A warm shower or a relaxing dip in a bathtub is one of the few luxuries many of us would never want to give up. Be it a cold morning or a tiring day at work, there is nothing more comforting than a warm shower. If you are a small homeowner or live in a small studio apartment, or are single, investing in a big storage tank for a shower is a waste of money and energy. You can save both by replacing it with a tankless water heater.
Benefits of tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters provide instant and constant hot water, unlike storage heaters. You need to switch on a storage tank heater and wait till the water gets heated. In contrast, tankless water heaters give hot water almost instantly. It is more durable as compared to storage heaters. It reduces monthly costs by an estimated 22%. The federal government offers a 10% tax credit on cost and installation as it saves both gas and electricity.
If you are eco-conscious, tankless water heaters that run with solar energy are also available, though they are more expensive than gas or electric heaters. Most tankless water heaters come with a long span of warranty – 10, 12, or even 20-year warranties – as that is their expected lifespan. Tankless water heaters are the best choice for small homes that can provide running hot water for a family of two or three members.
Capacity of tankless water heaters
While choosing the right tankless water heater, consider the size of your house, number of members, number of devices that need hot water, water pressure, force, and temperature. If you are a family of two, a 30-gallon heater for normal use and a 40-gallon for high usage is good enough. For more than three members, 40 gallons is enough for normal use, and a 50-gallon heater is sufficient if water usage is high. Tankless water heaters with a flow rate of 5 GPM (gallons per minute) or less are ideal for small homes.
Based on the above factors and features, here are some brands of tankless water heater ideal for small families.
Atmor AT-910 27TP ThermoPro
It is a compact heater that you can install without the help of a professional. It is fitted with digital temperature controls and has a stainless steel interior for consistent heating and durability. It has a GPM of 5.1. It is ideal for smaller homes and can be installed in any place – either the bathrooms or near the kitchen sink. It is a 27 KW machine that can supply water even when the weather is extremely cold. It costs $582.
Rheem Heating Chamber RTEX -13
The heater is compact, easy to install, and you get hot water in about 15 seconds. It can supply 4 gallons of water per minute. It comes with digital temperature control settings and is easy to operate and maintain. It is affordable at less than $400. Compare prices at multiple sites to get a good bargain
Duda Solar 200 liter
One of the more expensive tankless water heaters, it requires additional plumbing and installation work, adding to cost. Many opt for this as there are no monthly bills and it provides clean energy. A few hours of sunlight is good enough to supply hot water for a small family. It costs about $2,400.
Rinkmo Electric Tankless Water Heater
This is ideal for a small house and can be conveniently installed under a sink. Available in multiple KW capacities, you can choose one that is right for you. It is a corrosion-free heater, making it durable and energy-efficient. The flow sensor adjusts power as required in real-time and prevents sudden temperature changes in the water. It is available in 6, 11, 18, and 24 KW variants. The 24 KW model costs $329.