Best Tankless Electric Water Heater 2024

How to Choose the Best Tankless Electric Water Heater

Choosing the best tankless electric water heater for your home involves more than just picking one from the shelf. It requires understanding your needs and considering several factors. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:

1. Energy Efficiency: Tankless electric water heaters provide hot water on demand rather than storing it, which can result in significant energy savings. Look for a model with a high energy factor (EF) rating, which indicates how efficiently the unit converts electricity into hot water.
2. Capacity: Capacity is a crucial factor to consider. Think about the maximum amount of hot water you’ll need at any given time. For instance, you may require more capacity if multiple showers are used at once or if you’re using appliances that consume a lot of hot water simultaneously.
3. Size and Installation: Consider where the heater will be installed. If space is limited, you might want a compact unit. On the other hand, if you are considering a whole-house electric tankless water heater like the Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13, ensure you have enough space and appropriate electrical infrastructure.
4. Brand Reputation: Established brands like Stiebel Eltron and Rheem have a history of producing reliable, high-quality water heaters. Reading electric tankless water heater reviews can give you a sense of a brand’s reputation.
5. Warranty: A good warranty can offer peace of mind. Ensure you understand what the warranty covers, how long it lasts, and what you need to do to keep it valid.
6. Price: While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s essential to remember that an efficient, durable water heater can save you money in the long run on energy and maintenance costs.
7. Maintenance: Some water heaters may require more maintenance than others. For instance, units with self-cleaning systems can reduce the effort you’ll need to put into keeping your water heater in good condition.

Remember, the best tankless electric water heater for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It might be a whole house system from Rheem or a point-of-use unit like the Ariston Andris 4 Gallon mini-tank heater. Understanding your needs will help you make the best choice for your home.

Electric vs. Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing between an electric and a gas tankless water heater involves understanding the distinctions between these two types. Both have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider based on your household needs, available utilities, and personal preferences.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric tankless water heaters, like the Rheem 18kW 240V or the EcoSmart ECO 11, heat water on demand using electrical resistance coils. Key points to consider include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Electric models are generally more energy-efficient than gas models as they don’t produce exhaust gases, thus avoiding the need for venting. However, keep in mind that electricity costs may be higher than gas in some regions.
2. Installation: Electric models are smaller, easier, and less expensive to install than gas models. They don’t require venting or gas lines, and they can often be installed closer to points of use, reducing lag time for hot water.
3. Maintenance: They require less maintenance compared to gas models and are less prone to problems like gas leaks.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Gas tankless water heaters use a gas burner to heat water and typically provide a higher flow rate compared to electric models. Key points to consider include:

1. Availability of Gas: To install a gas model, you must have a natural gas or propane line available. If you don’t already have gas service, installation can be costly.
2. Flow Rate: If your household has a high demand for hot water, a gas model might be a better choice. They can heat water faster and handle larger volumes at once.
3. Installation and Maintenance: Gas models are typically larger and more complex to install, requiring proper venting to dispel exhaust gases. They also require regular maintenance to avoid issues like gas leaks.

In summary, if you have a smaller household or strict energy efficiency requirements, an electric tankless water heater might be the best option. For larger households with a high hot water demand and available gas service, a gas model could be more effective. Remember to consider your household needs and available resources before making a decision.

Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters vs. Point of Use Mini-Tank Water Heaters

When it comes to selecting a water heating solution, one size does not fit all. The choice between a whole-house electric tankless water heater and a point-of-use mini-tank water heater depends on your specific needs, home setup, and hot water usage.

Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Whole-house electric tankless water heaters, such as the Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13, are designed to supply hot water to your entire house. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Capacity: These heaters are engineered to handle the demands of a larger household where multiple outlets may require hot water simultaneously.
2. Space-saving: As they do not store water, these models are typically compact and save significant space as compared to traditional tank-based heaters.
3. Efficiency: Whole house tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than maintaining a tank full of hot water, potentially leading to energy savings in the long run.
4. Initial cost and installation: These systems usually have a higher upfront cost and can be more complex to install, as they often require modifications to your home’s electrical system.

Point of Use Mini-Tank Water Heaters

Point-of-use mini-tank water heaters, such as the Ariston Andris 4 Gallon unit, are designed for smaller, specific applications. They have their own benefits:

1. Targeted use: These are perfect for situations where you only need hot water at a specific location, such as a sink in a garage or a distant bathroom. They can supply hot water more quickly at the point of use because they are installed close to the outlet.
2. Supplementary use: They can also serve as a supplement to a central water heating system, reducing the wait time for hot water.
3. Cost-effective and easy to install: These models typically have a lower upfront cost and are easier to install, often just needing a connection to a standard power outlet.

In summary, if your household requires a high volume of hot water simultaneously at various points, a whole-house electric tankless water heater might be a better fit. However, if you need hot water for a specific location or want to supplement an existing system, a point-of-use mini-tank water heater would be an excellent choice. Your decision should align with your household’s specific needs and the existing infrastructure of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Tankless Water Heaters

1. What is the number one rated tankless water heater?

The “best” tankless water heater can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, brands like Stiebel Eltron and Rheem frequently receive high ratings for their performance, durability, and energy efficiency.

2. What is the downside of an electric tankless water heater?

One potential downside of an electric tankless water heater is that it may require significant electrical infrastructure to handle the high power demand, especially for whole house systems. This could result in additional costs for electrical upgrades.

3. What is the best tankless electric water heater for a large family?

For larger households with a higher demand for hot water, whole-house models like the Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 are often recommended. These models have the capacity to provide hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously.

4. Are electric tankless heaters worth it?

Yes, electric tankless water heaters can be a worthy investment. They offer energy efficiency, space-saving benefits, and a continuous supply of hot water. However, your specific needs, the cost of electricity in your region, and the initial cost of the unit should all be taken into account.

5. Which is the No. 1 water heater brand?

The “best” brand often depends on individual requirements, preferences, and budget. That being said, brands like Rheem and Stiebel Eltron are renowned for their quality and reliability in the water heater industry.

6. What size tankless water heater is needed for a family of 4?

The size of the water heater you need depends on the simultaneous demand for hot water in your home, also known as the flow rate. For a family of four, a model that can handle a flow rate of around 8-10 gallons per minute is typically sufficient.

7. What is the lifespan of an electric tankless water heater?

With proper maintenance, an electric tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more, which is significantly longer than traditional tank-based models.

8. Why do people not like tankless water heaters?

Some people may be put off by the higher initial cost of a tankless water heater, as well as the potential need for costly electrical upgrades. Additionally, if the heater is not sized correctly, it may not meet the hot water demand of the household.

9. Do tankless water heaters increase electric bills?

While tankless water heaters do use a significant amount of electricity when heating water, they can be more energy-efficient because they only heat water when it’s needed, rather than maintaining a tank full of hot water. Thus, while electric usage might increase during operation, overall energy costs may decrease.