The Bottom Line
The easy-to-use and install EcoSmart ECO 27 is our top choice for the best tankless water heater because it has a good flow rate and powerful 27,000-watt electric operation. It also provides you with consistent and constant hot water up to 140°F, and it’s a great value for the price, featuring self-modulating technology for additional energy and cost savings.
What to Know About Tankless Water Heaters Before Shopping
Dimensions
If you’re on the fence about which type of water heater to choose, keep in mind that tankless water heaters are much smaller than standard water heaters with tanks. Sizes vary from 10 to 35 inches in height and 8 to 25 inches in width. When installing a tankless water heater, Miles advises first measuring the space where the tankless heater will go and then shopping for units that will fit inside that designated space, making sure to leave some free space around it. “This will make the installation go easier by not having to work in too tight of a space,” he says.
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Flow Rate
The flow rate of a water heater is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Compared to regular water heaters with tanks, the flow rate of tankless water heaters is lower. Flow rates range from around 2.5 GPM for smaller units, with much larger units reaching up to 11 GPM.
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“Homeowners should consider their daily routines and think of the devices and appliances that might be used simultaneously, such as taking a shower while the washing machine is running,” Miles says. “For example, a heater with a flow rate of at least 4.5 GPM would be needed to handle a 2.5 GPM showerhead and a 2 GPM washing machine.”
BTUs and Watts
For gas water heaters, a general total BTU rating (this stands for “British thermal unit” and is a measure of the heat content of a unit’s energy source) is provided, whereas the power of electric tankless water heaters is measured in watts. Electric tankless water heaters for residential use can be rated anywhere from 1,000 to 36,000 watts.
Gas tankless water heaters typically range from around 100,000 to 200,000 BTU. “A general guideline is 10,000-20,000 BTU for every 1 GPM of flow rate,” Miles advises. “A higher BTU rating results in a faster temperature rise but consumes more fuel typically, so you need to balance energy efficiency and performance based on the specific hot water requirements.”
Your Questions, Answered
How do you install a tankless water heater?
When it comes to installing your tankless water heater, the key steps are to first measure the space where you want to mount the new unit to ensure the model you want can fit comfortably with some space around it. The next steps, according to Miles, are connecting the gas or electrical, the main water line, and any other electrical lines. “If you use gas, then also add in venting, and finally, testing the unit for leaks and proper operation,” he says.
How much should a tankless water heater cost?
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Tankless water heaters can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000, with prices varying depending on factors such as fuel type, capacity, brand, and any additional features. Based on our research, there are excellent models right in the middle of that range, around the $1,000 mark.
“You can find electric and propane units in the $500 to $2,500 range, while gas-powered units can cost between $750 and $3,000,” Miles says. “The total cost, including installation, can range from $1,500 to $4,500 or more, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements.”
Can tankless water heaters run out of hot water?
“The only way a tankless heater would run out of water is if multiple fixtures are used at the same time, depleting the reserve before it can heat new water coming in,” Miles says. “One of the main benefits of tankless water heaters is that they provide a continuous supply of hot water as long as the demand doesn’t exceed the unit’s flow rate capacity.”
Who We Are
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed multiple tankless water heaters, researching factors such as each water heater’s dimensions, flow rate, and total BTU. She also spoke to Andrew Miles, a New York City-based Licensed Master Plumber at WaterFilterCast.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
