As home appliances continue to advance in the market, the need to find a more efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly water heater brings us to the electric tankless water heater. A research done by the U. S. Department of Energy has revealed that the market for tankless water heaters has risen by more than 200% in the last ten years. Unlike the old-fashioned and energy-wasting appliances, tankless models produce hot water as needed, thus, there is no need to store water and heat it constantly in a massive tank. This not only helps in cutting down utility bills but also in utilizing the limited space available in contemporary houses. With such a great variety of products available today, all of which claim to be energy-saving and provide hot water on demand, how does one make a decision? In this guide, we will take a look at the best electric tankless water heaters of 2024, which can provide a constant supply of hot water for your home, ensuring that you never have to endure a cold shower again.
What are Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters, also referred to as instant water heaters, are modern devices that heat water without using a storage tank. When you open the hot water tap, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit and then either an electric element or a gas burner heats the water immediately. This process makes sure that you have enough hot water supply anytime you need it and do not wait for a long time.
Why Choose Electric Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters come in two main types: gas and electric. Although both types provide the convenience of on-demand hot water and lower energy bills, electric tankless water heaters have some features that are exclusive to them and make them a great option for many homeowners.
1. Easier installation and convenience: Electric tankless water heaters are easier to install than gas types of water heaters. They do not need a gas connection or a vent, which is more advantageous than the other types, especially for homes that cannot access natural gas or propane. For instance, a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders revealed that more than half of newly constructed homes do not have gas lines, making electric tankless water heaters a practical choice.
2. Enhanced safety: Electric tankless water heaters are generally safer than their gas counterparts. They do not emit any greenhouse gases or carbon monoxide, thus there are no dangers of gas leakage or blast.
3. Reduced maintenance: The electric tankless water heaters are easier to maintain as compared to the gas ones. They do not have a pilot light or burners that require frequent cleaning and adjustment. There is no gas line either, so there is no chance of having a leak or corrosion of the pipe. This leads to reduced maintenance expenses and increased durability of the unit. On average, electric tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, while gas models can last up to 10-15 years. (Learn: Understanding the Tankless Water Heater Lifespan: What You Need to Know)If you have hard water, it is recommended to have your electric tankless water heater serviced twice a year to prevent potential issues and ensure its longevity.
4. Environmentally friendly: The electric tankless water heaters are more eco-friendly than the gas tankless water heaters. This is because they do not emit any direct greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which leads to a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, as the electricity grid evolves to incorporate more solar and wind power, the environmental footprint of electric tankless water heaters will only continue to reduce.
Who Makes the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters?
The market for electric tankless water heaters is competitive, but there are several key players that are well-known for their quality, efficiency, and customer reviews. Here are some of the leading manufacturers:
JNOD
JNOD was founded in 2009 and has grown to be a prominent company in the electric water heater market. JNOD has been in existence for fifteen years and has developed over forty patents; the company has embraced technological innovation and energy conservation. They offer specific ODM services for industry giants and superior OEM products for market sellers, so that their heaters can meet various and severe requirements. JNOD’s achievement of being the first company in the industry to achieve ETL certification on its own reflects the company’s commitment to safety and quality.
As a company that places a lot of emphasis on innovation, JNOD has been producing electric tankless water heaters that are efficient, durable, and very effective. They have smart temperature controls in their products that improve safety and efficiency. This dedication has placed JNOD as a manufacturer that is able to offer the best electric tankless water heaters in the market today, for various uses in homes, including high usage models, and small models for small spaces.
Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron is a German manufacturer renowned for its innovative and energy-efficient electric tankless water heaters. They have been pioneers in the industry with their advanced flow control technology, which ensures consistent water temperatures even with varying flow rates. Stiebel Eltron heaters are designed for silent operation and compact spaces, making them ideal for urban homes. Their commitment to quality and reliability is evident in their robust construction and long service life, making them a trusted choice for efficient and sustainable hot water solutions.
EcoSmart
EcoSmart, a leader in sustainable water heating, offers electric tankless water heaters known for their eco-friendly design and energy savings. Their heaters feature patented self-modulating technology, which adjusts energy usage based on hot water demand, leading to significant reductions in energy costs. EcoSmart’s digital temperature control system provides precise hot water management, ensuring comfort and convenience. Their compact, wall-mounted units are perfect for homes where space and energy efficiency are top priorities, making EcoSmart a preferred choice for modern, green-conscious consumers.
Rheem
Rheem is a globally recognized brand with a long history of providing innovative water heating solutions. Their electric tankless water heaters are equipped with advanced self-modulating technology, ensuring energy is used efficiently without compromising performance. Rheem heaters are designed to deliver high flow rates and can handle multiple hot water demands simultaneously, making them suitable for larger households. With features like easy-to-use digital controls and durable construction, Rheem provides reliable and efficient hot water solutions tailored to meet diverse residential and commercial needs.
Bosch
Bosch is a leading manufacturer in the electric tankless water heater market, celebrated for its high-efficiency and reliable products. Bosch heaters are designed with advanced technology that ensures instant and endless hot water while maintaining energy efficiency. Their heaters often feature innovative heat exchangers that enhance performance and longevity. Bosch is also known for their user-friendly interfaces and compact designs, making installation and operation straightforward. These attributes make Bosch heaters a popular choice for those seeking dependable and efficient hot water solutions.
Rinnai
Rinnai, a prominent name in water heating technology, excels with its high-performance electric tankless water heaters. Rinnai’s tankless heaters are known for their reliability and advanced features such as precise temperature control and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to adjust settings remotely. Their products are designed to be highly energy-efficient, reducing utility costs while providing a continuous supply of hot water. Rinnai’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that their heaters are durable and capable of meeting the high demands of modern households and businesses.
How To Choose Your Best Electric Tankless Water Heater?
As technology marches forward, electric tankless water heaters are evolving into increasingly advanced appliances, boasting features that can be tailored to meet the specific demands of individual households with unparalleled precision. The market is teeming with high-performance options, each claiming to be the best, making it a daunting task for consumers to navigate through the sea of choices and determine which one truly stands out from the rest. Selecting the most suitable electric tankless water heater for your household depends on the amount of hot water you require, the size of your house, and the climate of your region. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select the perfect unit for your needs:
Determine your hot water demand
The first thing you need to do when selecting an electric tankless water heater is to determine how much hot water your household uses. Think about the number of individuals living in your home, the number of bathrooms, and the appliances that use hot water including washing machines and dishwashers. For instance, a family of four with two bathrooms will need a unit with a higher flow rate of not less than 6 gallons of hot water per minute to meet the demand during the busiest time.
Consider the type of unit
Electric tankless water heaters come in two main types: whole-house units and point-of-use units. Whole-house units are meant to provide hot water to all the fixtures in the house while point-of-use heaters are smaller and meant for a certain fixture or area, for instance, a kitchen sink or a distant bathroom. A whole-house unit is ideal for most homes because it offers a central source of hot water and does not require the installation of several units in the long run.
Evaluate the temperature rise
The temperature rise is also a factor that should be taken into consideration, especially in areas where the temperature of the incoming water is low. A greater temperature increase means that a more powerful unit is needed and may demand a larger electrical supply. For instance, where the groundwater temperature is about 10°C, a temperature increase of not less than 40°C is desirable for adequate supply of hot water.
Assess your electrical service
Tankless electric water heaters need an independent electrical circuit and adequate amperage to provide the necessary power. However, when selecting a unit, it is essential to consider the electrical service of your home and whether it will be capable of handling the power demand of the unit. A whole-house unit requires a 240 V, 40 A circuit while point-of-use units may require a 120 V, 20 A circuit. It is advisable to consult a licensed electrician to find out whether the electrical service in your home requires upgrading to accommodate the chosen unit.
Look for energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key consideration when choosing an electric tankless water heater, as it directly impacts your long-term operating costs and environmental footprint. Look for units with a high efficiency rating, preferably above 98%. Additionally, consider units with advanced features like self-modulating technology, which adjusts power input based on demand, further enhancing efficiency.
Consider the warranty
It is crucial to have a warranty when buying an electric tankless water heater since it guarantees the product’s quality and durability. Search for units that come with a warranty of not less than 5 years on the parts and 10 years on the heat exchanger.
The Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters of 2024
The American Home Appliance Manufacturers Association (AHAM) suggests evaluating electric tankless water heaters based on their performance in maximum flow rate, output water temperature, and thermal efficiency.
We agree with these assessment criteria and have also taken into consideration the factors that consumers value most when purchasing an electric tankless water heater, as revealed in a market research report by the renowned Spruce Institute. By combining these insights, we have developed the following standards to judge the quality and performance of electric tankless water heaters: quality of materials and components, water temperature range, efficiency rating, and advanced features. Here is the list of the best tankless water heaters we choose:
3 Phase Instant Water Heater – JNE
- Materials: High quality ABS case, cast aluminum heating element
- Temperature Range: Adjustable between 30-60℃
- Efficiency Rating: 98% thermal energy efficiency
This model is characterized by its elegant and durable ABS casing and an enhanced touchscreen panel that provides the users with an easy-to-use interface for adjusting the temperature. Compared to conventional tank heaters, the compact size of tankless water heater means that it can be installed on the wall or at multiple points of use, making it suitable for any home or commercial building.
It incorporates JNOD’s unique cast aluminium heating component, which provides a safe water and electricity separation. The multiple layer heating chamber design helps in preventing limescale formation thus increasing the life span of the heater and its efficiency. Additional features include overheat protection, IP25 waterproofing, and auto-detection of faults. The JNE’s capability to deliver hot water within 5 seconds, and the thermal efficiency of 98% makes it a perfect choice for energy-conscious consumers who expect reliability and performance.
Shower Water Heater – QA-T
- Materials: High quality ABS case, cast aluminum heating element
- Temperature Range: Adjustable between 30-55℃
- Efficiency Rating: 98% thermal energy efficiency
It is convenient for users with dual control options that include a touch screen and a step-less knob switch for temperature control.
Another feature that is exclusive to the QA-T is the ELCB leakage protection that shuts off the power supply immediately in case of leakage. Also, it provides hot water at a very fast rate and without interruption, while it is also energy efficient and maintains the temperature difference within one degree. The QA-T has incorporated numerous safety features and easy-to-use controls that make it the best choice for home use and therefore is highly recommended.
Electric Shower Water Heater – FA
- Materials: High quality ABS front cover, cast aluminum heating element
- Temperature Range: Adjustable between 30-55℃
- Efficiency Rating: 98% thermal energy efficiency
This model is designed for those who appreciate both the look of the item and its practical use. This model has an oval shape and an ABS front cover that makes it look like a part of modern bathroom interior and is protected against water splashes and corrosion. The touch screen panel is easy to use and enables the user to set the desired temperature to achieve the best shower experience.
This heater is equipped with numerous safety features, such as overheat, anti-scalding, and leakage protections, which are essential for everyday usage. The patented cast aluminum heating element ensures fast and effective heating so that hot water is available in a matter of seconds. The multi-layer heating chamber design helps to reduce limescale formation and ensures longer service and high efficiency. The FA model is a perfect fit for households that seek a small, energy-efficient water heater that will provide hot water reliably and safely while being environmentally friendly.
Kitchen Water Heater – KE
- Materials: High quality front case, cast aluminum heating element
- Temperature Range: Adjustable between 30-55℃
- Efficiency Rating: 98% thermal energy efficiency
The KE model is intended for use in the kitchen area and is equipped with the latest technologies. This model has several ways of controlling the operation, such as touch screen, remote control, and smart WiFi app, which makes it convenient to use. It is 90% smaller than the traditional tank heaters, and therefore, it can be easily installed on the wall or under the sink to save kitchen space.
The KE has a unique multiple layer heating chamber that helps avoid limescale accumulation hence durability and efficiency. The KE model has additional safety features like overheat protection, IP25 waterproofing, and automatic fault detection. Also, its LED widescreen display shows working conditions and can be installed in an upside-down manner. The KE is perfect for kitchens as it provides hot water instantly and regulates the temperature perfectly and conveniently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in the best electric tankless water heater can transform your daily routines by providing endless hot water, reducing energy costs, and saving space. With top water heater brands like JNOD, Stiebel Eltron, EcoSmart, Rheem, Bosch, and Rinnai leading the market, you have a variety of excellent options to choose from.
Get Your Perfect Option From JNOD
If you’re ready to upgrade to a more efficient and reliable hot water solution, consider exploring the range of electric tankless water heaters from JNOD. Whether you need a powerful unit for a larger home or a compact model for a small space, JNOD has a solution that combines energy efficiency and reliable performance. With their focus on innovative technology and customer satisfaction, JNOD’s heaters are designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s households.
