Feeling a bit cheesed off when you’re halfway through your shower and the hot water decides to do a runner? You’re not alone, mate. It’s a fair dinkum headache in plenty of Aussie homes.
We’ve done our homework on this and stumbled across tankless water heaters – they’re the real deal for keeping that warm stream flowing non-stop. Not only do they crank out endless hot water, but they’re also aces for your wallet, with savings of up to 34% on energy bills against those old-school units.
Our yarn here will guide you through the best brands around, weigh up different features side by side – all so you can pick what’s right for your digs without getting into hot water over it.
Here’s to no more cold surprises!
Key Takeaways
- Tankless water heaters save energy and space, offering endless hot water without needing a large tank.
- Different brands like Rinnai, Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, EcoSmart, and Bosch offer various models with special features to suit different homes.
- Look at things like size, fuel type (gas or electric), flow rate, and how much the temperature can rise when picking out your tankless water heater.
- Costs include initial price and installation but remember you’ll save on bills since these units are efficient.
- It’s best to get a pro to install your tankless water heater to ensure it works properly and safely.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters offer several benefits, such as energy efficiency, providing a constant supply of hot water, and their space-saving design. These features make them a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their water heating system.
Energy efficiency
We all want to save money and be kind to our planet, and that’s where energy-efficient water heaters really shine. These on-demand hot water systems only heat up water when we need it.
This means they don’t waste energy keeping a big tank of water hot all the time like traditional heaters do. With an electric tankless heater or a gas version, we use less power and cut down on our energy bills.
These high-capacity heaters can also add value to our homes because they’re seen as modern upgrades. They make sure we have enough hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry without having to wait.
Next up, let’s talk about how endless hot water is always ready with these incredible units.
Constant hot water supply
When it comes to ensuring a constant hot water supply in your home, tankless water heaters are the way to go. Unlike traditional water heaters that store and heat a limited amount of water at a time, tankless models heat water on demand, providing an endless flow of hot water for your needs.
This means no more waiting for the tank to refill and reheat after multiple users or long showers. With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy hot showers, run multiple appliances simultaneously, and have consistent hot water without any interruptions.
By choosing a tankless water heater with an adequate flow rate and temperature rise that matches your household’s usage patterns, you can ensure a continuous supply of hot water whenever you need it.
Space-saving design
Tankless water heaters are designed to be compact, taking up much less space than traditional water heaters. They can be mounted on walls or installed in tight spots, making them ideal for homes with limited space.
This design feature allows homeowners to free up valuable floor space and even install the unit outside if needed. With tankless water heaters, you can enjoy hot water without sacrificing precious space.
Moving on to “Comparing Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters”, let’s explore the cost differences between these two options.
Comparing Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters
When comparing tankless water heaters to traditional water heaters, there are important factors to consider such as cost, maintenance requirements, and installation process. Let’s
take a closer look at how these two types of water heaters stack up against each other.
Cost comparison
We understand the importance of budget in choosing a new water heater for your home. Let’s dive into a cost comparison between tankless and traditional water
heaters to help you make an informed decision.
| Cost Type | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Water Heater |
| Initial Purchase | Higher upfront cost | More affordable initially |
| Installation | May require retrofitting, thus higher | Typically less due to commonality |
| Energy Usage | Lower bills due to high efficiency | Higher ongoing costs |
| Lifespan | Longer, often 20+ years | Shorter, around 10-15 years |
| Maintenance | Lower, with scheduled checks | Potentially higher, with risk of leaks |
| Space Requirement | Less, can be mounted on walls | More, requires floor space |
| Resale Value Impact | Can increase home value | Minimal impact |
We’ve broken down the cost into several categories for easy comparison. Upfront, tankless systems tend to be pricier but their efficiency savings and longer lifespans offer cost benefits in the long run.
Traditional units, though less expensive at the outset, might lead to higher utility bills and maintenance costs over time. Assess these costs against your budget and home needs to pick the best water heating solution.
Maintenance requirements
Tankless water heaters generally require less maintenance compared to traditional water heaters. It’s important to flush the system yearly to remove any mineral build-up and maintain optimal performance, especially in hard water areas.
Checking the filter and ensuring proper ventilation are essential for keeping your tankless water heater running smoothly. It’s also advisable to schedule an annual professional inspection to detect any potential issues early on, which can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your tankless water heater and ensuring efficient operation. Simple tasks like flushing the system, checking filters, and scheduling professional inspections can go a long way in preventing unexpected breakdowns and preserving energy efficiency over time.
Installation process
Installing a tankless water heater involves the following steps:
- Selecting an appropriate location for installation to ensure proper venting and access to gas, electricity, and water lines.
- Checking local building codes to determine any specific requirements for installation.
- Ensuring the availability of necessary utilities such as gas supply or electrical connection based on the type of tankless water heater selected.
- Sizing the unit according to the hot water demand of your household to guarantee optimal performance.
- Securing professional installation from a licensed plumber or electrician if you are not experienced in handling gas and electrical connections.
- Consider additional accessories like a sediment filter or water softener to enhance the efficiency and lifespan of your tankless water heater.
Top Tankless Water Heater Brands
We will discuss the top tankless water heater brands including Rinnai, Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, EcoSmart, and Bosch. Read on to learn more about their features and specifications.
Rinnai
When considering tankless water heaters, Rinnai is a top brand known for its high-quality and reliable products. Rinnai offers both gas and electric tankless water heater options to suit different household needs.
Their units are energy-efficient, providing continuous hot water while saving space with their compact design. Rinnai’s tankless water heaters come in various models with different flow rates and temperature rise capabilities, allowing homeowners to choose the most suitable option for their specific requirements.
Rinnai’s tankless water heaters are designed for whole-house use or point-of-use applications, catering to different household sizes and layouts. The brand also provides a range of professional installation services for those who prefer expert assistance.
Rheem
Rheem offers a range of gas and electric tankless water heaters that provide continuous hot water while saving space and energy. These units are designed to be efficient and compact, making them suitable for both small homes and larger households.
With various models available, Rheem tankless water heaters offer a solution for different hot water usage needs, from point-of-use to whole-house applications.
The Rheem tankless water heater models come with features like self-diagnostic systems for easy maintenance and precise temperature control for customised comfort. Additionally, they are known for their reliability and durability, backed by strong customer reviews.
Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron is a reputable brand known for its energy-efficient and reliable tankless water heaters. Their models offer consistent hot water supply, taking up minimal space, making them a great choice for homes with limited room.
Stiebel Eltron’s tankless water heaters come in various sizes and fuel types to suit different household needs, providing high flow rates and quick temperature rise for an uninterrupted hot water experience.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal performance of Stiebel Eltron’s tankless water heating units.
EcoSmart
We’ve also looked into EcoSmart tankless water heaters, which are known for their energy efficiency and compact design. These units are ideal if you’re looking to save space and reduce energy costs.
With various models available, you can find one that suits your household’s hot water needs while being environmentally friendly.
EcoSmart heaters offer a range of flow rates and temperature rise capabilities, ensuring a constant hot water supply throughout your home. They’re also designed to be easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient choice for many homeowners seeking an efficient water heating solution.
Bosch
Now let’s talk about Bosch tankless water heaters. Bosch offers a range of gas tankless water heaters known for their compact design and energy efficiency. Home owners can choose from different models suitable for both small and large households, ensuring a constant supply of hot water while saving space and energy.
The brand is known for its reliable performance and durable build, making it a popular choice among homeowners looking to upgrade to a tankless system.
Bosch tankless water heaters are designed to deliver hot water on demand, providing the convenience of endless hot water without the need for a bulky storage tank. With their focus on energy efficiency, Bosch tankless water heaters offer an environmentally friendly solution that can help homeowners reduce their utility bills while enjoying uninterrupted access to hot water throughout their homes.
Top Models of Tankless Water Heaters for Each Brand
We will compare and contrast the top models from Rinnai, Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, EcoSmart, and Bosch to help you make an informed decision on which tankless water
heater is best for your home. Read on to discover the features and specifications that set these models apart.
Features and specifications
Let’s look at the features and specifications of some top tankless water heater models.
The Rinnai RUC98iN, for example, delivers up to 9.8 gallons of hot water per minute, making it suitable for large homes with multiple bathrooms. Its energy efficiency is rated at 0.96, ensuring reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Moving on to Rheem’s RTGH-95DVLN, this gas tankless water heater boasts a flow rate of 9.5 gallons per minute and comes with built-in intelligent electronic controls that enhance user convenience.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is known for its quiet operation and modulating power technology that ensures a constant output temperature even if the flow rate fluctuates.
Comparing these models allows us to consider factors such as flow rate, energy efficiency ratings, built-in technologies like electronic controls or modulating power technology, which are essential in providing a reliable supply of hot water while being mindful of energy consumption and performance consistency.
Price comparison
When comparing the prices of tankless water heaters, it’s essential to consider both the upfront cost and long-term savings.
Rinnai offers a range of gas tankless heaters that are known for their energy efficiency and high capacity, with prices starting at around $800.
Rheem provides on-demand water heaters suitable for whole-house use, ranging from $500 to $1500.
Stiebel Eltron offers energy-efficient point-of-use water heaters at affordable prices between $200 and $600.
EcoSmart’s continuous flow water heaters cater to various needs, priced between $300 and $700.
Bosch is another reputable brand offering high-quality instantaneous water heaters with prices ranging from $500 to $1200.
Different factors like size, fuel type, flow rate, and temperature rise will affect the overall price of a tankless water heater installation. Professional installation might incur additional costs but ensures optimal performance and longevity for your investment in an energy-efficient water heater system.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater
When choosing a tankless water heater, consider factors such as size, fuel type, flow rate, and temperature rise to ensure it meets your household’s hot water needs. To find out more about the best tankless water heater for your home, keep reading!
Size
When choosing a tankless water heater, consider the size of your household and its hot water demands. The size of the unit determines how much hot water it can produce at a time. Look for a model that can efficiently meet your household’s hot water needs without being oversized or undersized, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and performance.
Consider factors such as the number of bathrooms and appliances in your home to determine the right size for your tankless water heater. A professional can help you assess your requirements accurately and recommend a unit with an appropriate flow rate to deliver consistent hot water throughout your home.
Fuel type
Now let’s talk about the fuel type for your tankless water heater. The most common options are electric and gas. Electric tankless water heaters are easier to install and best suited for small households with minimal hot water needs.
On the other hand, gas-powered tankless water heaters deliver higher flow rates and are more efficient for larger homes with higher demands for hot water. When choosing the fuel type, consider your home’s energy sources, current hookups, local utility costs, and environmental impact.
It’s essential to carefully weigh out these considerations to determine which fuel type will be the most practical and cost-effective choice for your household. Keep in mind that selecting the right fuel type will directly impact your long-term satisfaction with your tankless water heater system.
Flow rate
When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the flow rate. The flow rate determines how much hot water the unit can deliver at a time. It is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Knowing your household’s peak hot water demand will help you select a unit with an appropriate flow rate to ensure a constant supply of hot water whenever you need it.
Different appliances and fixtures have varying GPM requirements, so factor in simultaneous usage when determining the right flow rate for your home. For instance, a shower typically requires 1.5-2.5 GPM, while a dishwasher needs around 1-2 GPM.
Temperature rise
When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the temperature rise. This refers to how much the heater can increase the temperature of the incoming water as it flows through.
It’s crucial for ensuring you get hot water at a consistent and desirable temperature from your unit. The higher the desired output temperature and the colder your incoming water, the larger the temperature rise needed.
Keep in mind that different brands and models offer varying levels of temperature rise, so choose one that suits your specific needs for hot water.
Professional installation vs. DIY
When considering a tankless water heater, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of professional installation versus a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Professional installation ensures expertise and compliance with local regulations.
It also saves time and guarantees proper setup for optimal performance. However, opting for DIY can save on installation costs if you have the necessary skills and experience. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that improper installation can lead to safety hazards and may void warranties from manufacturers.
In making this decision, factor in your own proficiency with plumbing, electrical work and local building codes for gas appliances or electrical installations. While DIY may seem cost-effective initially, the long-term benefits of professional installation should not be overlooked when investing in a tankless water heater system for your home.
Find Your Perfect Tankless Water Heater – Get a Free Quote on Top Brands and Models!
Comparing tankless water heater brands and models has shown us the diverse range of options available to homeowners. Assessing their unique features and specifications can help you find the perfect fit for your home’s hot water needs.
Remember to consider factors such as size, fuel type, flow rate, and temperature rise when making your decision. Professional installation or DIY is also an important factor to ponder over for a seamless transition to a tankless water heating system.
