Best Condensing Tankless Water Heaters for Efficient Home Heating

Condensing tankless water heaters are a smart choice for anyone who wants to reduce their energy consumption, save space, and lower their bills. Unlike traditional water heaters, they do not store hot water in a tank. Instead, they heat water as needed and reuse the heat from the flue gas, making them more efficient.

Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater

Elevate your home’s comfort with the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater. With dimensions of 13.8 inches in width and 23.6 inches in height, this modern, white heater delivers endless hot water, ensuring you never run out during those relaxing showers or long baths. Its innovative design allows for venting with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe and Fittings, offering versatile installation options to suit your space.

Crafted with high efficiency and low NOx emissions, this tankless heater not only provides reliable performance but also contributes to a cleaner environment. Powered by a battery and constructed from durable polyvinyl chloride, it weighs 38 pounds, making it a sturdy yet manageable addition to your home. Plus, with a remote thermostat and 6-foot power cord included, controlling your water temperature is convenient and hassle-free. Say goodbye to cold showers and hello to uninterrupted comfort with the Noritz NRC66DVNG.

Pros:

  • Endless hot water supply
  • Vented design with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe and Fitting
  • High efficiency and low NOx emissions
  • Modern and sleek white design
  • Remote thermostat for convenient control
  • Lightweight at 38 pounds

Cons:

  • Battery-powered, may require occasional battery replacement
  • Requires professional installation for optimal performance

RHEEM RTGH-84DVLN-2 Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Start enjoying hot water without the wait or the waste with the RHEEM RTGH-84DVLN-2 Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater. Designed with detection features, this unit shuts down and provides an error code in case of water or gas leaks, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Its compact, stainless steel build saves space, making it perfect for tank replacements, while delivering a generous 8.4 gallons per minute of hot water. With low operating costs and high energy efficiency, this heater offers both economic and environmental benefits, reducing energy consumption and water usage.

Upgrade your home with this gray-colored, AC/DC-powered water heater that weighs 77.9 pounds and measures 9.8 inches in width, 9.8 inches in depth, and 18.5 inches in height. Experience convenience and efficiency like never before with the RHEEM RTGH-84DVLN-2, your solution to endless hot water without the hassle.

Pros:

  • On-demand hot water supply
  • Compact design for space savings
  • Energy-efficient and cost-effective
  • Stainless steel construction for durability
  • Dual power sources (AC/DC) for reliability
  • Advanced detection features for safety

Cons:

  • Initial higher upfront cost
  • Professional installation may be required
  • Gas-powered, requiring proper ventilation

Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Elevate your home’s comfort with the Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing Tankless Water Heater. Enjoy endless hot water with its compact, space-saving design. No more worrying about pilot lights, thanks to its computerized safety features. This gas-powered unit boasts a maximum flow rate of 10 gallons per minute, ensuring on-demand usage for your household needs.

Crafted from stainless steel and commercial-grade copper alloy, this heater prioritizes durability and energy conservation. Its integrated controls and power cord make installation a breeze. Plus, with safety features like freeze and surge protection, it exceeds industry standards, ensuring peace of mind with every use. Experience efficiency and reliability with this Ultra-Low NOx emission compliant solution.

Pros:

  • Endless hot water is in demand
  • Compact and space-saving design
  • Energy conservation for efficiency
  • Computerized safety features
  • No pilot light concerns
  • Commercial-grade copper alloy heat exchanger
  • Meets Ultra-Low NOx Emissions standards

Cons:

  • Gas-powered (may not be suitable for all households)
  • Initial investment costs
  • Installation may require professional assistance

Rinnai RU98EN Condensing Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

Elevate your home’s efficiency with the Rinnai RU98EN Condensing Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater. Delivering up to 95% thermal efficiency and boasting a powerful 199,000 BTU capacity, it ensures significant energy savings while meeting California and Texas NOx emissions standards. Its condensing technology maximizes efficiency, offering an Energy Factor of 0.93 for both gas types.

Designed for outdoor installations, this silver-toned unit is compatible with the full line of Rinnai digital controllers, allowing precise temperature control ranging from 98°F to 185°F for commercial use. Backed by a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 5-year warranty on parts, with 1-year labor coverage for residential installations, it promises reliability and peace of mind for years to come.

Pros:

  • Up to 95% Thermal Efficiency
  • Condensing Technology for Significant Energy Savings
  • Max BTU of 199,000 for Quick and Efficient Heating
  • 9.8-gallon capacity for Ample Hot Water
  • 12-Year Warranty on Heat Exchanger
  • Meets California and Texas NOx Emissions Standards
  • Outdoor Installation for Versatility
  • Compatible with Rinnai Digital Controllers

Cons:

  • Initial Cost for Purchase and Installation
  • Gas-Powered, Requires a Gas Supply
  • Outdoor Installation Only
  • Limited Temperature Range for Commercial Use (98°F–185°F)

Rheem Prestige Condensing Tankless Gas Indoor Natural Gas Water

Start enjoying hot water without the wait or the waste with the Rheem Prestige Condensing Tankless Gas Indoor Natural Gas Water Heater. Boasting high energy efficiency and water savings settings, it ensures low operating costs while delivering 199000 BTUs of heat output. Its compact, space-saving design makes it ideal for tank replacements, saving you valuable space. Equipped with water and gas leak detection features, it shuts down automatically and provides error codes for added safety. Plus, its auto-learn programming adapts to your hot water needs, ensuring peak performance.

Crafted from durable stainless steel, this industry-leading tankless water heater weighs 61.9 pounds and measures 14.8 x 17.3 x 28.7 inches. Experience convenience and efficiency like never before with Rheem Prestige.

Pros:

  • Instant hot water supply without the wait
  • High energy efficiency for low operating costs
  • Compact design, ideal for space-saving installations
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Water and Gas Leak Detection enhances safety
  • Auto-learn programming for intelligent water usage adaptation

Cons:

  • Requires 120 Volts for operation
  • Limited to indoor use
  • Maximum operating pressure capped at 150 psi
  • Specific to natural gas as a power source
  • Capacity limited to 11 gallons
  • Not suitable for outdoor installations

Buying Guide: Best Condensing Tankless Water Heaters for Efficient Home Heating

In today’s world, energy efficiency has become a paramount concern for homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on utility bills. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is by investing in a condensing tankless water heater. These innovative appliances offer a unique combination of energy savings, space-saving design, and endless hot water supply, making them an ideal choice for modern households.

Understanding Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

Condensing tankless water heaters are designed to extract and reuse the latent heat from the exhaust gases produced during the combustion process. This technology allows the water heater to operate at a higher efficiency rate compared to traditional tank-style or non-condensing tankless units. By capturing and condensing the water vapor in the exhaust, these heaters can achieve energy efficiency ratings of up to 98%, resulting in significant savings on energy bills.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Condensing Tankless Water Heater

When shopping for a condensing tankless water heater, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, you should determine the appropriate size based on your household’s hot water demand. This involves calculating the flow rate required for simultaneous appliance usage, such as showers, faucets, and dishwashers. Secondly, consider the fuel type, as condensing tankless water heaters are available in both natural gas and propane models. Thirdly, evaluate the energy efficiency ratings, including the Energy Factor (EF) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Installation Considerations

Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, condensing tankless units require specialized venting systems to expel the condensed exhaust gases. This may involve additional installation costs for proper venting and drainage. Additionally, you should consider the location of the unit, as proximity to water supply lines and gas or propane sources is essential for optimal performance.

Maintenance and Longevity

Condensing tankless water heaters are known for their durability and long lifespan, with many models boasting a 15-20 year lifespan when properly maintained. Regular maintenance, such as descaling and flushing the heat exchanger, is crucial to ensure optimal efficiency and prevent mineral buildup. Proper installation by a qualified professional is also essential to ensure the unit operates safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Investing in a condensing tankless water heater is a smart choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint while enjoying an endless supply of hot water. By considering factors such as household demand, fuel type, energy efficiency ratings, installation requirements, and maintenance needs, you can select the best condensing tankless water heater for your home. With the potential for significant energy savings and a reduced environmental impact, these innovative appliances are a worthwhile investment for any eco-conscious homeowner.

Frequently Asked Question

How do condensing tankless water heaters differ from traditional tankless water heaters?

Condensing tankless water heaters utilize advanced technology to extract heat from exhaust gases, increasing efficiency. Traditional tankless heaters vent hot exhaust gases directly outside, while condensing units capture and reuse that heat, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.

What are the benefits of installing a condensing tankless water heater in my home?

Condensing tankless water heaters offer several advantages. They are highly energy-efficient, reducing utility bills compared to traditional tank water heaters. Additionally, they provide endless hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and ensuring hot water availability whenever needed.

Are condensing tankless water heaters suitable for all homes?

Condensing tankless water heaters are ideal for most homes, especially those seeking energy efficiency and space-saving solutions. However, factors such as climate, local gas availability, and household water usage patterns should be considered. Homes with high hot water demand or in colder climates may benefit the most from these systems.

How do I choose the right size condensing tankless water heater for my home?

Selecting the appropriate size condensing tankless water heater involves considering your household’s hot water demand. Factors such as the number of bathrooms, appliances requiring hot water, and simultaneous water usage should be taken into account. Consulting with a qualified installer can help determine the correct size unit for your specific needs.

What maintenance is required for a condensing tankless water heater?

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your condensing tankless water heater. Tasks may include flushing the system to remove mineral buildup, checking for gas leaks, and inspecting the exhaust vent. It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and schedule professional maintenance annually to keep the unit running efficiently.