The Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater

Longing for those long super hot showers? The need for hot water in the house cannot be shirked.

However you try to dodge you still find reasons such as showering, dish washing or laundry. Life is better and chores are easier when the water has some love and warmth!

A system that guarantees you hot water in your entire house every time you demand it is a good investment. Not only will a whole house tankless water heater save you energy costs but will also add to your home comfort.

The old water heating systems consisted of a tank and hence were very huge. In the contrary, a tankless water heater does not need to be colossus. They are usually compact and save you a lot of space in the house. The size may be like that of your microwave or a suitcase or smaller.

The notable benefit of a tankless water heater is that the hot water is ‘endless’. It does not get finished like the old fashioned tank water heaters.

Quick Comparison Table

Product	Specs Overview	Price / Reviews
ECOTOUCH 9KW 240V On Demand Water Heater	Dimension: 11.1″ W x 3.15″ D x 15.75″ H Pipe: 1/2″ NPT Power Source: Electric Flow Rate: 1.5GPM water from 67℉ to 106℉	Check Today’s Price / Reviews
Rheem 240V 3 Heating Chambers RTEX-24 Residential Tankless Water Heater	Dimension: 4” x 18” x 19” Pipe: 3/4 inch NPT water connections Power Source: Electric Flow Rate: 5.9GPM water from 80℉ to 140℉	Check Today’s Price / Reviews
EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts	Dimension: 11″ W x 3.5″ D x 17″ H Pipe: 3/4″ NPT Power Source: Electric, 112.5A Flow Rate: 6GPM water. Temperature range from 80℉ to 140℉	Check Today’s Price / Reviews
Eemax EEM24027 Electric Tankless Water Heater	Dimension: 17″ W x 3.75″ D x 17″ H Pipe: 3/4″ NPT Power Source: Electric, 112.5A (27KW / 240V) Flow Rate: 5.3GPM water. Temperature range from 80℉ to 140℉	Check Today’s Price / Reviews
Rheem 240V 4 Heating Chambers RTEX-36 Residential Tankless Water Heater	Dimension: 19″ W x 4″ D x 22″ H Pipe: 3/4″ NPT Power Source: Electric, 150A Flow Rate: 8GPM water. Temperature range from 80℉ to 140℉	Check Today’s Price / Reviews

Reviews

Rinnai RUCS Series SE Tankless Hot Water Heater: Indoor Installation

Your whole house deserves unlimited hot water flow. The Rinnai RUCS tankless water heater does not keeping you waiting for hot water when you open the tap.

Unlike traditional heaters which you have to pour cold water out before you have the hot water. Contrary, Rinnai heater recirculates the water in the pipes to allow you have the hot water fast.

When it comes to energy savings, you can count on this wholehouse tankless water heater. The compact design means that you use less energy and water compared to traditional tanks.

Furthermore, the compact size saves you space. It offers you the liberty to install it in the arctic, a closet or a duct.

Pros

• Never run out of hot water
• Remote control via mobile app
• No water wastage while waiting for hot water
• Average life expectancy of 20 years vs 10 years for tank systems
• Great technical support including remote checks via wifi
• Parts are easily available and replaceable as opposed to buying a whole unit
• Pocket friendly in the long run

Cons

• Temperature adjustments can be a headache. An optional temperature controller is required.
• No power ON/OFF switch
• Service valves not included

Tankless Water Heater Electric | ECOTOUCH 9KW 240V On Demand with Self-Modulation ECO90, White

This 240V 9KW electrical heater gives instant uninterrupted supply of hot water. The temperature control is smart enough to adjust the heating depending on the flow rate and the temperature set. Forget the too hot or too cold water. With ECOTOUCH you get optimum stable temperatures.

Don’t worry about the hustles of setting the temperature because the touch display panel makes this very convenient.

A 40A double pole circuit breaker is required to protect the unit.

This unit is sufficient for your dish washer and other kitchen sink use. However if you anticipate a situation where multiple use is likely, then it is prudent to install a higher rated heater. For example, dishwasher, shower and other uses may require a 24KW ECOTOUCH tankless water heater.

Pros

• ETL approved and UL certified
• Optimal thermal efficiency of 99.8%
• No waiting for preheat or initial loss of cold water
• Very silent operations
• No venting required
• Easy installation on the walls
• Friendly touch digital display that shows temperature, flow rate and the voltage.
• Beautifully built hence improves your home

Cons

• Shower use not recommended for North America. And even in South America, you may struggle keeping the set temperature. [Shower flow rate may exceed what this unit can handle – 1.5GPM]

Rheem 240V 3 Heating Chambers RTEX-24 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY

This model is also electric with three serviceable copper heaters. The thermostatic digital temperature control [80⁰F to 140⁰F] can adjust in steps of 1 degree accuracy. Moreover the self modulation feature that increases power with flow rate or temperature demand further boosts the energy savings.

If you push the temperature knob and hold it for 10 seconds a menu comes up. You can push the dial to check either the incoming temperature, the flow rate, or the outgoing temperature.

Pros

• Digital temperature display
• Supports whole house hot water demand based on average 2010 plumbing standards.
• Small space required to install

Cons

• 3 40A double pole circuit breakers are required for installation

EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater | 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology, White

The heating capacity of the EcoSmart ECO 27 is ideal for locations where temperatures are low. For example in North America you can run two showers with this tankless heater. On the other hand, for states in the southern United Sates, you can attain up to 6GPM enough for your whole house.

Pros

• Patented self modulating heating technology
• Digital temperature control with accuracy of +/-1^oF
• Stylish design that adds to your home overall beauty
• Works well even where incoming water temperature is 40^oF
• Lifetime warranty on some components e.g. electronics

Cons

It takes longer to heat up the water. Once done, the heater is able to maintain the temperature.

Marey ECO180 18kW 4.4 gpm 220V Self-Modulating Multiple Points Tankless Electric Water Heater for The Whole US Territory, Small

The electrical requirements for this heater is two 50 A breakers. It is rated to provide 4.4GPM of hot water in warm climates which of course is in the southern US.

Pros

• The water never touches the heating element hence no risk of sediment accumulation.
• Marey’s ECO180 is ETL approved and recommended for the entire United States. 
• Corrosion resistant heating element and therefore it can maintain the efficiency at 98% throughout their life.
• Digital control panel allows you to set the actual desired temperature

Cons

• Does not support your whole house hot water needs 

Camplux Electric Tankless Water Heater, TE27 Whole House Instant Water Heater, On Demand Electric Water Heater Digital Display and Remote Control, 27kW at 240V, Black

This 27KW Camplux electric tankless water heater only requires a minimum of 0.85GPM flow to start heating. Three double pole 50A circuit breakers are also required to install this unit.

Pros

Remote control capability

NFS approved – lead free water

ETL certified – protection against leakage and overheating

Sleek design and easy to operate with the digital touch display

Flexible mounting angle option between vertical to horizontal

Cons

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Plus – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

The product is made in Germany and is very reliable.

Pros

• Very silent during operations
• Accurate temperature settings via a digital display
• No venting required
• The advanced flow control ensures that even on high demand you still get hot water
• Energy efficiency of 99%.
• ANSI/UL certified. WQA tested & certified against NSF/ANSI 372 for lead free compliance.
• Compact and easy to install and use

Cons

Buyers Guide | Factors to Consider

Always verify that the model you want to acquire is the correct one for your house needs. Here are a few points though to guide you:

Geographical Location

We have deliberately chosen to start with this because it may be the only factor that determines whether your tankless water heater works optimally or not. Generally, states in the South will achieve temperatures faster than those in the North. Of course for obvious reasons dictated by climatic conditions.

In addition, take to mind that your altitude also has some influence on the performance of a tankless water heater. We know for example of some water heaters that are not recommended for altitudes of 5500 ft and above.

Electric tankless water heaters on the other hand are not affected by elevation. They will work even at 9000 feet above sea level.

One more important thing to remember is the installation codes applicable to your state. Especially if you live in California!

Energy Efficiency

Notably tankless water heaters are generally energy efficient because you do not have to heat a full tank of water the archaic way. However, the manufacturer’s design also affects the efficiency of the water heating passing through the unit.

Furthermore, the tankless type only heats water on demand. Look out for the self modulating ones that regulate the amount of power used depending on flow rate and set temperatures. They give you an opportunity to save more on your power bills.

Always check for 99.8% or better energy efficiency.

Flow Rate

How many gallons per minute can the heater generate? This is a question you cannot ignore. However, this may vary depending on the water temperature coming into your system.

A combination of either high temperature at the inlet water or lowered outlet water temperature, you should be able to achieve higher flow rates.

Smart Technology Features eg Timers, WiFi, Temperature Control

A majority of heaters are available now that allows you to control them via your smart phone. You can set timers and send remote commands adding to your convenience. 

Propane or Natural Gas or Electricity

Electric water heaters are expensive to install and operate. From the circuit breakers, the cables to the bills you have to pay. On the other hand, propane is relatively cheaper in the long run.

Safety Features

You want to be sure that the unit you are choosing has adequate safety protection. For instance, against dry heating, over temperatures, leakages and vulnerabilities to common damage.

Venting

Some units require a separate venting set up. However, installing a venting system for tankless water heaters can cost a little bit more.

Easy to Install

Installing water heaters safely may not be a DIY for majority of us. Hence professional help is required most of the time.

Electrical heaters may require additional pulling of cables and circuit breaker installation. This is in additional to the plumbing works that need to be done for each heater.

Tech Support

A great customer service after sales will keep you stress free. Products with technical support after purchase also tend to be good products. But just in case you find yourself stuck, the technical back up team will help.

Water Properties

Your water properties will also have some effect on the heating elements. Too much minerals may corrode copper elements. This additionally may increase the need for maintenance to counter the mineral deposits on the copper elements.

Hard water is known to contain calcium and chlorine elements.

Conclusion

For all the water heaters, it is recommended you install a filter in order to increase the useful life of your appliance. The filter should be replaced or cleaned regularly.

You may be able to save up to 50% energy costs by ditching your tank heater and adopting the tankless water heaters.

As you can see, there are many benefits of a whole house tankless water heater. When you can, there is no absolute reason for maintaining a conventional tank type water heater. Get rid of it!