Understanding the Pros and Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Recent advancements in technology have brought about a new type of water heater, the tankless water heater. Most Americans use the typical storage tank type to provide hot water throughout their homes. Tank type models keep a quantity of water hot twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In other words, this type of water heater uses energy even when you are not using hot water. Tankless type water heaters use energy only when hot water is being used within the home, whether by the shower, sink, or dishwasher. By operating in this manner, you can expect to use less energy heating water to the typical hot water supply temperature of approximately 120°F. Tankless water heaters, similiarly to tank type water heaters can use electricity, natural gas, or propane as their energy source.

So at first glance, it is an obvious choice to install a tankless type water heater in lieu of a tank type water heater in new home construction or as a replacement installation. There are some drawbacks to using a tankless water heater, however. Most tankless water heaters are fueled by natural gas or propane, although electric tankless water heaters are available but the least popular. Let's look at why this might be...

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Electric tankless type water heaters use between 12kW and 28kW of electrical energy to heat water as required by the appliance(s). Assuming a 240V single phase circuit, this represents 50A-120A of current. This is equivalent to a large oven (50A) or an entire house (120A). Current draw in this range will likely require fairly large electrical wiring to be installed, possibly a new breaker depending on whether or not your current electrical panel has the capacity by way of a spare breaker and low demand factor. If it does not, you will need to install an electrical panel of sufficient capacity and potentially have to have the utility company increase the service size to your home. The potential costs outlined above for simply the electrical connection can range in price between 0 and ,000 depending on the utility upgrade costs.

As a consumer you need to do your homework when making the decision to replace your water heater. Although electric tankless water heaters do not require, fuel gas service or a flue, an understanding of the total costs inclusive of electric upgrades clearly demonstrates why they are the least popular amongst the next generation of water heating appliances.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Tankless Water Heater Comparison of Four Major Water Heating Brands

Tankless heaters are becoming more and more popular thanks to their long term saving effect on electricity and water. There are many brands in the water heater market but the following tankless water heater comparison focuses only on four major brands that have provided top quality models according to the industry magazines and consumer reviews.

Rheem

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Rheem company has a variety of different options to offer, which run on gas, are innovated, and that will provide you with plenty of hot water when you need it.

Rheem is a company that is private and has been in operation since 1927. Today there are the leading producer in North America of water heaters and have won multiple awards in the water heating category.

For smaller homes, Rheem provides their RTG-53 series, which is perfect for providing hot water to 1-2 different bathrooms within a home. For those with 3 bathrooms, the RTG-74 series is perfect. The GT-199 heavy duty option is an excellent option for those homes that have over three bathrooms in use.

The main advantage of Rheem tankless water hears is that they can operate multiple appliances, even over a period of time. The controls on the heaters are electric as well so that the thermostat can be easily controlled to keep water from becoming too hot, which is especially important for families that have children.

Stiebel Eltron

Stiebel Eltron is a company that was founded in Germany back in 1924. Through the years, the have been known for their water heaters and the company is now the top manufacturer in Germany.

The products that they offer vary from mini tankless water heaters, which are extremely compact, to larger options that are made to support larger household hot water needs. They provide special scald guards on their heaters.

They also offer thermal cut off safety sensors as well as special temperature controls that are all digital. Prices vary depending on the option purchased, but the average price on these heaters is about 0.

Noritz

The vision of Noritz company is to change the way that hot water is used to help eliminate detrimental effects that occur to our environment. They are an up and coming company in the industry, and although thy have not been around as long as some of the other companies, they have the largest plant for manufacturing tankless water heaters.

Noritz is a company that was originally based in Japan. They offer products that are compact and offer installation that is easy whether you are installing indoors or outdoors. The supply of water provided by their heaters is impressive, at 13.2 gallons each minute. One big advantage is the 10 year warranty that is on the heat exchanger, and they provide a three year warranty on the other parts of the system.

Electronic controls allow users to prevent scalding issues, and some of the newer models even come with alarms that go off when so much water has been used. For heavy demands, the N-084M-DV, the N-132M, and the n-084M are good options. For simpler household needs, the N-69M-OD, N-063-OD, and the N-063S are all good options.

Bosch

Bosch is a company well known for their innovative products and it is one of the top selling tankless heaters manufacturers out there. The 12 year warranty is one of the big pros this company has to offer, since this is a longer warranty than any of the other companies offer on their brands.

Their water heaters are made to save space and they provide plenty of hot water, even for homes that are using several appliances at once. More than 7 gallons of water are delivered for each minute, making sure consumers do not run out of hot water.

These products are light weight, there is freeze protection built in, and it has a 120 volt electronic ignition that can be used. Although a few consumers have reported malfunctions, as you compare tankless water heaters, you will find that what Bosch has to offer is definitely top of the line.

Tankless Water Heater Comparison of Four Major Water Heating Brands

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Bosch Tankless Hot Water Heaters and Their Model Numbers

What is good in a tankless hot water heater is that you will have an endless supply of hot water. There is no standby heat loss and you can conserve energy or electricity. Your electricity bill will down and having this kind of heater is a space savings too.

It is normal to each individual that you always want the best for your house and family and one have to get the good value which their money worth since the money they pay comes from their hard day's work.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

One of the manufacturers that offers tankless hot water heater is Bosch. Bosch products have different types of features to choose from. Here are some of their more popular models:

Bosch Aqua Star 2400ES - Set as standard tankless Bosch Aqua Star 2700ES - Gas tankless Bosch Aqua Star 1600P Bosch Aqua Star 1600H (Replaces model 125B) Bosch Aqua Star 1600PS - Solar Bosch Aqua Star 1000P

These were the few of Bosch's models. They have still more products in regards to heating and distributing water.

Things or any appliances can stay longer when one knows how to handle it with care, aside from factory damages or factory defect. Bosch tankless water heater cost less than other brands.

When making upgrade to your home water system, it is logical only if you do your research first or otherwise you end up with many problems than solutions. These tankless systems are a great option for ensuring always have plenty of heated water when you need it. But one has to make sure and take time to explore the various models available before purchasing one.

Although many consumers does not realize that all models are not the same, since manufacturers offers it in variety of models featuring variations and one should select a model that is right for one's home.

A complaint of every brand of tankless hot water heater is natural since no one can please everybody. When buying any model of Bosch heater, be aware of the warranty they got for that kind of model you purchase.

For further information or if you want to do some research regarding Bosch tankless hot water heater, you can log in online through the internet. Learn a lot and explore the different sites for tankless heaters with the brand name Bosch.

Everyone has their choice to which tankless hot water heater they prefer to buy, the decision always in the hands of the in users not to the manufacturer. So be careful and before buying, try to learn more about each brand you like for your tankless hot water heater.

Bosch Tankless Hot Water Heaters and Their Model Numbers

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Review

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater delivers you hot water of 4 gallons per minute. It holds enough to deliver a person enough warm water supply to finish off with good shower. The Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless is compact in size and comes in lightweight and it does not create annoying sounds when heating up.

This can be easily installed by the homeowners. It's an economical, energy efficient water heater product that can be installed in small houses and apartments for its usability. It can also be used as a seasonal backup unit that saves on oil use during the summer months - especially in the northern US.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Price

The Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Heater costs 2.00, which includes shipping. There may be other electrical and plumbing materials required for installation that are not included with this unit.

Usage Considerations

At 4 gallons per minute, the Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Heater is a low capacity unit. It can service one shower at a time with this water heater and it will not be able to leave the sink running while in the shower.

AVERAGE APPLICATION FLOW RATE IN GPM AT 60 PSI
• Typical Shower 1.5 to 2.0 GPM Max. 2.5 GPM
• Typical Bath Tub Faucet 2.0 to 3.0 GPM
• Bathroom Vanity Sink Faucet 0.5 to 1.5 GPM
• Kitchen Sink Faucet 1.0 o 2.2 GPM
• Washer 1.5 to 3.0 GPM

This water heater is very quiet and easy to install. Also, if you have hard water then you should purchase a water softener.

Specifications & Regulations

• Plumbing connections: ½ inch NPT - Minimum flow rate ½ gallon per minute
• Electrical Specifications: 240 volts, Breaker Requirements 60 Amp (1), Max Power 54 Amp, AWG Wire 6
• External temperature control
• LED's indicate active element and standby mode
• Rugged brass/ copper heat exchanger
• Minimum activation flow rate: 0.4 GPM
• Maximum flow rate: 4 GPM
• Efficient hot water flow in up to a 60 degree water temperature rise from incoming water

Several of the consumers who left reviews, mention that the Rheem RET 13 was easy to install. This is an economical, energy efficient product that can be used in small houses or apartments. It can also be used as a seasonal backup unit that saves on oil use during the summer months - especially in the northern US.

This is a compact, quiet electric tankless heater. The Rheem RET 13 is easy to install and if selected for the correct circumstances can be very satisfying. You will need to study your water usage carefully before purchasing this unit in order that you don't purchase too small a capacity water heater. If you do, however, match this unit with you needs correctly, you will be pleased.

Rheem RET 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater Review

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

With the cost of energy on the rise, many of us are looking for ways to save on our monthly electric or gas bills. In your search for ways to stretch a dollar, you may have heard of a tankless water heater.

A tankless water heater, whether gas or electric, is designed to heat water only on demand. Basically, water leaves your water line and enters the heater and flows around a heating unit en-route to the point of utilization without every being stored and given the opportunity to cool off again. The key feature is that the heater does not turn on until it senses that a hot water tap is being opened. In short, the water is heated as part of the delivery process and only when it will be used immediately. This is in contrast to a typical tank water heater that holds gallons of water (40 gallons is typical) in a constantly heated state. Even if you are not home for the weekend, the tank heater is diligently heating the water to your desired temperature and then heating it again as it cools off. The tankless water heater only heats water once and that is where the savings come into play.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The difficulty is that the savings can be dramatically higher or lower depending on your specific situation. However, as a rule of thumb, a household should realize a 30% savings on energy related to hot water usage. This might work out as follows:

Tank heater cost per month -
Tankless cost at 30% reduction per month -
Savings per month -
Savings per year - 0

0 per year is nothing to sneeze at but a tankless system might not make sense depending on a few other variables. If you live in a very cold climate, it takes more energy to heat the water. The baseline water temperature in Phoenix is much warmer than in Fargo, N.D. If you live in Fargo, your savings would be less if all other things are equal.

Additionally, it costs about 0 for an installed tank water heater but two to three times that amount for a tankless system. This translates to roughly 0 - ,400 additional dollars out of your pocket. At a 0 yearly cost reduction, it will take 3.5 to 8 years to recover the additional expense and begin to save money. If you plan on moving in the next few years, a tankless system makes absolutely no sense. Additionally, if you have a gas system, you will need to modify the gas lines feeding the heater and this can be very costly. Of course, this cost is not a concern if you are looking at installing in a new home.

Taking this as a whole, we can conclude that vacation homes or families with low hot water usage generally would not benefit economically from a tankless system. However, if you are a large family with the attendant high frequency showering and laundering, it may be a good fit for you.

However, there are other non-economic reasons for installing a tankless system. Tankless systems last twice as long as tank water heaters and they don't fail catastrophically. It is not uncommon for a tank system to fail and spill all forty or so gallons of water into the home. This volume of water can do tremendous damage in short order - destroyed drywall, ruined carpet, damaged electrical systems, etc. The cost to repair this damage can run upwards of thousands of dollars. The tankless system avoids this and provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that you don't have a potential hydro-time-bomb in your utility closet.

Another major reason for people electing a tankless system is avoidance of the "shower frigid dance." If you have ever been halfway through a shower and had the hot water give out, you know what I mean. With a tankless system, you have unlimited hot water since the water is being heated on the fly and not from a stored container. No more waiting for the tank to heat more after your teenager took a fifty minute shower while the dishwasher was running.

Also, a tankless system is much smaller than a tank system. If your heater is in an inconvenient spot or a tight space, a tankless system might be able to help you out.

Finally, people that are eco-conscious will choose the tankless system as well. Even if the energy savings is low, every bit counts. And with the twenty year life span of the tankless system, there is less pollution and energy used manufacturing yet another water heater at the ten year mark when a traditional system would fail.

Whether a tankless water heater is a good fit for you depends very much on your particular circumstances. However, with a little research and thought you may be able to save money and have more comfortable shower!

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

While smart consumers do all they can to save money, the quest for the lowest cost can sometimes lead you to making a decision that isn't in your best interest. Sadly, this is a common mistake that many of us have had to learn the hard way. In the case of a tankless water heater, the lowest priced deal is generally not the best purchase for you to make. You want to ensure the unit is going to be safe for your family as well as perform properly.

If you decide to invest in a refurbished tankless water heater system, you need to be prepared for disappointment and having to invest more money in the future. You really have not idea what you are getting when you purchase one of these units. It is sad, yet it is also very true. You should always buy a new tankless water heater system to prevent issues and concerns from coming up.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Keep in mind that any refurbished tankless water heater system has failed in the past. This is why it was sent back to the factory. Sure, it has been fixed at the factory and it is being sold at a huge savings, but do you know why it failed the first time? There is no guarantee that it won't become defective again. The idea of refurbishing items and the selling them is nothing new to the market place, but it isn't a good idea to purchase them when it comes to particular products including tankless water heaters.

Why take the risk of purchasing a tankless water heater that has already failed once and has the potential to do so again? You will not be getting any type of warranty on such a purchase. You will be left to pay for the repairs or to replace it should the unit fail. While you can save a great deal of money on the initial purchase, the risk is great that you will have to spend a great deal of money on repairs or to replace it down the road.

Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Why Choose Rheem Tankless Gas Water Heaters

Rheem tankless gas water heaters are just one of the many brands available to the consumer in today's market niche for a water heater. So why choose a Rheem product? There is a Rheem product for literally any application, from the smallest to the largest, Rheem will have a solution for you heating requirements. Rheem offers compact products freeing up space in your home for other appliances which are great if you live in a small apartment or house. You'll never have to worry about fluctuating hot water, the water running cold or having a limited supply because with one of the Rheem tankless gas water heaters you will have instant hot water on demand.

Rheem tankless gas water heaters have featured in the well known builder's magazine called "Building Products top 100" as one of the top 'Green products' in the building industry. Based on the low number of repairs done to already sold units, It has further reported that consumers found the Rheem products to be the most reliable and simple to use. Units are fitted with state of the art temperature controls which stand as proof of the technological achievements made by Rheem. It is also very user friendly and self diagnostic built-in systems which make it easy to read maintenance codes.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem tankless gas water heaters have dual gas burning units that superheats the water as it passes through the internal copper piping, and this means that it will never run out unlike a conventional heating system that has a limited supply of hot water. Rheem has an energy sufficient design which directly contributes to the low cost of operating the unit. Households with higher demand requirements can purchase the EZ-link cable to connect two ore more units at the same time.

The Rheem brand-name is well respected in the marketplace everywhere in the world because they are committed to provide a quality product and customer service at superior levels. Call Centers are staffed with trained technical personnel that are very knowledgeable about all applications and can help you choose a solution to suit your heating needs.

Rheem tankless gas water heaters are manufactured to the highest quality standards and The 'Rheem' name are branded with pride on each appliance. A full custom warranty card should be filled out at your point-of-purchase, and will be send to the head office for immediate registration of your products. All warranties are valid for 20 years and products are expected to meet this life expectancy as we use only the most durable materials in construction of all products.

Rheem products are manufactured under very strict safety conditions and invite you to review the customer testimonials on the internet. We treat every customer that buys a Rheem product as a priority and you can be sure of the best customer service levels in the industry from us. Rheem has been supplying top quality products to the public since 1930 and have built a reputation by supplying only the best tankless gas water heating solutions at competitive prices. Did you know that government will issue you with a tax credit up to 00 (30%) of the cost of a tankless gas water heater? This is due to the overall effectiveness of the product in lowering pollution and green house gases.

Whether you require a heating solution for your home or business in order to keep costs down and cut expenses, selecting one of the Rheem tankless gas water heaters from a wide range is a wise and sound investment that will last you many years to come.

Why Choose Rheem Tankless Gas Water Heaters

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Purchasing A Wholesale Tankless Water Heater

No matter what you are considering purchasing, it is important that you are able to get a good deal. While most everyone wants something for nothing that mentality just isn't practice. In most cases, you can save a considerable amount of money if you purchase big ticket items wholesale. Most retailers can't offer you the same low price on a tankless water heater as a wholesaler can.

To find out, you really have to be able to understand the business. A wholesaler is the supplier of the goods or services are able to purchase from the various retailers available. In most cases a wholesaler also sells tankless water heaters to other retailers who in turn sell them to consumers. This is the most common business practice out there. If you are going to purchase a wholesale tankless water heater then you are going to have to do it with a dealer. Don't be conned into purchasing one from any place that says they provide them wholesale to the public. This is a common ploy used for marketing that has been around for more than a decade. In reality, this is simply a normal retail dealer who is fooling consumers.

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Many dealers are able to pass substantial savings on to consumers when they purchase a tankless water heater because they buy them in bulk and get a discount. This is the very best way for a dealer to make a profit on the goods or services they offer. They larger quantity they purchase at once the larger the discount applied will be. The truth of the matter is that unless you are a dealer you won't be able to purchase a wholesale tankless water heater. The best advice I can offer you is to take your time and compare prices. You want to make sure you get the best possible deal from the retailer.

Purchasing A Wholesale Tankless Water Heater

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS