Long considered the gold standard, tank water heaters have been dethroned in recent years by what some consider to be a more efficient and cost friendly way of supplying hot water to your home: tankless water heaters. These heaters work by only heating water on demand when you need it.
Choosing the right tankless water heater for your home is an important decision. The right heater will provide sufficient water supply for warm showers, dishes and laundry and do so efficiently, without unnecessarily running up your heating bill.
Best Brands at a Glance
-
- Great warranties on its products ranging from five to fifteen years depending on the product
- The business uses sustainable methods and products
- Sells electric and gas tank heater models
-
- Federal and local rebates and incentives available
- Eco-friendly products and systems
- Long warranties available
-
- Products qualify for rebates
- Strong commitment to American manufacturing
- Customers say these tankless heaters are easy to repair
-
- Affordable pricing on products
- Widely available for purchase
- In business since 1907
Top 9 Tankless Water Heaters
Rheem
- Average Cost: $400 – $2,300
What We Love
Rheem is renowned for its reliability and extensive warranty options, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners. The company has been in business since 1925 and produces both tank and tankless water heaters. The company also prides itself on choosing environmentally friendly products to produce its heaters and tracks its progress toward sustainability goals for customers to see.
Cost Information
Rheem water heaters range from $400 for basic models to $1,200 and beyond for higher-capacity units with advanced features. Some products cost as much as $2,300 but that is not the average. The company offers financing for customers that qualify.
Best Series
Rheem manufactures several types of tankless water heaters, so you can choose the right one for your home. They sell high-efficiency condensing heaters, non-condensing and mid-efficiency models. Many of these models come with built-in WIFI and LeakGuard leak detection technology. Their Professional Classic Tankless series provides up to four times the amount of hot water as an electric tank water heater while taking up 93% less space.
AO Smith
- Average Cost: $500 – $5,400
What We Love
AO Smith prides itself on offering what they call commercial-grade products for residential use. That means their tankless water heaters are more powerful than they “need” to be by most standards, bringing top-rated performance to your home. In business for more than 80 years, AO Smith works with a trusted network of national contractors who can install their products.
Cost Information
AO Smith water heaters are priced between $500 for basic models and $5,400 for models with better energy efficiency and bigger tanks. Of course, most tanks fall into a lower price point category up to about $2,000. Many of their available products qualify for rebate and incentive programs which give cash back to purchases that meet energy efficiency standards.
Best Series
AO Smith has a ProLine Residential Gas Tankless Water Heater series, each with a 15-year warranty. This line of tankless heaters is ENERGY STAR certified and many models promise “endless hot water.”
Bradford White Water Heaters
- Average Cost: $800 – $8,000
What We Love
Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and sturdy construction, providing lasting performance for years. In business since 1881, the company has a long reputation for selling quality products for both residential and commercial use. They also pride themselves on offering energy efficient products that mean lower heating bills for your home. The company has both tank and tankless models in electric and gas.
Cost Information
Bradford White units typically range in price from about $800 for standard models to $1,500 for high-capacity units with advanced features such as digital controls. However some of their high-end models can cost upwards of $8,000.
Best Offering
Bradford White’s tankless water heaters come with a 15-year warranty and many models include their Scale Reduction Technology which prevents sediment build-up, in turn reducing maintenance and operating costs and improving efficiency in delivering a quick stream of stable hot water. In particular, their Inifiniti GR Tankless Gas Water Heaters have a durable stainless steel heat exchanger, which makes for a longer lasting product. They can be used with natural gas or propane.
GE Appliances
- Average Cost: $500 – $1,200
What We Love
GE Appliances is a trusted name in the business for all sorts of appliances and systems from microwaves to ovens to water heaters. Their products are widely available and most contractors and repairmen have experience installing and servicing their products. Further, their products are widely available in big box stores, making them an easy and convenient choice.
Cost Information
GE water heaters are priced between $500 for entry-level models and $1,200 for mid-range units with improved efficiency and durability features. The company’s products are widely available and so their pricing is easy to find online. They also promote sales and other special offers on their site.
Best Model
GE’s s Tankless Model GE27DNHPDG provides 5.4 gallons per minute of hot water. That’s enough to run three showers and a hot water faucet all at once. They include a 5-year warranty and Scale Reduction Technology. Their wall-mounted designs save space, and they come with digital temperature controls.
State Water Heaters
- Average Cost: $400 – $1,000
What We Love
In business since 1946 State Water Heaters offers both tank and tankless water heaters that run off electric or gas. They also offer heat pump and solar water heaters as well as hybrid models for a true range of products.
Cost Information
State water heaters range from $400 for basic models to $1,000 for models with enhanced features such as their hybrid heaters with automatic cleaning features. Federal rebates are available for their products.
Best Model
State’s Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater comes with a 15-year warranty and uses X3 Scale Prevention Technology, which helps the design to last up to three times longer than other tankless models. The heater uses commercial grade copper alloy in its heat exchanger to deliver hot water for a 2.5 to 3.5 bath home, depending on the climate in which you live.
Ruud
- Average Cost: $700 – $2,500
What We Love
Ruud sells gas, electric, tankless and heat pump water heaters for your home and business, plus all replacement parts and accessories. The company prides itself on the fact that its products are tested and certified by both government entities and third-party labs for the highest quality. In business since 1889 when they designed their first automatic storage water heater, the company has a longstanding reputation for quality and innovation.
Cost Information
Pricing for Ruud heaters is not available on the company’s site, and their tanks are mostly sold through smaller plumbing companies. In general their products are a little more expensive, ranging from $700 to $2,500 for higher end models with larger capacities. Financing is available through KwikComfort, and many products also qualify for rebates.
Best Series
Ruud’s SR Series Super High Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Heater uses a recirculating pump and has stainless steel heat exchangers for longer durability. The heater is easy to set up and has a digital control display. It also connects to WIFI so you can control settings from your phone or other smart device. Rebates are available on this model.
Rinnai
- Average Cost: $1,000 – $6,000
What We Love
Founded in 1920, the company began by selling oil stoves. Over time, they’ve displayed a love of innovation that has led the company to focus on the best types of designs and systems for standard household products and appliances. Based in Japan, the company expanded to the US in the 1970s.
Cost Information
Rinnai is a more expensive brand of water heater with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for most models. Keep in mind that their models qualify for federal tax credits and local rebates. And financing is available for customers who qualify.
Best Model
The company’s SENSEI RX model is a condensing tankless water heater that supplies unlimited hot water and promises a fast setup. It can be powered with either propane or natural gas and can be adapted to mount inside or outside. The model uses a digital control panel and promises the highest efficiency out of any models the company sells.
Navien
- Average Cost: $900 – $1,500
What We Love
Started in Asia in 1978, Navien has since become one of the fastest growing companies in North America for home comfort. Navien water heaters excel in energy efficiency and offer advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity. The company specializes in both residential and commercial grade products for optimal performance.
Cost Information
Navien units typically range from $900 for basic models to $1,500 for high-efficiency models with advanced features and durable construction.
Best Series
The Navien NPE-240A series is a high efficiency condensing tankless water heater. It produces low NOx emissions and has a built-in HotButton control panel. It is rated as requiring a lower operating cost than other tankless models or tank models. This model works with either natural gas or propane.
Eccotemp
- Average Cost: $250 – $600
What We Love
Eccotemp water heaters are compact and budget-friendly, making them ideal for small households or spaces with limited installation options. The company also manufactures standard size tankless heaters for single-family homes, but many customers come to them for their unique, smaller models.
Cost Information
Eccotemp water heaters are priced between $250 for basic models and $600 for units with slightly larger capacities and special features.
Best Product Line
Unique to Eccotemp is its line of portable, tankless water heaters which are specially designed for use in remote cabins, RVs, camping, and tiny homes. You can even use them to bathe your dog outdoors or while hunting or living off-grid. These small tankless heaters are lightweight, with a simple design and customers say they’re easy to set up and use.
