An inexpensive way for homeowners like you, who want additional furnishing to your home, is getting yourself an electric tankless water heater. Just like gas-powered water heaters, an electric tankless water heater will provide you a constant and continuous flow of hot water whenever you need it without the limitations of a tank while lowering your energy consumption at the same time.
Whether you are living alone or in a busy household, there is a water heater that will be suitable for every application. In this post, we will give you a glimpse of electric tankless water heater reviews. You will also want to know what features deserve your attention, so we also have here the most important factors that you must consider when looking for the best.
Outstanding Features to Look for in Electric Tankless Water Heaters
In this section, we are going to discuss in detail what factors you should be looking for when choosing an electric tankless water heater. No two units are alike, which is why taking these factors into consideration will allow you to narrow down your choices. With so many brands to choose from, you might get yourself lost on promises that may or may not come through.
Here are some of the things you should watch out for to make sure that you are only getting the best electric tankless water heater there is.
On-demand Heating Capabilities
A lot of electric tankless water heaters promise that they will be able to deliver an instant and continuous flow of hot water. Unfortunately, not all of them do. It can be very annoying and frustrating when you cannot have hot water especially when you need it. Also, it totally goes against the reason why you got yourself a water heater in the first place.
An important feature that you should look out for in a water heater is the thermos optical sensors. Quality models have built-in thermos optical sensors that deliver hot water any time you want it. These sensors also prevent temperature spikes either at the nozzle or at the faucet, which also ensures safety for you and your family.
When choosing a tankless water heater, you might want to check if the model has the capability to heat water as it passes through the unit. This will be beneficial for you, especially if you do not want the inconvenience of storing hot water just like in tank type water heaters.
There are also models that offer infrared heating, a process of combining carbon coating heating element technology with quartz tubes to generate hot water. In addition, it does not directly come in contact with metal. This technology allows faster water heating, which ultimately saves you time and money in terms of energy consumption.
Energy and Space Saving Capabilities
Heating of water only accounts for at least 18% of your electric bill, according to Energy Saver. With this, we would recommend that you select the most trusted brands that will be able to provide you instant and a continuous flow of hot water through the thermos optical sensors’ built-in technology.
Another outstanding feature that you need to watch out for is the self-modulating technology, which can be found on some of the models presented in the review below. If you are not yet familiar with it, this technology prevents unnecessary use of energy. Efficient water heaters only use the amount of energy required, which can really help you in terms of your energy bills.
When choosing a water heater, you must also take into consideration the energy consumption. You might want to select one that you only need to turn on when you need hot water. If you have this type of water heater in your home, you will be able to cut down on water heater expenses by up to 50%. This will allow you to save even more money in the long-run.
As we all know, traditional water heaters take up a lot of space. However, with electric tankless water heaters, you no longer should worry about that, as you only need to mount it. You can install the unit right under the shower head, thus, freeing up more floor space that you can also use for storage.
Price and Long-term Cost
These might be two of the most important factors why people are now choosing electric tankless water heaters over gas-operated water heaters. While it goes into comparison with other types of water heaters, it also is vital when choosing an electric tankless water heater.
As we all know, the price of the unit alone is one of the defining factors whether you should buy it or not. Price evaluation is useful especially if you are just starting to look for an electric tankless water heater. If you are on a tight budget, you must review all the features of the water heater first to determine if the price is worth it.
Electric tankless water heaters do not come cheap. However, they pay you back for its energy saving capabilities, which makes consumption even more economical. They are very efficient to use, as they can reduce standby heat loss. It is also considered a great investment because it can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. In a way, it will pay for itself by giving you a long-lasting service.
When choosing an electric tankless water heater, you must ensure that you are buying an energy efficient unit. This type of water heater generally has a longer lifespan than most water heaters out there. If you buy a cheap one, you will only be getting poor performance, as well as a unit that will surely not last long enough.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
There is nothing more frustrating than not getting your new electric tankless water heater installed properly, either by you or a professional. Electric water heaters are relatively a lot easier to install than most gas-powered water heaters and it should not be a problem for your or a professional to install one in your home. The reason is that with electric tankless water heaters, you would not need to worry about combustion air supply or venting, unlike with gas-powered water heaters.
When choosing an electric tankless water heater, you should take into consideration the unit’s installation. While this is something performed by professionals, you must also be able to comprehend the manual with ease. Seeking professional help is advised, as you might void the warranty built into the price of the unit, if ever you damage the unit during installation. To add, water heater manufacturers have a way of telling if the damage was caused by an authorized or an unauthorized person.
Another thing to consider when choosing an electric tankless water heater is the maintenance of the unit. We all know that a well-maintained unit will deliver an outstanding performance for a long period. In most cases, all you have to do is to clean the water inlet. It also does not require an annual inspection of the unit, unlike in gas-powered water heaters.
While some require cleanup every few months, some also offer zero maintenance models. Having to properly maintain a water heater can be a tedious task, which is why you might want to consider choosing a model that requires only minimal maintenance. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
Temperature Control
Everything is digital now and so are water heaters. It is interesting to know that the newest models of electric tankless water heaters now come in digital form. You will be able to read the temperature on the screen and you can adjust the thermostat as well. Some models, however, offer more than that. When you read the next section, you will come across a model that has the capability to control the flow rate, using the digital control of the unit. This is a great advantage for homeowners, who also want to save water consumption.
Capacity
The electric tankless water heater has the capacity to supply around 1 gallon per minute or even up to 5 gallons per minute or more. The best way to determine which water heater to choose is to take inventory in your home. This way, you will be able to assess how many water sources will be using the water heater at once.
To address this issue, you add the number of gallons per minute of hot water being used at the same time. With this, you will be able to determine which of the models is the right one for your home. When choosing a water heater, you also have to check if the unit will provide you unlimited hot water even if it is being used by two people at the same time. We all know how frustrating it can be if the water heater suddenly runs out of water, right?
Protection Against Disease
Tank type water heaters store water all day and night, which makes water to become stagnant if left for a long period. Bacteria are most likely to build up inside and out of the tank, leaving you at risk in terms of your health. Some of these bacteria include Legionella, which grows in still and warm water.
Due to the fact that there is no tank present in the products on this review, water does not have a chance to just sit still in a tank and collect bacteria. Water will be going directly from your pump, through the unit, through the pipes, and it comes out of your shower or faucet.
When choosing a water heater, you might want to check if the unit prevents bacteria build up. It would be such a relief if the model you choose will not cause you harm in any way.
There are models that prevent corrosion and limescale deposit buildup, which ensures that you are only getting clean hot water from your water heater. These features will minimize the chances of bacteria buildup and algae accumulation in the pipes.
Environmentally-friendly
Electric tankless water heaters only require energy the moment you need hot water, unlike gas-powered water heaters. This would mean that it would not use unnecessary energy when not in use. With this, it is assured that the use of electric tankless water heaters would not cause damage to the environment, as they use far less electricity.
In addition, most of the models presented in the reviews below are crafted from recyclable materials. Ultimately, this would mean that there is less waste in the long run.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater Reviews
In this section, we are going to talk about the top 3 electric tankless water heaters out in the market right now. We will be providing you with a detailed discussion of each unit’s best features. After you have read the previous section, we trust that you will be able to the best features to look out for with the features each model has. This way, you will be able to narrow down your choices into choosing the electric tankless water heater that is right for you.
EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to size, the EcoSmart ECO 27 electric tankless water heater is one of the largest in the market right now. It comes with the brand’s patented self-modulating technology, which comes in handy especially in northern United States where the water temperature can go for as low as 37°F.
This EcoSmart water heater can heat at least 3 gallons in a matter of minutes and it can accommodate up to two showers running simultaneously and will never run out of water. For homeowners in the southern part of the country, the EcoSmart ECO 27 will be able to supply for a high demand of warm water in several applications, as it can heat at least 6 gallons of water in a minute. If you think about it, you can have 4 running showers at the same time and it will still not run out of water.
Another great feature of this water heater is the digital temperature control, in which you can set the desired temperature from 80°F to 140°F. For as long as you size it correctly, the EcoSmart ECO 27 will provide you unlimited hot water. In case you are not yet familiar with how this water heater works, it heats the water as it passes through the unit, which is somewhat contrary to how tank type water heater works.
Having the EcoSmart ECO 27 will allow you to save up to 50% on water heating costs, as you only need to turn this unit on when you need hot water. Unlike traditional water heaters, this water heater is wall mounted, which allows you to save some more space inside the bathroom. To add, it has the brand’s most advanced self-modulating technology, which would mean that it will only be using the amount of energy it requires.
The EcoSmart ECO 27 is also very efficient to use, easy to replace, and is durable with its copper and stainless construction. It utilizes 3 9KW standard Emerson Electric heating elements with electrolysis prevention. It also comes with a copper heat exchanger and automatic resettable thermostat. Electrical requirements include 27KW, 240 volts, 3 sets of 8 AWG, and 112.5 maximum AMP.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 KW
Another great product for the best electric tankless water heater is the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 KW. Did you know that this is a relatively new water heater, which has been completely redesigned to allow greater user experience? It is now equipped with features including digital temperature control and advanced flow rate control.
The Tempra Plus 24 KW is an electric tankless water heater that can be used in the whole house. It has a maximum GPM rate of 4.0, which is ideal in terms of power and flow rate for two users to be able to use hot water at once. As mentioned above, it now has an advanced flow control that makes sure that there is a constant temperature output even if you are running more than 2 fixtures at the same time. This electric tankless water heater has an amperage of 2×50 and voltage of 240.
The new feature is very useful and it seems to do its intended job just as well. You will notice that the output hot water is at an accurate temperature and it is maintained all throughout. It also comes with a digital temperature control, just like the previous model, which lets you set the desired temperature for up to 140°F.
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 KW electric tankless water heater also helps reduce energy consumption when compared to a traditional tank water heater. You only have to dial using your fingers to adjust hot water temperature at any time. To add, it also does not take up so much space in your bathroom.
When compared to a gas-operated water heater, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 KW is a lot less expensive to buy. The installation has also been proven to be a lot easier and simpler.
SioGreen IR260 POU Infrared Electric Hot Tankless Water Heater
The SioGreen IR260 POU electric tankless water heater might be perfect for you if you don’t have a lot of money to invest in a higher end model. It is also ideal for use in powder rooms, small kitchens, pool houses, sinks, boats, and RVs. However, you should be aware that this electric tankless water heater is not for use with a shower head unless the water comes from an underground inlet with a temperature not exceeding 72°F.
It is interesting to know that the SioGreen IR260 POU electric tankless water heater is the only one in the market that utilizes infrared heating technology. Unlike the previous models that use heating elements, this water heater only uses quartz tubes that creates infrared energy to heat water. While this feature makes it a standout among its competitors, it is not the only reason homeowners are excited about this water heater.
Upon installation, you will never have to worry again about this unit’s maintenance. This is what makes it one of the best water heaters right now. You may just mount it and forget about it. You also do not have to do routine flushing for you to keep it in its working condition. The bottom line is that you no longer must replace heating elements, which allows you to save more time and money.
With the SioGreen IR260 POU electric tankless water heater, you will never be inconvenienced by hard water, especially if you are cooking or just washing your hands. The reason is that this unit eliminates this issue by making sure that there are no lime deposits found in the pipes. If you think of it, there would be no presence of algae and other harmful bacteria if there is no water sitting in the pipes. With regards to safety, it is safe to say that this water heater is not prone to corrosion, as it can generate heat even without direct contact with metal.
Another great feature of this water heater includes the flow rate of 3.6 gallons per minute. You can also manually adjust the thermostat according to your desired temperature, as well as how fast you need the water heated by adjusting the power levels.
Conclusion
Electric tankless water heaters are now fast replacing the traditional water heaters because of their features that greatly elevate user experiences. Your search for electric tankless water reviews might have brought you here, so we are hoping that you are now able to select the model that is right for you. We trust that the three units we have presented above, as well as the most outstanding features, will be able to help you.
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