Keep Your Water Hot With The Best Water Heater in 2022
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EcoSmart Eco 11 -
Rinnai Tankless Gas Water Heater -
Westinghouse 80 Gal. Electric Water Tank -
Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater -
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater -
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater -
Buyer's Guide
One thing that defines a civilized society is a supply of clean, potable water. In the United States, we use more water than any other nation, and we use it in more ways than any other nation. Heating water for bathing is almost unheard of in most countries, so remember not to take this for granted the next time you bathe.
The energy used to heat enough water for a typical family of four accounts for up to 30 percent of the average home's energy budget. Deciding what type of energy is used to heat your water, and what mode of heating you chose, is very important as it will play a very large role in your day-to-day life.
There are only a few sources of energy used here, namely electric, gas, oil, and solar. Depending on where you live and how much hot water you consume, these things will dictate how hot water is stored, and subsequently, what style of water heater you should use.
You can have the traditional hot water tank that holds 30 to 80 gallons of water, maintained at a constant temperature, ready to use when you need it. Or you may opt for the newer tankless water heater that runs water through a heating element when you need it. This is far more energy-efficient than traditional tanks as it only uses energy when you make a draw on the water. Since the tankless water heaters don’t have to maintain a hot water tank, when not in use, tankless water heaters will consume no energy at all.
If you live in a very sunny area of the country, you might opt for a solar hot water heating system that is a combination of both. Insulated tubing sits on the roof of your home, being heated by the sun. Once it reaches a certain temperature, it is then pumped down to a tank that will store this hot water ready for use. Because these solar panels sit in the sun all day, they are also generating enough electrical energy to circulate the water and run the pumps that allow it all to function. If your conditions are right, these can be a very good source of hot water all year long.
With all of this in mind, we've compiled a list of six high-quality water heaters from reputable brands. We've broken down their features, including pros and cons, and have an additional buying guide at the end. Read on to pick the right one for you!
EcoSmart Eco 11
- Small size
- Lifetime warranty
- Energy efficient
- Needs a 60 amp breaker
Rinnai Tankless Gas Water Heater
- Includes a natural gas Leak detection alarm
- Can be monitored or run through an app
- Limited energy efficiency
Westinghouse 80 Gal. Electric Water Tank
- Durable design
- Lifetime warranty
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Requires a licensed plumber to install
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater
- Quick supply re-fill
- High efficiency
- Not compact
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater
- LED status display
- Great safety features
- Wide because of is compactness
Helping you make sure you get hot water when you need it
EcoSmart Eco 11 - Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
Say goodbye to any worries about having the wrong water heater when you have the EcoSmart ECO 11 electric tankless water heater in your home. Tise amazingly built water heater comes with a patented self-modulating technology which is the current best in the market. The confidence of the company in this product is made evident by the lifetime warranty that they offer to their customers.
- Small size
- Lifetime warranty
- Energy efficient
- Needs a 60 amp breaker
The performance remains consistent even after years, with a constant supply of hot water for any use, whether it is for doing the dishes, bathing in the shower, or doing laundry. The ECOSMART tankless water heater has 99.8% energy efficiency and claims to save up to 60% on your water heating costs alone. So, any household in need of a single or multiple water heaters is bound to save a lot in the long term by using this product.
With a lifetime warranty, the water heater is sure to end up paying for itself by just the savings you accrue with it! The most common complaint with water heaters is the space they take, but this one knocks this complaint out of the park with dimensions that compare to the size of a shoebox (11.5" x 8" x 3.75"). All in all, it is the most convenient choice if you have space concerns at your home.
With its patented technology, a single unit is capable of multi-tasking and can accommodate 2 showers at the same time. As for its heating abilities, even in the coldest temperatures ECO 11 quickly (within a minute) and efficiently supplies hot water and can maintain the flow of water without fluctuations in the water supply's quantity or temperature. The device works with 13KW at 220 volts and needs a breaker of 60 amp- so do make sure that you have the needed electrical installations.
Rinnai Tankless Gas Water Heater - Best Gas Tankless Water Heater
The V65iN will provide to any user both value and ease of use, and it is the most simple, yet efficient, water heater among natural gas tankless water heaters. If you have a small to medium-sized household, Rinnai’s V65iN easily wins over its counterparts because of its compact and portable size, as well as its being extremely easy to install. Every indoor household need of yours will be fulfilled by this device, so sit back and relax in peace when you have this gem of a product equipped in your home.
- Includes a natural gas Leak detection alarm
- Can be monitored or run through an app
- Limited energy efficiency
Rinnai V65iN is small in size, so it frees up a lot of space compared to tanks and other water heaters. It can easily run up to two showers simultaneously, so a single unit alone caters to a small family. Installing this device without help, however, is no easy task, so it is recommended to hire an expert for the installation process.
You are probably concerned about what the water pressure and flow of such a portable and natural gas-based device would be. Well, at maximum capacity, the V65iN can offer a 6.5 GPM flow rate of hot water so all the faucets connected to the device get hot water with constant flow when used.
Another standout feature of this model is its native app, the Control-R 2.0, through which not only can you set timers and schedules, but also remotely put your device on ‘vacation mode. All these features, except for the installation, come with a warranty of 120 months, with 60 months for parts, and 12 months for labor.
However, you need not worry about the time limit since most customers report it functioning well even after 4-5 years. It is important to follow the maintenance guidelines for this model if you want it to work for years without any inconvenience but rest assured, it is one of the very few models that have almost no issues after installation.
Westinghouse 80 Gal. Electric Water Tank - Best Electric Water Tank
The Westinghouse 80 Gallon has the word lifetime in it because that's how long it aims to fulfill your needs; a lifetime. This laser-welded stainless steel tank is durable and designed to prevent corrosion. It is also adequately insulated. This means that water temperatures will remain high without drawing on a lot of power and hence, saving you some bucks.
- Durable design
- Lifetime warranty
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Requires a licensed plumber to install
We talked about temperature, so let's not forget about the great temperature control that this water heater boasts. The lightweight tank also has outlets on the top and the sides which makes for some convenient usage and installation. We must say, however, that installation must be done by a licensed plumber. Westinghouse will only cater to the lifetime warranty terms if the heater is installed by a professional.
Did we also mention how this unit is one of the cheapest water heaters that you can buy right now? The one-quarter turn drain valve is a nice touch on the device especially when it is stacked against other units of the same price point that are usually equipped with cheap plastic valves. Another way the Westinghouse 80 Gal tank sets itself apart from the competition is by offering a first-hour hot water supply of 84 gallons. That's more than what most premium models can manage!
On the flip side, we must talk about the heating elements of the heater. Due to the absence of sacrificial elements in the water heater, the heating elements act as sacrificial elements and are prone to get destroyed pretty quickly.
Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater - Best Mini Water Heater
The Bosch 3000 T 7-Gallon ES8 is one of the larger models on our list, but if a smaller size is what you need, you can always opt for 2.5 and 4-gallon options. Despite it being larger, the water heater still comes in a close and compact design that is easy to install without taking up too much space. Also, did we mention how you may integrate the device with your existing home décor since it looks sleek and stylish?
- Sleek design
- Quick heating
- Plastic connections
When it comes to functionality, ES8 is second to none. It heats water very quickly and can maintain the temperature of the water supply. Its ability to provide hot water at an instant is something that cannot be said about most other electric water heaters. The surprising heat-keeping ability (due to the CFC/free foam insulation) ensures that the appliance does not have to keep using power, which helps save electricity consumption.
The sleek design that we spoke of earlier also lets you fit it inside a cabinet! So when it comes to water heaters for small spaces, like under your sink, the Bosch 3000 T 7-Gallon ES8 is a no-brainer. The appliance is lined with glass, making it durable so you don’t have to worry about breakage. It also has 6 years of warranty accompanied by 2 years for parts. ES8 also has impressive water pressure and a temperature range of 150 psi and 65-145°F, respectively.
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater - Honorable Mention
A.O. Smith's Signature 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater is made to provide a reliable hot water supply to any household with 2-3 persons without breaking a sweat. The tank is admittedly large but comes with a slim profile (61.25-in height x 18-in diameter) and has a shield that is ceramic-infused.
- Quick supply re-fill
- High efficiency
- Not compact
The fine design for such a large appliance will also make installation convenient. If you are concerned about the cleaning and sediment build-up, we have good news for you; this tank has a specially designed self-cleaning dip tube for automated cleaning. So, 6 years of warranty on this device is no surprise to us.
The water heater guarantees energy efficiency and savings by operating at a 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) with non-CFC polyurethane foam insulation and heat trap nipples (which are factory-installed, so another burden off your shoulder) for heat loss reduction.
Out of all things, the heater's flexibility is what truly makes it remarkable. An adjustable thermostat and easy temperature control mean that you can easily and quickly vary the temperature depending upon your use. Whether it is water for the laundry, shower, dishwasher, or any household chore, A. O. Smith's Signature 40-Gallon Electric Water has got your back. The device is safe, consistent, and efficient, an option you should consider for long-term use.
A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater - Consider
Another model from the same company might look redundant to you. Well, trust us here, because these models have given other products strong competition. A. O. Smith's Signature Natural Gas Water Heater is a variant of the first, and this one comfortably accommodates a family of 3-4 people.
- LED status display
- Great safety features
- Wide because of is compactness
The short model can deliver 67 gallons within the first hour and has similar features for automated cleaning and ultimate protection, extending the water heater’s life. The size on this one is compact, 51.5-in height x 22-in diameter, and that has its advantages. The variant is suitable for condensed places such as closet installations and empty spaces under staircases, with an easy installation process.
If you're looking for additional features to justify buying a new model, let us tell you about customers' favorite features on this bad boy. The status display on the tank is what you have been missing out on- the self-diagnostic electronic gas control includes an LED display that also monitors and reports system operations and status.
With all these features, the company did not forget to address the pivotal concern which is your safety. With built-in fireproof features, the tank decreases the risk of flammable vapor ignitions. As if the appliance is not already stacked with high-end impressive specifications, it is integrated with the 40,000 BTU Low NOx gas burner, making it environmentally friendly too. Talk about checking all the boxes with this one!
Buyer's Guide
Our Buying Guide for Getting a Water Heater
The water heater is essential in every house that depends on clean hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Like most essential home equipment, they can be pricey, and that is why you should only purchase the best water heater you can afford.
A lot goes into finding a great water heater. Without adequate knowledge about your potential options, and specific needs, you could purchase the wrong water heater. Luckily, we cover that and so much more in this guide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
There are a handful of factors you should consider before settling on a water heater for your home.
Water capacity
You need to consider how many liters of water your family uses on a busy water day. The more water they consume, the more gallons of water they usually need. For example, if you use about 100 gallons on a busy day, you will need a water heater with a capacity north of 40 gallons (this only applies to storage water tanks.)
However, you should note that the water capacity of a tank is not always an indicator of the volume it can provide. For example, Tankless water heaters don't hold much water, so the volume they can provide is calculated by how many gallons they can provide in a minute (GPM). Higher GPM water heaters are typically better for bigger families, lower ones for an individual or couple.
Cost-of-use
Nearly all water heaters rely on either electricity or gas, and you will have to deal with the cost long-term. Electric heaters use electricity to heat the water and maintain a steady temperature. They are usually cheaper upfront, but they bump up your electric bill quite a bit. In contrast, gas water heaters cost more upfront, but they are cheaper to fuel. You will have to consider which power source your home is better suited to use and decide on a heater based on that.
Space for set-up
Water heaters typically don't have a uniform size. While most might think that the overall size of the heater is dependent on the capacity, this may not necessarily be the case. So, if you are replacing your current heater with a newer one, you might need more or less space.
What Extra Features Should You Consider?
There are a few extra features you should also look at while you are still shopping. These features can sometimes influence your overall experience with the water heater. You should check for:
Warranty
Warranty coverages might sound like an extra way to squeeze money out of you on checkout, but for water heaters, it's sometimes worth checking out. Customers opt for different lengths of warranties and enjoy unique features guaranteed to increase the tank’s longevity.
Glass-lined tanks
Corrosion is one of the biggest threats your water heater faces in its later years of operation. Glass lining the tanks will ensure your water tank won’t rust too quickly.
Digital Displays
Digital displays give you absolute control over your unit and provide you with all the information you might need. It displays the level of the tank, water collectors, pressure, etc. The display also comes programmed with software that helps you save power and optimize performance.
What Are the Types of Water Heater You Can Buy?
There are five popular types of water heaters used in homes. The types of water heaters differ in their use and performance. They are typically built for a specific customer base and have features that reflect that.
Storage tank
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater available on the market. They store insulated water which is heated by either gas or electricity when needed.
They all typically come with a temperature and pressure relief valve that is triggered when a set temperature and pressure are reached.
Tankless
Tankless water heaters are water heaters that do not store water but rather supply and heat when it's needed. As you might have guessed, they are more energy-efficient than standard storage-tank water heaters, but they have a limitation- an upper flow limit. The average tankless water heater can provide up to 3.5 gallons of water, depending on the inlet water temperatures.
They are better for homeowners who use gas to heat water, as electricity-powered water heaters won't be as efficient.
Heat pump/Hybrid
This type of water heater is powered by the heat in the air as well as electricity. It uses up to 60% less electricity than electric-only water heaters. They are, however, more costly, and do not work well in cold spaces. The ideal set-up space should have temperatures ranging between 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with about 7 feet of uncooled space.
Solar water heater
Solar water heaters heat the water tank with heat energy transferred from the sun. It is a relatively new water heater system with an enormous future cost-saving potential. However, because they aren't extremely popular yet, the entire system is still difficult to buy and install.
Condensing water heater
Condensing water heaters are relatively uncommon water heater that uses captured exhaust gas to heat their water. They are very similar to a standard gas heater, except it takes the gas that comes out of the flue. The heat is typically routed through a coil and up to the base of the water tank.
Some Buyers Also Ask
Here are quick answers to some of the questions you might still have about water heaters.
How long do water heaters last?
A good water heater should reliably heat your water for upwards of 6- 11 years. If you don't have special features or a warranty, replace it after ten years to be safe.
How often should you flush your water heater?
You should flush your water heater at least once every year. Doing so will help you clear up sediments and prevent future faults.
What are the signs that my old water heater is going bad?
The first sign of trouble is decreased performance, then water leakage, or something else. Get a professional to look at your tank to ensure everything is working as it should.
