We often realize how much hot water is missed only when access to endless hot water amidst a relaxing shower is cut off. Cold water is not the most loved choice all around the year. Having a water heater that can supply hot water steadily on demand is certainly a boon to the home. However, devices that handle heating water can be expensive.

To take away all concerns about high energy bills, flow rate, temperature control, etc., technology has led to the making of tankless water heaters. A tankless hot water heater is an excellent invention that ensures constant hot water supply on demand from hot water pipes at home. The energy-efficient operation and qualitative build of the heating element in tankless water heaters make them a must-have at home.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the best tankless water heater models available in the market, and why they are worth the investment when compared to traditional tank heater systems. With that said, let us get started!

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

If your existing water heater is no good and it is time to upgrade, we suggest that you consider investing in a new tankless water heater that has features better than the tankless water heater installed previously. The latest models of electric tankless water heaters available in the market are highly efficient when compared to conventional water heaters.

With regard to energy efficiency, size, build, and operational techniques, tankless water heaters are the way to go. Finding the best tankless water heater that meets your requirements will certainly be worth the investment. Here are the reasons to justify the fact why tankless water heaters will not disappoint you.

On-demand hot water supply

Instant hot water supply deserves much credit. Tankless water heaters are the best option to get instant hot water, any time of the day! With the best tankless water heaters available in the market, there is absolutely no need to wait for the water temperature to rise or for the tank to refill. Unlike conventional water heaters where heating water requires waiting time and effort, tankless water heaters are the ideal choice that can supply hot water on demand. Anytime that you want to raise the water temperature of your cold water, you just have to turn On your tankless water heater.

Maintenance

A tankless water heater is definitely easier and less expensive to maintain and repair in comparison with a traditional tank heater. Conventional water heaters that come with a tank are exposed to corrosion and water damage. This is not the case with a tankless unit. The absence of a tank that holds water all the time, makes tankless units easier to maintain. They are also less expensive to repair or replace parts that need attention.

However, it is important to remember that even tankless units require annual maintenance. This will ensure that the heating element of the tankless unit is in good shape and that any repairs to the tankless heater can be done without shelling out a ton of money. Although maintenance of a tankless heater can be done at home, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a professional plumber to ensure that the task is taken care of without any hiccups.

Most tankless water heaters that are manufactured lately come with descaling features. This feature will remove the need the frequent maintenance. Other tankless water heaters that do not have this feature will have to be flushed annually. This is a necessity in homes that have hard water entering the unit. Confirm the water chemistry of your home before you decide how often the tankless heater must be checked. It is also recommended that you look into the best water softeners for hard water supply if necessary.

Energy savings

The biggest advantage of inventing tankless water heaters is their low energy costs. Since tankless water heaters utilize electricity only to produce on-demand hot water, the unit is not running on electricity all the time. Tankless electric water heater units that are built nowadays are Energy Star certified. You can be assured that you will witness higher energy savings and lower energy bills with any Energy Star-certified electric unit.

Moreover, tankless water heaters do not just run on electricity. There are environment-friendly tankless water heaters that run on renewable sources of energy available as well. Natural gas units or tankless water heaters that run on propane can be much more energy efficient than electric tankless water heaters. If energy-efficient operation and cutting energy costs is a priority, you can invest in a tankless water heater that uses renewable fuel sources like natural gas tankless water heaters.

Compact Design

It is true taht there are smaller tankless water heaters and larger tankless water heaters available. However, tankless water heaters take up much less space than any conventional water heater. An entire tank-style water heater takes up a ton of space which can be an inconvenience. Switching to small tankless water heaters can help you in freeing up space. 

Durable

It must be mentioned that despite the high upfront cost of tankless water heaters, they are worth every dime spent. Advanced electric tankless water heaters are durable and energy efficient. Manufacturers guarantee that electric tankless water heaters that are subject to consistent maintenance can last even up to 20 years. On the other hand, conventional water heaters last only up to 8 to 12 years, despite being maintained well. If you are looking for a long-term investment that is worth it, bring home the best tankless water heater that you can find.

What are the two types of tankless water heaters?

There are two major tankless water heaters; Non-condensing tankless water heaters and Condensing tankless water heaters.

1. Non-condensing tankless water heaters:

This type of water heater was first manufactured and operated by using heat exchangers. The heat exchangers will create the required hot water and the exhaust will be vented outdoors. The advantage of tankless water heaters is that the chances of them malfunctioning are minimal, their technology is simpler, and the cost of getting this non-condensing tankless water heater installed is also lesser. The only downside is the necessity to use only stainless steel flue pipes. They are certainly more expensive than condensing water heaters but are an absolute must owing to the high heat of exhaust that can be withstood only by stainless steel flue pipes.

2. Condensing tankless water heaters:

These are the latest inventions with some beneficial updates. This type of tankless water heater uses high-temperature exhaust additionally to heat the water. Although they are quite expensive to install, they are more heat efficient and can use less expensive PVC in the venting pipes.

The other variations that can be found in tankless water heaters are whole-house tankless water heater systems and point-of-use heaters. As their name suggests, a whole-house water heater is designed to supply hot water across the home. With a whole house heater, you can get instant hot water from any tap in the house. Point-of-use heaters, on the other hand, supply hot water only to the pipes they are connected to. For example, a point-of-use heater connected to just the bathroom will supply hot water to the hot water tap in the bathroom alone.

Tankless water heaters can also be categorized based on the fuel they operate on. They are Natural gas tankless water heaters, Propane tankless water heaters, and electric tankless heaters.

How does a tankless water heater work?

An electric tankless heater and natural gas water heater use the same process to heat water. Let us quickly run through the process that takes place.

Step 1: Cold water inlet; where the cold water will enter the tankless water heater via a pipe.

Step 2: The cold water flows through the heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit, which handles changing the cold water into hot water, is powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. The fuel used to power the heat exchanger is pre-determined depending on the heater type.

Step 3: The heater gets activated when the appliance or tap is turned On. The sensor in the unit picks up the signal to heat water as the cold water flows in.

Step 4: Next, the temperature rise is initiated by a heating element or gas burner. The water temperature changes are brought about inside the heat exchanger by the specific heating elements.

Step 5: The heated water will flow out via the hot water tap or into the appliance. The device will continue to heat water and the water will also remain hot, as long as you continue to draw water from the tap.

A comparison of the best tankless water heaters:

1. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater:

The first best tankless water heater that we have on the list is the EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater. With a convenient design and advanced features, this unit ranks as one of the best tankless water heaters available on the market. If you are looking for a constant hot water supply, round-the-clock that never runs out, the EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater might be the right pick.

With this tankless water heater, you can be assured of energy efficiency, saving time and money. The EcoSmart electric tankless heater comes with patented self-modulating technology that makes it an ideal choice to be used in any space; homes, offices, restaurants, recreational vehicles, etc. The excellent support team from EcoSmart makes installation easy as well.

Unlike a traditional heater that has a limited tank capacity, the endless hot water supply from this tankless water heater is a huge advantage. The self-modulating technology in the EcoSmart ECO 27 electric tankless water heater is responsible for energy-efficient operation. With this self-modulating technology the unit, the energy consumed is directly proportional to how much hot water is required.

Being one of the best point-of-use heaters, the unit promises to help you cut down wait time entirely. The sleek and smart design that can be wall-mounted makes this a convenient small tankless water heater model with a large capacity. You will be able to free up up to 90% of storage space when compared to the traditional heaters.

The 27-kilowatt power consumption of the EcoSmart ECO 27 electric water heater is suitable for larger homes. Depending on the water temperature of the incoming water, this tankless electric water heater can provide between 2.7 gallons to 6.5 gallons per minute. The best features of this electric tankless water heater include digital temperature control in 1-degree increments and controlled flow rates. If you are looking for the best tankless water heater that can supply hot water to your home workspace, or any appliance without any hiccups, the EcoSmart ECO 27 electric unit is the ideal choice. Invest in this tankless water heater right away to enjoy an uninterrupted hot water supply with enhanced energy efficiency.

Pros and Cons of EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

• One of the best tankless water heaters in the market with an advanced flow control feature and temperature control.
• Excellent designs for energy savings. Equipped to save up to 50% in water heating costs with its energy efficiency.
• Comes with the ability to provide 2.7 and 6.5 gallons per minute, which is a suitable solution as a whole house heater for appliances.
• EcoSmart ECO 27 best tankless water heater has a small and compact design to save 90% more storage space than a tank.

2. Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Heater:

Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is the next unit that we have on the list. The sturdy build, durability, and seamless performance make this model one of the best tankless water heaters you can find in the market. The energy-efficient operation and advanced features make this unit an ideal choice to rely on getting an uninterrupted hot water supply. Let us take a look at the features that are responsible for this unit’s successful performance.

The Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater comes with Circ-Logic technology. With the ThermaCirc360 technology, you can be assured that you can get hot water faster and at any time to meet your requirements. By investing in a suitable external pump, that is sold separately, you can get instant and constant hot water via the external pump.

Another added benefit of investing in a tankless hot water heater is its compact size. Similar to the other tankless hot water heaters, this Rinnai unit with its non-condensing tankless heater design comes with an exceptional space-saving design. Being just the size of a suitcase, this unit can be fit into any area. However, despite this small size and compact design, the Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater provides up to 9.8 GPM, 6 fixtures at once.

With Rinnai, you can be confident that you are investing in the best tankless water heaters. They provide 12-, 5-, and 1-year residential guarantee and 5-, 5-, and 1-year commercial factory warranty for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively. If you are looking for highly efficient natural gas water heaters, the Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is the right choice.

Rinnai RL94IN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

• One of the best natural gas tankless water heaters that comes with a 9.4 gallon capacity.
• Sports a compact size that is convenient for indoor installation without any difficulty.
• This trustworthy non-condensing tankless hot water heater from Rinnai can provide up to 9.8 GPM which is 6 fixtures at once.
• The company offers an impressive warranty and guarantee program.
• Supreme energy efficiency during operation. The unit is rated by a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) that assures the users are safe from expensive power and water costs.
• Equipped with the latest hermaCirc360 technology which is designed to offer faster hot water through an external pump.

3. Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater:

The best tankless water heater that we have next on the list, to give your home an uninterrupted hot water supply on demand is the Rheem Electric Tankless Water Heater. This unit is yet another highly efficient model that makes it one of the best tankless water heaters in 2023. Let us take a look at the features that contribute to the performance of Rheem tankless electric heaters.

The external digital thermostatic control with LED display is built with +/1 degree accuracy. Moreover, this Rheem electric water heater unit comes with a highly advanced self-modulation design. This feature can seamlessly handle power adjustments to meet the hot water demand. The Rheem tankless electric water heater is built with a flow rate of up to 4.4 GPM. The copper immersion two heating elements are of durable quality and field serviceable.

Installing the Rheem electric tankless heater is simple and effortless. It has bottom 3/4 inch NPT water connections. The model itself is threaded for easy replacement and simple installation. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), you will be able to save up to 50% on water heating costs with point-of-use tankless electric water heaters or up to 34% with whole-home models. This guarantees that the Rheem electric tankless water heater is indeed a wise addition to your home to save energy and money.

Does this electric tankless water heater meet your expectations to heat water instantly at any time? If yes, bring home this unit to leave behind your concerns of getting a hot water supply at home.

Pros and Cons of Rheem Electric Water Heater

• One of the best tankless electric water heater units available in the market with a capacity of 18 Kilowatts.
• Comes with an external digital thermostatic control with an LED display.
• Has an advanced self-modulation feature to adjust power, which enables the unit to heat water on demand.
• Can be easily installed with bottom 3/4 inch NPT water connections.
• This model has a flow rate of up to 4.4 GPM.

4. ECOTOUCH 5.5kw 240V Tankless Water Heater:

ECOTOUCH 5.5kw 240V Tankless Water Heater is another unit that is widely appreciated for its performance, efficiency, and durability. You can rely on this unit to heat water instantly and endlessly. It comes with advanced features that support the operational abilities of the unit.

The optimal thermal efficiency of 98% and minimum energy cost for the performance this unit offers are the huge benefits of investing in the ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater. This unit has the capacity to heat water at 1.2GPM water from 67℉ to 109℉. The sleek design and size make this a suitable tankless heater for kitchens and bathroom sinks. The sufficient flow rate of 1-1.5 gallons per minute makes this unit a suitable choice around the clock.

The ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater comes with a smart self-adjustment feature. With this feature, the hot water heater adjusts power input based on flow rate and temperature setting in real-time. You rest assured that the unit’s functioning with optimal energy efficiency of 98% is adequate to save considerable electric charge.

Using the ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater is simple. The digital display and touch control panel make temperature control easy. Moreover, the strict testing standards that the unit is subject to ensure the durability of the device. This model carries approval by ETL and is qualified for UL. The multiple safety features that are built into this unit are another added advantage. Over temperature protection, Dry heating protection, Leakage protection, and Water and electricity line separation are the safety measures that this tankless heater comes with.

If the features present in the ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater meet your needs, invest in this best tankless water heater to enjoy effortless water heating at any time.

Pros and Cons of ECOTOUCH 5.5kw 240V Tankless Water Heater

• An excellent choice among electric tankless water heaters that are applied with a 5.5KW heating system.
• Designed with a smart self-adjustment feature that can adjust power input based on flow rate and temperature setting.
• Equipped with a flow rate of 1-1.5 gallons per minute.
• Built with an optimal energy efficiency of 98% it is ideal to save money and electricity.
• Easy to operate and user-friendly; it comes with a digital display and touch control panel.
• Includes inbuilt safety measures such as temperature protection, Dry heating protection, Leakage protection, and separate water and electricity lines.

5. Eemax Tankless Electric Water Heater:

The last tankless water heater that we have on the list is the Eemax Tankless Electric Water Heater. The performance, quality, and ability of this tankless heater make it one of the ideal choices to invest in for an endless supply of hot water.

This Eemax tankless water heater has a capacity of 13 gallons. it is built with the most advanced, self-modulating technology. With the help of this technology, the unit will adjust how much energy needs to be input depending on how much hot water is required. This feature is important to maintain energy efficiency during operation. The compact size and sleek design make this suitable to be used in any area. Being one of the best point-of-use heaters in the market, this unit can be trusted for all your hot water requirements. Whether you want this heater to function as a whole house water heater or for a single zone, the Eemax Tankless Water Heater is an ideal choice.

Does the Eemax Tankless Electric Water Heater meet your expectations? Make a careful evaluation if the model you select is the suitable size for your hot water requirements. Invest in the Eemax Tankless Electric Water Heater and you will not be disappointed.

Pros and Cons of Eemax Tankless Electric Water Heater

• A convenient option to operate as a whole-house tankless water heater.
• Reliable energy-efficient performance.
• Comes with a capacity of 13 gallons.
• Equipped with self-modulating technology adjust how much energy needs to be input depending on how much hot water is required.

Conclusion

Are you on the lookout for the best tankless heaters in the market? We trust the article helped you gain a fair insight into the beneficial features built into each of the above-listed units. Analyze the available tankless heaters and choose the model that best meets your needs. Switch to tankless water heaters to save time, energy, and money!