Best Tankless Water Heater Reviews 2018 and Comprehensive Buying Guide

What is Different About these Heaters

We are all use to seeing the big round white tank in the basement or hideaway closet used to heat and store water for whenever we need it. They are part of the panoply of mechanical devices that make modern living tolerable. Without a hot water tank, we’d be boiling water over a stove to take a hot bath. The alternative is of course a cold shower.

The "hot water" heater was invented in a time when energy was abundant and cheap. Finding ways to reduce the impact of this limited resource was the inspiration for discovering the process used today in tankless versions. Instead of keeping 40, 50 or even 100 gallons of water at a temperature of 125˚ F, these instant units raise the temperature of tap water as needed – on demand. The savings in energy is obvious.

The units themselves take up far less space than a conventional hot water tank. In most cases only about 1/8^th the space required for a standard hot water burner. It turns on only when needed. They don't experience the same wear and tear either.

Traditional storage heaters will maintain the water at a sustained temperature far above ambient and this causes elements to burn out or in common cases, the tank begins to leak from metal fatigue or too much heat. Installation of a tankless gas powered unit requires the services of a licensed plumber in most states. It is a similar process but the units themselves are more expensive than the traditional tank.

Instant Hot Water

This term, of course, is a misnomer. Just like a traditional storage model, the gas or electric versions takes time for the water to get from the unit to the faucet or shower head. If it takes 30 seconds for a standard water boiler, it may take 40 seconds for the tankless version. The difference is that the cold water coming through the system starts out cold rather than hot as in a standard tank. To solve the instant hot water problem, adding units closer to the user means that the water has a shorter distance to travel and thus allows it to heat up faster.

Essential Maintenance

Like everything mechanical, water heaters do have a limited functional life. Standard water heaters range from about 6 to 10 years depending upon the quality of the unit, the manufacturer and the use. Instant water heaters, on the other hand, last more than twice as long and rarely does anything go wrong with them. The amount of money saved in the cost of energy over the same period more than makes up for the higher purchase price and installation cost.

Inline Water Heating

Essentially the same as a conventional unit, the inline system heats hot water very close to the outlet. They are often used as a booster to commercial dishwashers or other areas that require very hot water. Hospitals, schools, restaurants, manufacturing plants, bottlers and other commercial applications often use a variety of inline water heaters. However, the homeowner can also use these for many uses through the property from dishwashing to cleaning the car. Units vary in price, but begin under $200.

There are both pros and cons to everything, but in the long run, the tankless unit will be far more cost effective.

Uses for these Specialized Devices

Hot water is something we take for granted. Whether using it for a morning shower or cleaning an old grease laden engine part, hot water is indispensable. But draining a 50 gallon hot water heater and waiting for it to re-heat is cause enough to look into replacement with either a larger tank or an continuous flow inline heater.

Consistent Hot Water

Any unit that interrupts the flow of ambient water by heating it on the run is considered an inline water heater. They are more often referred to as either gas or electric tank-less water heaters. One of the advantages over a tank-type unit is that a tankless system never runs out of hot water. When the faucet is turned on water flows through the small tankless system, either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water to a consistent high temperature. It stays on until the faucet is turned off. So even if you have 5 people in a row taking hot showers, using about 20 gallons of water each, a tankless version of your heater never runs cold.

Bathroom

Using an inline water heater in the bathroom means that there will never be a shortage of hot water. The units can be set up in parallel for simultaneous demands. Different size units are available depending upon the size of the family and specific use.

Kitchen

Besides having hot water available for cooking, an automatic dishwasher is the most common appliance to use an tank free heater. In many cases, it is used to boost the temperature for the dishwasher. A gas unit, when gas or LP is available, is very efficient in most warm weather climates

Pool

Heating a pool would be impossible for a tank-type system. Pools require a large amount of hot water to circulate throughout the night when the outside temperatures drop as the sun goes down. Using an inline heater is the only way to be guaranteed that hot water will be available when needed.

Commercial Uses

Inline water heaters have found acceptance in many commercial applications that require a large supply of continuous hot water. Among the applications are restaurants, schools, hospitals and laboratories. These units are often set up with thermostatic device that boost the temperature for long runs between the source and the function such as a commercial dishwasher. A thermostatic heater controls the precise temperature of the water.

Whole House Units

If the entire house or cabin needs to be heated for use at multiple points such as a kitchen and bathroom, then many smaller homes can get by with just a single unit or multiple units that are run together.

Among the better-known companies that manufacturer tankless heaters are Bosch, Rheem, Stiebel, Eemax, Rinnai, Paloma and Chronomite.

Since these inline models last 3 to 5 times longer than a tank type system, choosing the right unit to fit today’s particular needs is economical and efficient. In addition, they do add value to the home for the energy savings accrued over the life of the units.

Difference Between a Tankless Model and a Traditional Storage Tank Version

What is the main difference between a tankless hot water-heater and a traditional storage tank heater? Clearly, the obvious answer is that one has a storage tank and the other does not. But that's by no means all, that can be said, when it comes to comparing tank and tankless models. The absence of tank logically leads to mentioning the benefits arising from this feature.

Efficiency

First of all, tankless hot units are very efficient. They don't have a tank, and, therefore, do not need to constantly maintain the temperature of the heated water, ready for call off.

This means there is little heat loss and lower energy bills.

Environmental Credentials

The energy efficiency of these tank free devices mean they are viewed as being more environmentally friendly, saving energy and natural resources over their storage tanked cousins.

Space Requirements

Due to the absence of a storage tank, which may be very large in some households, these units can be installed in much smaller and more convenient locations.

Models Available

There are two main types of heater:

Electric

In this type of system, an electric element heats the water.

Gas

In this type of system, a gas burner heats the water. The gas used is usually propane, supplied from a tank.

Gas models generally create higher flow rates than electric systems.

Both systems have their respective merits, but when researching tankless water systems, you’ll find some units and brands more effective and energy efficient, therefore cost friendly, than others.

Most units deliver an instant supply of hot water, but some are easier to use and provide larger supplies of hot water than others. All units are different but, most units provide between 2 – 5 gallons of hot water per minute.

We recommend you read the reviews here in this article to help you determine which one is better for your home or use.

Comparing A Gas Vs Electric Equivalent

The choice between the two is simple. In many cases, however, the decision to go with a gas vs. electric unit is determined by circumstances beyond mere economic motivations. When it comes to either or, the benefits and disadvantages need to be considered.

Gas vs. Electric

Always go with the gas if it is available. The cost is less than electricity when measured on a per BTU (British Thermal Units) scale and they have higher flow rates and therefore more applicable uses. Electric powered versions on the other hand, require less space and lower operating costs then conventional tank-type heaters.

Energy Requirements

The gas requirements for a tankless gas water heater are about 4 times the amount for a tank-type unit when measured in BTUs because the tankless system use more energy to heat a smaller amount of water for a shorter period of time. The gas lines feeding the system usually need to be larger to accommodate the higher gas flow.

The same applies for a tankless electric option. Far more wattage is necessary to heat the water for a shorter period of time. In some older homes, the electric service and wiring leading to the heater also needs to be upgraded.

Ignition Systems

Whether you have a standard tank or a tankless system in place, the gas needs to be ignited whenever there is a need for hot water. Some have a standing pilot light that continuously burns gas. The burning of the pilot light generally means that the cost of operating gas tankless systems is higher then the electric equivalent.

As a result gas tankless heaters are generally used in high use applications, like restaurants or hotels. If the pilot goes out, the gas is automatically shut off to prevent leakage. Some models may overcome this drawback by using an electric ignition that creates a spark to ignite the gas.

Energy Factors

This is a term used to determine the efficiency of either a tankless gas or electric water heater. How much energy is need to heat a certain amount of water under normal circumstances. It also takes into account heat loss through the wiring, venting, combustion and the walls of the unit itself. Higher energy factor means a more efficient usage. Energy factors for tankless systems are always higher than for conventional tank-type heaters.

So although the costs to operate a gas or electric tankless heater are less over the long run, the cost of installation and possible upgrades needs to be taken into consideration when choosing between gas vs. electric water heaters.

Point-of-Use vs. Whole House Model

Tankless hot water heaters are available in two options. Point-of-use models and the whole house kind. They are different and will be ideal for different purposes.

Point of Use Tankless Water Heater

Point of use tankless models are inexpensive and very compact. Install a point of use heater right at the point where you require hot running water. This is usually below sinks and near showers. You may also use it to supply with water other key appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.

Points of use tankless devices are ideal if you only need hot water for specific reasons or individual appliances. If you need a larger volume of water. Or you need greater distribution. Say, for the whole household or a large family, on a daily basis, you would be better off with a whole house heater.

Whole House Tankless Heating

Whole house heaters are ideal when you want to supply the whole house with hot water. They heat water instantly, but, only when you actually need it. This is what makes tankless hot model so energy efficient, there is no energy loss.

The whole house heater is comparatively more expensive than the point of use option. However, they should not be directly compared to a point of use tankless water heater. You should compare a whole house tank-free heater against its tanked equivalent. If you do this then the costs are far more comparable.

Where You Might Need a Tankless Water Heater

The symptoms are easy to detect. A hot shower never gets really hot, but lukewarm instead. Or in some cases, the dishes aren’t clean when you remove them from the automatic dishwater. That’s usually the first sign of trouble of a heating problem.

But before you replace the unit, first determine where the problem lies. You may not really have such a problem with a typical tank-type water heater, and even less so with a tankless gas or electric water-heater. There are items to check before you spend a lot of money.

Energy Source

In all cases of electric water heater, the unit is on a separate electric circuit. A typical tank-type unit requires about 7000 watts of energy while a tankless electric water heater requires about 38,000 for an average household. If the breaker has been trip for whatever reason, resetting the breaker would be the very first item to check.

In the case of a gas heater, the most common problem is not that it runs out of gas, although in the case of propane that could easily be the culprit, but the pilot light mechanism could be inoperable. Either the pilot light could be out or the electric ignition may need to be cleaned or reset, or in the worst case replaced.

Elements

Tank-type water heaters have heating elements that burn out from constantly being turned on and turned off. Replacing the elements in an electric water heater is a simple step. They are designed for easy repair. Of course, don’t try to change it if you are in the dark as to where it is located on the tank itself. And by all means turn off the electricity to the unit before you start.

Tankless electric hot water heaters have sealed elements that last 3 to 4 times the standard elements, so there is less of a problem.

Leaks

These can occur in a variety of different locations on the tank-type units. The outtake, drain faucet, around heating elements and any other connectors to the tank itself are just a sampling of the areas a leak can occur. When they do occur, it’s generally time to replace the tank.

With an electric or gas tankless unit these types of water heater problems rarely exist.

So before you decide to replace your water heater, check the alternatives to the water heater problems and save yourself some money.

Benefits of the These Heaters – Plumbers Advice

A tankless water heater is not only convenient, it is reliable and efficient also. Any plumber would advise you to buy a tankless heater in your house.

These chamberless water heaters, also known as inline, instantaneous or continuous flow, have every reason to be called a good option. Despite widespread scepticism, conventional water heaters do not compete with tankless ones in many household environments.

It goes without saying, they have no reservoir or tank to store the hot water. The process of heating takes a few seconds. That is the reason why they are called instantaneous. Having no tank has many benefits. For example, tankless water heaters don't have to keep heating previously heater water over and over again in order to maintain temperature. This advantage alone will reduce your energy bill.

Electric water heaters use energy to heat up water. They need a lot of energy while heating, and this is to be taken into account. Electric models are very good, when it comes to energy conservative. Indeed, they are associated with efficiency ratings at nearly 99%.

Tankless Heaters are Available for Specific Uses

Tank-less water heaters usually supply hot water to all appliances and for the whole house. However, there are smaller models that are designed to heat water for limited area. Point-of-use tankless device are very convenient to locate, for example one might place them under a sink.

The advantage of the point-of-use tankless hot water heater is their size. They are used to heat water for a specific area, which is cheaper then installing and using centralized tankless heater. Quite often point-of-use units are used in combination with a conventional centralized water heater with small reservoir.

Compact Size

They can be placed almost everywhere. They don't have any reservoir, so their size is much smaller than that of conventional ones. The smaller size gives you options that are convenient to your circumstances. These options are not always available for whole house tanked water heaters.

Instant Heating

Continuous flow of hot water is an advantage that make people like this thing. Those who don't want to wait enjoy instant heating.

Environmentally Friendly

To operate tankless heaters use only energy and gas, which makes them environmentally friendly. In contrast, conventional water heaters waste a lot of resources.

No Reservoir Corrosion

As there is no reservoir, they are not as susceptible to long term corrosion. It greatly contributes to the durability of your system. Corrosion is not totally avoided; however corrosion of pipes cannot be compared with the corrosion of a reservoir.

Other Factors to Consider

An important investigation you should carry before buying a unit is to go through the above reviews. This is essential, since it allows you to know first-hand truthful information from those utilizing this or that kind of device. Following are some guidelines on how to make proper and quick decision based on reviews.

Geographic Location and Weather

First thing to bear in mind is that water conditions vary depending on weather and geographic location. In different locations flow rate is also different. So, comparing reviews, make sure that people who wrote them are from similar geographic conditions at least.

Costs of Operation

In a study undertaken in 2010, researchers compared the cost of running a gas version against their tanked equivalents. The research showed that the savings obtained by using a heater not requiring a tank were 37% over their tank equivalents.

At that time, it should also be noted that the cost of the tankless heaters was also considered to be too high to make this payback worthwhile. Of course, as we have examined in this article, cost is not always the only reason to consider buying one. It should also be noted that the researchers did not look at electric powered heaters in the study.

Installation costs

Installation costs depend on whether your unit uses gas (tankless gas water heaters) or electricity (tankless electric water heater). Although it's considerably cheaper to install electricity operated heater, gas operated one is more efficient.

Electricity or Gas Costs in your Local Area

The cost of gas and electricity locally will influence you decision over which tankless water heating system is most appropriate for your home.

Requirement for Water

You need to consider the need for hot water, whether it is for the whole household or specific appliances. Also, if it is for the whole household how many that household normally is and therefore the volume of water you need.

Safety features

Any household appliance that uses gas or electricity has potential risks. Ensure you purchase and install the right product for your home. Ensure the water heater you intend to buy has a carbon monoxide detector and a heat exchanger (to prevent the unit overheating).

Your preferred option should also be UL or ETL listed.

You should consider the reputation of the company selling the heater. Look online for any reviews and pay close attention to dissatisfied customers.

Warranty provided

You should ensure you get a manufacturers warranty, the longer the better and the more it covers the better too.

Aesthetics

For whatever reason, the first thing that comes to everybody's mind is that tankless water heating units are more attractive because they don't have a water tank. Physical appearance, however, is not the only advantage of not having a tank. Tankless units are more lasting. The absence of water tanks means that there's no space for corrosion, and fewer parts of the units require less maintenance. So, one of these heaters serve up to twenty years and more against traditional units with its 5-10 year life expectancy. The abscence of geysers, which sometimes burst, means extended warranty from your insurance company.

Returning to the aesthetic aspect, it's worth saying that a tank less water-heater is of huge value for those who cares for good appearance of their home. These units are very compact and can be either mounted on the wall or build in the structure of your home.

Green Product and Government Rebate

These models consist of fewer parts, as compared to traditional units. They use less resource and, therefore, produce less pollution. These heaters well deserve the status of a green product, which has also been approved by government. Seeing the benefits of employing tankless units in household, many governments promote the purchase of these products, by giving rebates up to 30% on your tax for your purchase.

Our View

​Tankless water heaters are an energy efficient, space saving alternative to the traditional storage tank water heating system. They add flexibility and convenience to the process of heating water with the option of whole house systems, or just point of use systems.

That said, tankless water heaters are generally more expensive both to purchase and install and these factors should definitely be taken into account when making your water heating decision. We like tankless water heaters. We believe that they will become more and more popular and that prices will fall accordingly.

Read the tankless water heater reviews. We hope the information contained within will assist you in making the best tankless water heater buying choice.​