precious space in my home. The compact design allows for wall-mounting or point-of-use installation, giving you added flexibility in where you place it. The 90% smaller size compared to traditional tank heaters is a definite plus.
One potential downside of the EcoSmart ECO 11 is that its performance can be impacted in colder climates, as it may struggle to provide sufficient hot water for more than 2 applications at once. Additionally, the flow rate might be limiting for larger households with multiple simultaneous hot water needs.
Overall, the EcoSmart ECO 11 electric tankless water heater is an excellent choice for those who value energy efficiency, space-saving design, and on-demand hot water. Just be sure to consider your climate and household needs before purchasing.
Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater
This Rheem electric tankless water heater is definitely worth considering, with its advanced self-modulation and user-friendly installation.
✅ Pros
- Accurate external digital thermostatic control with LED display
- Advanced self-modulation to adjust the power according to hot water demand
- Simple installation with 3/4 inch NPT water connections
❌ Cons
- May not be suitable for homes with very high hot water demands
- Requires sufficient electrical power to operate efficiently
- Increased electricity consumption
When you replace your old water heater with the Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, you’ll immediately notice the extra space you’ll have. Its slim profile and compact design easily free up room, making it perfect for those looking to declutter their homes.
One of the key features that you’re sure to appreciate is the external digital thermostatic control, which provides you with a precise temperature readout on an LED display. The advanced self-modulation capability adjusts power levels to meet your hot water needs, ensuring you never run out of hot water during peak times.
Installation is a breeze thanks to the 3/4 inch NPT water connections, and with durable copper immersion heating elements, it’s designed for long-lasting performance. However, keep in mind that it’s essential to have sufficient electrical power to run this tankless water heater efficiently, as it consumes a notable amount of electricity.
Overall, the Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater is an excellent choice for those wanting a reliable and space-saving hot water solution. Just be sure to assess your home’s electrical capacity and hot water consumption before making a decision, as these factors will influence the overall performance of this water heater.
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Plus
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is an excellent electric tankless water heater that provides constant comfort while saving both space and energy in your home.
✅ Pros
- Continuous flow with Advanced Flow Control technology
- Energy and space-saving design
- Easy operation with digital temperature display
❌ Cons
- Installation may be challenging for some DIY-ers
- May not be sufficient for larger homes with multiple simultaneous hot water demands
- Requires a minimum recommended electric service of 150 A
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is designed to provide continuous hot water with its Advanced Flow Control technology, maintaining water temperature for constant comfort. Its sleek white design saves space in your home, and no venting is required. The eco-friendly unit saves energy with its auto-modulation feature, which allows for electronic control of water flow.
Operating the Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater is straightforward, with an electronic switch that activates the heater without any noise. The digital temperature display and preset temperature memory buttons make adjusting the settings easy, while the solid copper heating system inside efficiently handles the power work.
However, keep in mind that the installation process may be challenging for some DIY enthusiasts, and the Tempra 24 Plus may not be sufficient for larger homes with multiple hot water demands happening simultaneously. Additionally, the unit requires a minimum recommended electric service of 150 A.
In general, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus electric tankless water heater is a great choice for those looking to save space and energy while maintaining a continuous hot water supply in their homes. Just make sure to consider the installation process and the hot water demands in your home before making the purchase.
Rheem RTEX-24 24kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem RTEX-24 is a reliable option for those seeking energy-efficient hot water on demand.
✅ Pros
- Compact design saves space
- Digital temperature control for precise adjustments
- Continuous hot water supply without waiting
❌ Cons
- Professional installation required
- May need additional wiring
- Might not provide hot water at full flow rate during colder months
The Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater is an energy-efficient solution to your hot water needs, providing on-demand heated water in a compact and sleek design. Its modern and unobtrusive appearance easily blends into your home’s setup, saving you space while still performing effectively.
One feature that stands out is its digital temperature control, which allows for precise and convenient adjustments to suit your preferences. You can easily set the desired temperature for your showers or chores, ensuring that you never have to wait for hot water again.
Despite its many advantages, the Rheem RTEX-24 might require professional installation, and you may need to invest in additional wiring to support its power requirements. It’s essential to consider these costs when deciding if this tankless water heater is the best choice for you.
Additionally, during colder months, you might need to reduce the flow rate to maintain your desired water temperature. However, its energy efficiency and on-demand hot water supply still make it an attractive option for many households.
EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater
Choose the EcoSmart ECO 27 if you’re looking for an energy-efficient, space-saving, and consistent source of hot water in your home.
✅ Pros
- Endless on-demand hot water
- Compact and space-saving design
- 99% thermal energy efficient
❌ Cons
- Requires a 200-amp electrical panel
- Installation costs may be high
- Limited Lifetime Warranty depends on registration
The EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater is ideal for those seeking a constant and reliable source of hot water for whole-home applications. With its advanced temperature monitoring and flow rate control, this heater provides an endless and consistent supply of hot water within one degree of the selected temperature. You’ll appreciate the convenience of always having hot water when you need it.
The compact design of the ECO 27 is a great advantage, as it takes up 90% less space than traditional tank heaters, leaving more room for other appliances or storage. This makes it suitable for smaller homes or apartments where space is at a premium. The 99% thermal energy efficiency of this tankless electric water heater is not only eco-friendly, but it can also save you up to 50% on water heating costs according to the Department of Energy.
However, the ECO 27 does require a 200-amp electrical panel and three 40 Amp Double Pole breakers, which might entail additional installation expenses, depending on your current setup. Make sure to consider these factors before purchasing.
Finally, it is important to note that the EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on electronics, exchangers, and elements. However, some users have reported difficulty with the warranty registration process, so it’s a good idea to follow the instructions carefully and keep a record of your registration to ensure you’re covered.
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What are the top brands?
Some of the top brands for electric tankless water heaters include Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, and EcoSmart. These companies are well-known for their high-quality products, excellent customer service, and reliable performance.
How do Electric Tankless Water Heaters compare to gas heaters?
Electric tankless water heaters are generally less expensive to install and maintain compared to gas heaters.
However, gas heaters can produce a higher flow rate and may be more cost-effective in terms of energy consumption, depending on your location and utility rates.
Which is the most energy-efficient Electric Tankless Water Heaters?
Electric tankless water heaters usually have an energy factor (EF) ranging between 0.96 and 0.99, making them very energy efficient. To find the most efficient model, look for ones with a higher EF and the ENERGY STAR label.
How to choose the right Electric Tankless Water Heaters size?
To choose the appropriate size for your electric tankless water heater, you need to consider the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute or GPM) and the temperature rise required.
First, add up the flow rates of all the fixtures you want to be supplied simultaneously by the heater. Next, determine the temperature rise by subtracting the incoming water temperature from the desired output temperature. Use these values to choose a model that can meet your specific needs.
Download this FREE cheat sheet to find 28 tricks that can help you save on your electricity and heating bill each month.
Click here to get a FREE Cheat-Sheat
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