I love the cold winter days and I’m sure many of you do too but there’s one thing that gives all of us nightmares when thinking about the season. Yep, you guessed it right! It’s those early morning cold water showers. But don’t worry! This winters, I’m going to make sure you’re prepared beforehand.
To make your winters absolutely perfect this time around, I have the perfect solution for you, water heaters! Specifically tankless water heaters because they don’t even take much space!
Whole-house tankless water heaters are a perfect alternative to traditional heaters that are integrated with tanks. These heaters are available in two different types, including electric water heaters and propane gas water heaters.
While the gas models require venting, modern electrical units do not need venting and are associated with sleek and compact design. Thus, based on self-modulation, adjustable temperature, dual heating elements, and installation procedure, here are the 8 best whole house tankless water heaters in 2021.
At a Glance:
1. EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Durable
- User-friendliness
4. RINKMO Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Lightweight
- Adjustable temperature
- Energy-friendly
6. Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Adjustable temperature
- Noise-free
- Lightweight and portable
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1. EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Best PickEcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater is available in different sizes and thus, can be used for a wide variety of houses ranging from small to large. Furthermore, it is cost-efficient and is available at a low price across the market. So, you can use it as an alternative to high-priced products.
We assure you would not feel a major difference in the performance and efficiency of this water heater. This, coupled with the adjustable temperature controls, allows you to modify the temperature depending on your needs. The temperature can be adjusted between the range of 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with the help of the large knob located on top of the unit.
Apart from this, self-modulating technology is another significant component of the system and contributes to energy-friendliness. This enables you to control your energy usage, which is good for the environment and your wallet as well. Thus, we highly recommend it for daily use, especially if you want to decrease your electricity usage.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Durable
- User-friendliness
Cons
- Water leakage
EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater possesses a UL Standard 499 safety certification and is not associated with any safety risk. Furthermore, the controls are easy to operate and do not require expert guidance. So, you can easily install and use it even if you lack prior experience in this regard.
2. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater is another remarkable product included in the list of the best whole house tankless water heaters. However, it falls towards the pricier end of the spectrum and might require you to spare some additional dollars in order to purchase it.
The advanced flow control technology incorporated in the tankless heater is capable of automatically maintaining the water temperature. So, you do not need to worry about manually adjusting the temperature every time you use it. Similarly, the compact design and durable framework protect it against damage and leakage and make it last longer than you expect.
The model also does not require any venting and contains self-modulation technology that can be used to control the flow of water. This also contributes to ease of use and makes it perfect for a wide variety of consumers. We also appreciate the noise reduction feature of the unit, which enhances its suitability for nighttime use.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Multiple size options
- 7-year warranty
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater does not disappoint in terms of performance and efficiency. Equipped with digital controls and a solid copper heating system, it provides an unlimited supply of hot water and can be used as an alternative to traditional water heaters with tanks.
3. Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater is our ultimate recommendation to all those that prefer a heating unit with minimum maintenance requirement. This version of the RTEX water heater is the successor to RTEX-13, which is smaller in size and is ideal for on-point use.
The manufacturers have developed this particular model to overcome the limitations of its predecessor and provide a tankless heater with full-house coverage. Popular for its hassle-free controls and ease of use, the product is easier to operate. You can adjust the output temperature with the help of dial control located on the front panel.
Along with this, self-modulation decreases energy usage and contributes to the reduction in overall heating costs of the system. Consumers can also adjust the temperature depending on the requirement. The flow rate of 2 GPM can be achieved when the temperature increases up to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. You can choose the temperature and flow rate according to your needs.
Pros
- UL standard safety certification
- Effortless installation
- Dual heating elements
Cons
- Leakage concerns
Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater is second to none in terms of quality construction and performance. It consists of durable copper immersion that helps in the instant heating of the water. Furthermore, the durable exterior also protects it against damage from external sources and makes it stand out among the rest of its counterparts.
4. RINKMO Electric Tankless Water Heater
Staff PickRINKMO Electric Tankless Water Heater never fails to amaze us with its outstanding performance and unparalleled attributes. Associated with an unlimited water supply throughout the day, the product is popular amongst consumers. This, coupled with the low price range, makes it suitable for those that can not afford high-priced water heaters.
In addition to this, its extraordinary design allows you to use it for multiple purposes. You can install it for point usage or for the whole house, depending on the preference. Moreover, it is easy to install and does not require any expert guidance. We were able to assemble and install the whole apparatus within an hour despite lacking prior experience.
Besides this, another prominent aspect of the water heater is the additional protection against leakage, which makes it ideal for daily use. The water lines and electric supply are also separated from each other with insulation materials to prevent short circuits and other accidents.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable temperature
- Energy-friendly
Cons
- Maintenance is required
RINKMO Electric Tankless Water Heater contains self-modulating technology which controls the energy input. Thereby heating water only when it is required and reducing the heat loss. We highly recommend considering this a potential option for daily use. We assure you would not feel disappointed with this purchase.
5. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater is another extraordinary product developed by Stibel Eltron and is equipped with unparalleled attributes. Similar to its other counterparts developed by the same manufacturer, this one is also costly.
However, it is worth the price due to its outstanding performance and remarkable safety features. Providing an unlimited supply of water throughout the day, the heater ensures that no excess energy consumption. It contains the self-modulating technology that controls the energy output and only heats water whenever it is required.
This cuts down the energy consumption to a great extent and also leads to a reduction in heating charges. Thus, preventing you from overstraining your budget in the long term. An electronic switch is also incorporated in the unit, which can be used to control the noise output, especially at nighttime.
Pros
- Copper sheathed heating
- 7-year leakage warranty
- No venting requirement
Cons
- Expensive
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater is famous for its sleek design and thoughtful construction, which enhances its portability and allows you to install it in a small place. Furthermore, its small size also decreases the requirement for venting and improves the overall output generated by the system.
6. Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Budget PickRheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater falls under the category of mid-price range products and can be used as an alternative to high-priced models available in the market. One of the most highlighting features of this unit is the digital temperature display with dial control that can be used to adjust the temperature of the water.
Along with the temperature, you can also control the water flow using the button located on the front panel. Similarly, the durability of the heater is attributed to the high-quality construction, which protects it from leakage in the long term and makes it last longer than you expect. We absolutely love the separate water and electrical compartments.
This increases the safety of the tool and protects the user from accidentally electrocuting themselves. Last but not least, it is characterized by hassle-free assembly and installation and does not require much effort on the users’ part. So, you do not need an expert’s guidance for this purpose, even if you lack experience.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature
- Noise-free
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater is highly recommended for whole-house use because of its hassle-free controls and instant heating applications. Along with this, it is integrated with self-modulation technology, which controls the energy input and contributes to 99.98% energy efficiency.
7. RINKMO Residential Electric Tankless Water Heater
RINKMO Residential Electric Tankless Water Heater is perfect for those that are looking for budget-friendly yet performance-oriented tankless water heaters. Despite its low price, it is incorporated with some of the top-notch attributes and stands out among the rest of its counterparts.
Suitable for both on-point and full house use, it is versatile in nature and thus, is admired by a wide variety of consumers. The smart modulation technology featured by the RINKMO ensures that water is only heated when it is required and cuts down the overall energy use to a great extent. In addition to this, it also reduces the heating cost, thereby lowering the stress on your monthly expenditure.
The temperature control knobs also enable you to modify the temperature settings and are extremely easy to operate. Similar to its previously mentioned competitors, this one also separates the electric wires and water compartments with the help of insulation materials. Hence, offering additional protection against accidental mishaps and leakage.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Lightweight and portable
- Instant hot water supply
Cons
- Requires maintenance
RINKMO Residential Electric Tankless Water Heater is suitable for daily use due to its ultra-silent working environment. The specialized noise-controlling technology embedded in the system reduces the noise generation to a great extent and allows you to enjoy unlimited access to hot water throughout the day.
8. Eemax EEM24036 36 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
With cold winters comes the worry of cold water but with the all new Eemax EEM24036 you don’t need to worry about that anymore! Whether it’s the showers or the sinks, with this water heater you get an endless supply of hot water anywhere in the house at all times.
The best part about this water heater is its energy saving technology. The water heater heats up the water only when you need it and not unnecessarily. In fact this machine also controls the power it puts into the heating process making sure to consume only the energy that is needed for a set required amount of water.
Now although this heater is suitable for the whole house’s requirements, what’s amazing is that its size is still very compact. This makes it perfect for when you’re trying to fit such devices into closer spaces. Moreover its stainless blue blody gives a neat look that can add to the grace of your home interior.
Pros
- Saves energy
- Compact design
- Stainless steel body
Cons
- Installation may be costly
Looking for a tankless water heater that caters to all your needs at once can be hard but no doubt this water heater ticks many of the boxes. Not only does it give you a continuous supply of hot water whenever needed but it also makes sure to help you save water, energy and space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric tankless heaters need venting?
No, electric tankless water heaters are designed in a specified manner to eliminate the need for venting. So, they do not contain any vent. In contrast, gas tankless water heaters require vents to release the excessive gas trapped in the system to prevent explosion, especially after continuous usage.
Is it hard to install an electric water heater?
No, electric water heaters are user-friendly tools that are relatively easier to assemble and install as compared to their other gas-based counterparts. However, you should be extremely careful during the installation process to avoid any unwanted mishaps. We recommend following the user manual properly and contacting the manufacturer in case of confusion.
Are electric tankless water heaters energy-friendly?
Yes, electric water heaters are integrated with self-modulating technology that is renowned for its ability to control energy input depending on the water heating requirement. Modern units are more efficient than their predecessors and can save energy up to 95%. The best whole house electric water tankless heater can also reach up to 99.8% energy efficiency.
Wrapping Up
Water heaters can be a real blessing. Not only can they make your lives much more comfortable physically but actually give you a lot of mental peace when you don’t have to deal with the fear of those daunting early morning cold showers anymore.
Some of the best whole house tankless water heaters are incorporated with self-modulating technology, advanced temperature controls, copper-based heating chambers, and dual heating elements. Thus, based on these attributes, the following are our top three recommendations to all the users out there.
- EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater for its self-modulation abilities, lifetime warranty, adjustable temperature controls, user-friendliness, and energy efficiency.
- Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater due to its multiple size options, noise-free operation, adjustable temperature, wide temperature range, and cost-efficiency.
- Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater because of its increased safety, hassle-free installation, dual heating elements, lightweight, full-house coverage, and minimum maintenance requirement.
Hence, we highly recommend it for those looking for the best whole house tankless water heater in 2021.
