Unveiling the Best Tankless Water Heaters: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience and efficiency are paramount, tankless water heaters have emerged as a popular choice for many homeowners. These innovative devices deliver hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and saving energy in the process. This article delves into what makes a great tankless water heater, highlighting some of the best models available in the market today.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
Before we get into specific models, it is important to understand what a tankless water heater is and how it works. Also known as an on-demand or instant water heater, this device heats up water only when you need it. This eliminates standby energy losses associated with traditional storage units that continuously heat stored water whether you use it or not.
Tankless heaters use either electricity or gas to heat up cold water as it flows through the unit whenever you turn on your hot tap. Although these units tend to be more expensive initially than their traditional counterparts, they can save you money in the long run due to their superior energy efficiency.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing A Tankless Water Heater
When selecting a tankless unit for your home, there are several key factors to consider:
– Fuel Type: Electric models are generally cheaper and easier to install but may not provide enough hot water for large households. Gas units offer higher flow rates but require venting.
– Size & Flow Rate: You must choose a model that can meet your household’s peak demand for hot water.
– Energy Efficiency: Look at Energy Factor (EF) ratings – higher numbers indicate more efficient units.
– Cold Climate Performance: If you live in an area with cold winters, ensure the unit can still deliver hot water at low incoming water temperatures.
– Price & Warranty: Consider the upfront cost and potential energy savings over time. Also, look for models with a good warranty.
The Best Tankless Water Heaters
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the best tankless water heaters currently available:
1. Rheem RTEX-13: This electric model is compact, affordable and easy to install. It offers a 3.17 gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate – perfect for small to medium-sized homes.
2. EcoSmart ECO 27: Another excellent electric model that boasts self-modulating technology to save energy. It can provide up to 6 GPM, making it suitable for larger households.
3. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG: This gas-fired unit provides impressive flow rates (up to 6.6 GPM) and has an Energy Factor of 0.81 – one of the highest among gas models.
4.Rinnai RL Series HE+ Tankless Hot Water Heater: This high-efficiency gas model delivers up to 7 GPM and features Wi-Fi connectivity for easy control from your smartphone.
5.Noritz NRC661-DV-NG: This condensing tankless water heater offers superb efficiency thanks to its dual heat exchangers design which uses residual heat from flue gases to preheat incoming cold water before it gets heated by main burner.
In Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are an excellent investment if you want instant hot water while saving on your energy bills in the long run. The best model for you will depend on your specific needs regarding fuel type, size, flow rate, energy efficiency, climate performance and budget. The models listed above are some of the best in the market and offer a great starting point for your search.
