Top Picks for the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater

For most homeowners, a dependable and efficient hot water source is a necessity. Traditional water heaters can fill up this role nicely, but they come with their fair share of drawbacks, including higher energy costs and bulky sizes. Thankfully, there is an alternative that eliminates these shortcomings – the electric tankless water heater. In this in-depth guide, we will help you navigate through the top choices on the market and understand the benefits of these high-efficiency units. Our focus is helping you to identify the best electric tankless water heater for your needs.

What is an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

An electric tankless water heater is a modern marvel of home appliances. It provides hot water on demand without the use of a storage tank. Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, these units heat water only when required, resulting in significant energy savings and endless hot water.

Their compact design promotes space-saving, a highly sought attribute by homeowners with limited areas, such as in condos and small apartments. Additionally, the flexibility to have water heated instantly as and when required means you do not have to stress about running out of hot water for your showers or laundry.

Advantages of an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Investing in the best electric tankless water heater brings notable benefits. Here are a few:

• Energy Efficiency: Electric tankless water heaters can be up to 99% energy efficient, saving homeowners considerable amounts of money on utility bills.
• Unlimited Hot Water: These heaters heat water on demand which means you will never run out of hot water.
• Space Saving: These compact devices can be installed almost anywhere in the house, freeing up space that traditional water heaters would otherwise occupy.
• Long Lifespan: Generally, an electric tankless water heater lasts longer than its traditional counterparts.

Choosing the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater

Given the wide range of electric tankless water heaters available in the market today, it can be a challenge to find the one that best suits your needs. Here are some factors you should consider:

Flow Rate

This metric, presented in gallons per minute (GPM), determines how much hot water the unit can deliver. A higher flow rate means that the appliance can service multiple fixtures at once.

Energy Efficiency

Take a close look at the unit’s Energy Factor (EF). A higher EF indicates a more efficient heater. Energy Star rated appliances are typically high efficiency.

Installation Cost

While electric tankless water heaters are generally more affordable to install than gas models, it’s still a factor to consider.

Size and Design

Lastly, pick a model that fits well in your available space.

Top 3 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

1. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus

Widely recognized for its advanced technology and superior reliability, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus offers impressive power and performance. It stands out with its self-modulating technology, allowing it to use only as much power as needed.

2. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

The EcoSmart ECO 27 is a top-rated electric tankless water heater, known for its energy efficiency and compact design. It also features a digital temperature control, allowing you to adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments.

3. Rheem RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater

Rheem’s RTEX-13 is a compact, yet powerful unit perfect for small to medium-sized households. It boasts a 99.8% energy efficiency rating and easy-to-use digital thermostatic control.

Investing in the best electric tankless water heater can bring significant savings and convenience to your home. Despite the broad spectrum of choices, focusing on your specific needs and preferences can guide you to the perfect unit. Remember, the best electric tankless water heater is not necessarily the most expensive or most powerful, but the one that best complements your household’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater

What features distinguish the best electric tankless water heaters?

The best electric tankless water heaters usually have features like digital temperature controls, compact size, easy installation, energy efficiency, and durability. They also have self-modulating technology that adjusts energy usage based on hot water requirements, thus resulting in substantial savings on your electricity bill. Reliability and a robust warranty from the manufacturer are also significant considerations.

How do I determine the correct size of an electric tankless water heater?

The right size for an electric tankless water heater depends primarily on the demand for hot water in your home. To determine this, you'll need to add up the flow rates (in gallons per minute, or GPM) of all the devices you want to use simultaneously. Then, choose a heater with a GPM at or above that total. Climate also plays a role; colder incoming water requires more heating power.

Do electric tankless water heaters save money?

Yes, electric tankless water heaters can save money in the long run. They are known for their energy efficiency as they heat and provide hot water only on demand, opposed to traditional water heaters that constantly maintain a supply of hot water. This reduces energy consumption and consequently lowers your energy bill.

How long do electric tankless water heaters typically last?

The lifespan of electric tankless water heaters varies by brand and model, but they generally last between 10 to 20 years. Some factors that can affect longevity include water quality, usage, and maintenance.

Are electric tankless water heaters environmentally friendly?

Yes, electric tankless water heaters are considered environmentally friendly due to their energy efficiency. Since they operate on demand, they avoid the standby energy losses associated with traditional tank-based units. Therefore, they contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Can I install an electric tankless water heater by myself?

Although some homeowners opt to install their electric tankless water heaters, it is recommended to have a professional plumber do the installation. This ensures the unit is installed correctly, safely, and in compliance with local codes and regulations. Some manufacturers might also require professional installation for warranty validity.

What maintenance is required for electric tankless water heaters?

The best electric tankless water heaters require less maintenance than traditional tank-type units. However, they should still be inspected regularly to ensure optimal operation. This can include checking for and clearing any mineral build-up and inspecting other components. An annual or bi-annual professional inspection is generally recommended.

Can electric tankless water heaters work in cold climates?

Yes, electric tankless water heaters can work efficiently in cold climates, but it's important to select a unit with sufficient power for the temperature of the incoming water. Units designed for cold climates have higher kilowatt ratings and heating capacities to compensate for the colder incoming water.

Are electric tankless water heaters safe?

Yes, electric tankless water heaters are generally considered safe. They have multiple safety features, such as overheat protection and safety shut-off. They also eliminate the risk of tank leaks and ruptures. However, as with any electrical appliance, they should be installed and maintained correctly to ensure safety.

Pros and Cons of the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home or commercial property, electric tankless water heaters offer a variety of advantages and disadvantages. These devices provide hot water on demand and bypass the need for a storage tank. To help you make an informed choice, here's an exhaustive account of the positives and negatives related to the best electric tankless water heaters available on the market.

Pros of the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Energy Efficiency

• The best electric tankless water heaters are known for their high energy efficiency. This is due to their on-demand operation, which eliminates the need to maintain a tank full of heated water.
• With traditional water heaters, a significant amount of energy is used to keep water hot even when it's not in use, contributing to standby energy losses. This is a non-issue with electric tankless models.
• Electric tankless water heaters have minimal energy losses leading to lower energy bills.

Space-saving Design

• Due to the lack of a storage tank, electric tankless water heaters have a compact, space-saving design.
• This makes them an ideal choice for homes and buildings with constrained space. They can be easily mounted on walls or installed in closets.

Longer Lifespan

• The best electric tankless water heaters come with an extended lifespan compared to traditional models.
• They are typically designed to last for 20 or more years with proper maintenance, while traditional water heaters generally last 10 to 15 years.

Constant Hot Water Supply

• One of the main benefits of electric tankless water heaters is the continuous supply of hot water. As they heat water on demand, you will not run out of hot water as long as there is a supply of cold water.

Cons of the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Higher Initial Costs

• The best electric tankless water heaters often come with a higher initial cost for the unit and installation compared to regular water heaters. However, the increased efficiency can lead to savings over the lifetime of the unit.
• The electrical system in some homes might need to be updated to accommodate the high electrical demand of these units, increasing the overall cost.

Limited Output

• While electric tankless water heaters provide a continuous flow of hot water, the flow rate might not be enough to simultaneously supply multiple applications.
• For example, running a shower and a washing machine at the same time might exceed the heater's capacity, compromising the water temperature.

Hard Water Issues

• Electric tankless water heaters may struggle to perform efficiently in areas with hard water. The mineral deposits from hard water can build up in the system and affect its efficiency over time.
• Installing a water softener might be necessary in such cases, adding to the overall costs.

Sensitive to Cold Inlet Water Temperatures

• Electric tankless water heaters are sensitive to the temperature of the incoming cold water. In colder climates, they might need to work harder to heat the water to the desired temperature, putting a strain on the system and potentially decreasing its lifespan.

To conclude, the best electric tankless water heaters offer a range of benefits, including energy efficiency, a compact design, and a constant hot water supply. However, their downsides, like higher initial costs, limited output, hard water issues, and sensitivity to inlet water temperature, should also be considered before making a purchase decision.

Summary

After all that's been said, you get the picture on how important it is to get the best electric tankless water heater. These units save you money, conserve energy, and promise a safety guarantee. Not only will your relaxing showers become even more soothing, but you'll be able to do this while keeping the environment's best interest at heart. You get the most out of your money and the peace of mind in knowing you're playing your part in saving the planet.

Remember, the search for the best electric tankless water heater isn't a simple one. Several factors weigh in - installation cost, space, water consumption, and energy efficiency, to name a few. However, once you pinpoint your specific requirements, the choice becomes significantly less of a challenge. After all, the perfect fit will change your life for the better!

So don't hold back on making this switch. The very best electric tankless water heater can be yours for the taking. It may initially seem like a costly move, but the advantages that follow undoubtedly outweigh the price. Your life at home will level up, the environment will thank you, and your wallet will be less weighty every month. So why hesitate? Get your hands on the best electric tankless water heater today!

About KYPD Plumbing

Welcome to KYPD Plumbing, your trusted local plumber based in the heart of Nicholasville, KY. With decades of experience under our belts, our seasoned plumbing experts strive to provide top-notch, reliable services to our beloved Nicholasville community. We're proud to offer a comprehensive range of plumbing solutions, from the smallest leak repair to the largest remodeling projects. We are committed to delivering outstanding, personalized service that meets your needs and exceeds expectations, all at a competitive price. We're not just your plumbers, we're your neighbors.