The 26 best reliable water heater brands in the worldA, O. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem, and financially backed by a third brother, William. Navien is considered by many to be the best brand of water heaters because they offer some of the best tankless units on the market. Since they have been in the hot water business since 1978, they know a thing or two about how to heat water in a house.
The company started in Korea and has since expanded to Russia, Europe, Oceania, South America and North America. The cost of heating water consumes nearly 20 percent of your home's budget, second only to what you spend on heating and cooling your home. And if you've been spending more time at home because of the pandemic, your consumption and costs are likely to have gone up. Despite this expense, water heaters are usually ignored until they break, leaving no hot water and possibly a flooded basement.
If your water heater is nearing the end of its life and you are thinking of replacing it before a disaster strikes, you'll be happy to know you have better options, thanks to federal regulations requiring water heaters to be more energy efficient. New storage tank water heaters are required to operate more efficiently, and tankless water heaters (on demand) are even more efficient than that. Typically, homeowners replace their old water heater with one of the same type that runs on the same fuel, natural gas, or electricity. Switching from a tank-type water heater to a tankless unit can be costly because it requires re-equipping the plumbing and possibly the electrical system.
But if you're building a new home or expanding an existing one, installing a tankless water heater can make economic sense. Consumer Reports recently tested several electric and gas whole house tankless water heaters from brands such as Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra and Trutankless. We compared the results with those of conventional Rheem tank heaters, one gas and one electric, as well as with an electric water heater with Rheem heat pump, which is a variation of a water heater with tank. After an industry-intensive standard test, we compared the performance of gas and electric tankless water heaters to the performance of their conventional tank counterparts.
The test used a high stretch pattern equal to the use of 84 gallons of water per day. It is the daily equivalent of showering several times, starting the dishwasher, washing a load of laundry and turning the faucet on and off several times. The test used an inlet temperature of 58°F for gas models and 74°F for electrical systems (plus or minus 2°F) and a target outlet temperature of 120°F. Because tankless water heaters worked similarly to each other, we averaged the results of each batch, gas and electric, and compared that score to the performance of conventional gas and electric storage tanks and the electric heat pump model.
As a result, we don't have model-level ratings like we do with other major appliances. Using the purchase price, annual energy cost, and estimated installation cost, we calculate the payback time for new and replacement installations. Payback time was longer for a tankless unit replacing an existing storage tank, but more reasonable with a new build. See our gas and electric water heater ratings for more information.
Tankless water heaters, of course, don't hold much water, so the number to look for is the gallons per minute (GPM) rating. That is the number that indicates the amount of hot water that can be supplied by the heater for a given period of time. The higher the GPM, the more hot water the unit can supply. If you have a large family and several bathrooms, you will need a tankless water heater with a higher GPM.
A typical shower, for example, uses up to 2.5 GPM. Newer washers use 7 gallons (front loader) to 19 gallons (top load shaker) per wash, but older models can use up to 32 gallons per load, as listed below. For more information, you can check out our water heater ratings. Depending on how much hot water you use and how you're heating it (gas or electric), there are several options.
Some types are said to reduce energy costs by as much as half of normal storage models. However, their added upfront costs mean that the payback time could be longer. Storage tanks are the most common type of water heater. As the name suggests, these consist of an insulated tank in which water is heated and stored until it is needed, then it comes out of a pipe at the top of the water heater.
There is also a temperature and pressure relief valve, which opens if either of the two exceeds a preset level. Natural gas water heaters typically use less energy and cost less (about half) to operate than electric water heaters, although you should be aware that gas models cost more at the time of purchase. Buy water heaters with storage tank on Amazon Instead of storing water, tankless water heaters use heating coils to heat water as you need it. They are more energy efficient than a storage tank, but only provide a limited flow of hot water per minute (approximately 3.5 gallons), depending on the temperature of the inlet water.
They are best for people who don't usually draw water for more than one use at a time, such as running the shower and dishwasher simultaneously. Tankless models are best for homes that use natural gas to heat water; electric models may require an expensive upgrade of the house's electrical capacity. Buy tankless water heaters on Amazon These capture heat from the air and transfer it to water. Use about 60 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters.
And although they cost more than electric-only models, the installation is similar and the payback time is short. But they don't work well in very cold spaces and should be placed in an area that stays between 40°F and 90°F. And since the heat pump is on top, a hybrid water heater needs up to 7 feet of floor to ceiling clearance. You'll also need up to 1,000 cubic feet of unrefrigerated space to capture enough heat from the air, as well as a nearby drain to discharge condensate.
Buy heat pump water heaters on Amazon A ceiling-mounted cell absorbs heat from the sun and transfers it to an antifreeze-like liquid in a closed circuit system that goes to the water tank. The best ones offer stellar savings in summer, making them attractive for warm and sunny regions. But savings are affected on cold and cloudy days. Most models employ a backup system that activates when needed.
Even with federal and local rebates, what you'll spend to buy and install a solar system can mean you wait 10 to 30 years to recover your costs. Buy solar water heaters on Amazon Condensing water heaters are an option if you heat with gas and need a unit with a capacity of more than 55 gallons. These models have a tank like a conventional water heater, but they capture the exhaust gases that would normally come out of the chimney, which wastes energy. These gases are driven through a coil at the base of the unit, where incoming cold water can absorb most of the heat.
Buy condensing water heaters on Amazon. Hot water heaters come in capacities ranging from 20 to 100 gallons. The larger the capacity, the more hot water you can use before the supply runs out and the game begins to wait for more hot water. A 40 to 50 gallon tank is enough for a 4-person household.
Add 10 gallon capacity for each additional person. The larger the capacity, the larger the water heater. It is essential to determine how much space is available in a basement or utility closet when selecting a new hot water heater. Gas and electric water heaters come in tall models, measuring 50 to 76 inches tall and 18 to 21 inches in diameter, and short models, measuring between 30 and 49 inches tall and 20 to 26 inches in diameter.
Also, keep in mind that gas water heaters take up more space due to the pipes and ventilation ducts they require. If you're short on space, consider tankless water heaters much more compact. Since tankless water heaters do not have the water storage capacity of conventional tank heaters, they have their limitations. A typical tankless water heater provides hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, which can limit the flow of hot water into the home, especially if multiple faucets or appliances use hot water at the same time.
From a respected name in water heaters comes the Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal. This tank water heater offers excellent performance and efficiency in all aspects. 50-gallon capacity provides enough water for a family of five without breaking the bank. There's a lot in Rheem's Performance 50 Gal.
One of the best Rheem water heaters available, this unit's 50-gallon capacity can provide hot water for a four year old home. This 6-year-old tank delivers 61 gallons of water in the first hour. While this electric unit lacks the energy efficiency of a gas water heater, it does include some great features designed to improve efficiency and reliability. This unit comes with overheat protection with a temperature pressure relief valve to prevent the tank from reaching temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Selected as the best tankless electric water heaters, users can say “never again to cold showers” with the Stiebel Eltron Tankless Tempra 24 Plus. In addition to supplying a constant flow of hot water, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus includes several features that make it one of the best tankless water heaters. When the demand for hot water starts to exceed capacity, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus automatically reduces the flow rate slightly to ensure that hot water continues to arrive. Like most electric tankless water heaters, this unit will provide up to 5 gallons of hot water per minute and can save you money.
Tempra uses 15 to 20 percent less energy than standard tank water heaters. Other attractive features include easy-to-use digital controls for outlet and water temperature. The unit is small, weighs just over 15 pounds and takes up very little space with its 20 by 20 inch profile. Rinnai also minimizes the number of tubes required to vent the gas burner with a concentric ventilation system, which allows inlet and exhaust to pass through the same vent.
Another included feature is a temperature lock to prevent accidental thermostat changes. At just over 1 foot wide and 2 feet high, this tankless water heater doesn't take up much space, making it ideal for smaller spaces. On average, a gas, electric or hybrid tank hot water heater will last between eight and 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.
Rheem water heaters are some of the best and most durable water heaters on the market. The Rheem Marathon water heater is guaranteed for life. Many other very notable brands such as Bradford White, A, O. Smith, EcoSmart and others are also great.
Water heaters usually last 8-12 years, but a good one can last more than 20 years with proper maintenance. You may be using an unsupported or outdated browser. For the best possible experience, please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Buying a new water heater can be a difficult and confusing process.
Modern water heaters include numerous smart, high-tech features designed to help you monitor and control your appliance and increase efficiency, so there may be much more to learn when making a decision. Electric hot water is a big investment because the units are much more environmentally sustainable than their natural gas counterparts and may qualify for tax credits or rebates. Below, we've ranked the best water heaters and outlined some key factors to consider when determining the best product for your home. The Smith EG12-50R55DV electric water heater differs from the competition with its compact size, high energy efficiency and intelligent design.
This 50-gallon water heater features an Energy Smart mode that intelligently reacts to hot water usage to automatically reduce standby heat loss when hot water is not used. Ideal for a home of three to four people, this water heater is just over four feet tall and is ideal for small spaces such as closets or under stairs. The Energy Star Certified Rheem XE50T12DU38U2 is an excellent choice for residents of Utah or most California counties who require ultra-low NOx water heaters. This environmentally friendly 50 gallon natural gas water heater is designed to serve homes of three to five people, reduce maintenance and work more efficiently than other heaters.
A motorized smoke damper closes when the burner is not in operation, preventing heat loss, while an electronic ignition system makes starting simpler, safer and eliminates the need for a pilot light. With Wi-Fi control, a digital display and an “away” mode to reduce water heating costs while out of town, this Rheem appliance is easier for the homeowner to control than any other water heater on the market. The Rheem Gladiator brand offers simple, affordable and smart water heater design for a homeowner on a tight budget. With an excellent 12-year limited warranty, a three-year total on-site labor warranty, and a low price, homeowners can feel good about buying a water heater from this trusted company.
The Rheem Gladiator doesn't have a digital display, but it can be controlled via an app via Wi-Fi, including hands-free voice control to check hot water availability and control temperature. The application also informs you when the unit needs maintenance. If you're looking for an incredibly durable, high-capacity electric water heater for your large home or commercial property, look no further than the Rheem Marathon Heavy Duty (MHD8524). This 85 gallon Rheem water heater provides 91 gallons of unmatched hot water in the first hour and is capable of delivering temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit for high temperature applications.
The seamless blow-molded design of the tank is impervious to rust and corrosion, and the bowl-shaped bottom allows complete and easy drainage of sediments during cleaning. Gas and electric water heaters have numerous advantages and disadvantages, but any comparison is complicated by a myriad of additional factors. If environmental sustainability is key for you, an electric water heater is the best option, as electric units are much more efficient and do not rely directly on fossil fuels to operate. The cost of operating an electric water heater can be much higher than that of a natural gas water heater.
In a power outage, a gas water heater will continue to work. Electric water heaters, especially those with Energy Star certification, often offer federal and even state tax credits, which can save you money. These savings may not seem like much at first, but make a careful calculation before buying, you may be surprised. Tank-type water heaters, on the other hand, are easy and economical to install and can deliver hot water much faster than tankless water heaters.
Tank-type water heaters also have a more constant flow rate than tankless ones, allowing you to supply hot water more consistently to several appliances and faucets at the same time, but not with an infinite supply. A final decision to make when selecting a new hot water heater for your home is the ease of use of your new appliance. Many modern electric water heaters come with digital displays to help you monitor and control your hot water heater. Others may come with an app and be controllable via Wi-Fi.
Still, others are smart home-enabled and can communicate with your other smart devices, including Amazon Alexa (yes, you can talk to your water heaters now). While these may not be your key options when it comes to finding a new hot water heater, additional functionality may be an important consideration in making your life easier in the future. A typical residential hot water heater should last between six and 12 years. Electric water heaters can last two to three years longer than gas water heaters due to their cleaner operation and more efficient design.
Manufacturers recommend flushing the water heater every six months or so to clean the tank of accumulated sediment and refresh the water inside. In an environment with hard or harder water, you need to rinse more often, since the accumulation of minerals will be greater. If you are a DIY enthusiast for sure, you can unload your water heater yourself, otherwise we recommend hiring a professional. Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California.
At the age of 18 he escaped and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience that facilitates. He stays more at home on a tractor, but he has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency. Lexie is an assistant editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles on a wide variety of home-related topics. He has nearly four years of experience in the area of home improvement and drew on his experience while working for companies such as HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie's List).
Rheem rose to the top as the only brand to achieve a five-star rating for overall satisfaction, and most of the other entries earned four stars overall. Bosch and Chromagen were two exceptions, each with three stars for overall satisfaction. The company has a wide range of distribution of water heaters that produce gas, electricity, solar, tank and tankless products. Depending on the manufacturer's specifications, a water heater can use natural gas or electricity.
Winter is just around the corner and the need for hot water to run errands for the next colder days is increasingly imminent.
Solar hot water systems
are storage units that generate heat from the sun through the use of panels installed on the roof of the property. In particular, most respondents only bought their new hot water system because the old one failed (67%). All water heaters have efficiency ratings, which indicate the amount of energy used by the unit that actually heats the water.A faulty anode rod will cause hot water to quickly corrode the inside of the tank, thus shortening its service life. When you see a water leak in your tank, it's best to watch it for quite a while and decide if it's a leak, which could be a sign that your water heaters are already failing. When purchasing products, be sure to ask about warranty policies and always look at available commercial water heater services. Heat pumps include a fan that draws warm air into the system, which is transferred to the water storage tank.
If you live in an area that doesn't always attract much sun, Rheem has a pair of heat pumps that use heat from the surrounding air, rather than direct sunlight, to heat your water and reduce energy consumption. Most hot water systems are installed with a dedicated meter, which means that energy retailers often impose a controlled charge rate on you by default. Circumstances get worse when it's winter and you have to heat the water with old-school methods every time you want to take a bath, wash dishes or even wash your hands. .
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