If you’ve been searching for a reliable tankless water heater, you’ve probably come across Laars. Known more for their commercial-grade heating systems, Laars has been making waves in the residential market with their high-performance tankless water heaters. When I first encountered Laars, I wasn’t sure if their reputation for large commercial heating systems would translate well to smaller home units. But after digging deeper and working with one of their models, I can tell you there’s a lot to like about this brand—if you pick the right model for your needs.
Why Consider Laars Tankless Water Heaters?
Laars tankless water heaters are designed for high efficiency, durability, and consistent hot water delivery. Their technology, inherited from their commercial systems, makes them powerful enough to handle even large residential demands. Laars units are typically gas-powered (natural gas or propane), and they excel in homes with high hot water usage and multiple bathrooms.
Laars doesn’t have the broad consumer name recognition that other brands like Rinnai or Noritz enjoy, but they stand out for offering high-performance products at competitive prices.
1. Endless Hot Water: Does Laars Deliver?
Consistent Hot Water Flow
One of the best things about Laars tankless water heaters is their robust flow rate and the ability to provide continuous hot water. From my experience and user feedback, Laars models handle simultaneous showers, laundry, and dishwashing with no problem.
- Laars FT Series: The most popular model for residential use, offering up to 9.5 gallons per minute (GPM). This is more than enough for homes with two or three bathrooms running hot water simultaneously.
The brand’s systems have no trouble maintaining hot water during high-demand periods, which is critical for larger households. During my time working with Laars systems, I never experienced temperature fluctuations, even during peak use.
2. Energy Efficiency: Will It Save You Money?
One of Laars’ key strengths is energy efficiency. Their tankless models are designed with condensing technology, which captures and reuses exhaust heat to preheat incoming cold water, improving overall energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
- Condensing Models: The Laars FT Series has an energy factor (UEF) of 0.95, putting it near the top of the market for efficiency. This means it uses almost all the fuel it consumes to heat water, minimizing waste.
- Gas Consumption: Their models are designed to modulate gas usage, meaning the heater only uses the precise amount of fuel needed to heat the water based on demand. This translates to lower energy bills.
While the initial cost of Laars tankless water heaters may be higher than traditional tank systems, the long-term savings from reduced energy consumption can make a significant difference over time.
3. Durability and Build Quality
Laars water heaters are known for their durable construction. They benefit from the brand’s decades of experience in building commercial heating systems, which translates to a rugged, long-lasting design.
Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers
One of the highlights of Laars tankless systems is their stainless steel heat exchangers, which are highly resistant to corrosion and last longer than the copper exchangers used in many lower-end units. This is a key feature for extending the lifespan of the water heater, especially in homes with hard water.
Warranty
Laars provides a 12-year warranty on heat exchangers and a 5-year warranty on parts, which is on par with premium brands like Rinnai and Noritz. The strong warranty coverage offers peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected from potential issues during the heater’s lifespan.
4. Installation: DIY-Friendly or Professional-Only?
Installation Process
Laars tankless water heaters typically require professional installation, especially for gas models. While the FT Series is designed to work with standard venting and is relatively compact, the unit still requires gas lines and proper venting to ensure safe operation. If you’re switching from a traditional tank system, be prepared for venting and gas line upgrades, which could add to your installation costs.
EZ Series for Easy Replacements
Laars also offers an EZ Series, designed for easier replacement of traditional tank systems. This series has top water connections, which make it easier to swap in place of older tank models without extensive re-piping. While you might still need a pro, it can help keep installation costs lower compared to other tankless systems.
5. Features: What Makes Laars Stand Out?
Modulation Technology
One of the key features of Laars tankless water heaters is modulation technology, which adjusts the burner flame in response to the amount of hot water being used. This ensures that the unit is only using as much energy as necessary, which boosts efficiency and reduces wear on the system.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Some Laars models, like the FT Series, come with Wi-Fi connectivity options, allowing you to control and monitor the system remotely through an app. You can adjust temperatures, track energy usage, and get notifications for maintenance.
Safety Features
Laars water heaters include freeze protection, overheat prevention, and flame failure detection, making them a safe choice for homes in cold climates or areas with fluctuating power and gas supplies.
6. Common Issues and Maintenance
Common Issues
- Scaling in Hard Water Areas: Like most tankless systems, Laars water heaters can suffer from mineral scale build-up if you have hard water. To avoid this, a water softener or annual descaling is recommended to keep the system running smoothly.
- Complex Installation: While Laars units are designed to be high-performance, their installation can be more complex than other brands, particularly if you’re replacing an older tank system.
Maintenance
To keep your Laars tankless water heater running efficiently:
- Annual flushing is recommended to remove mineral build-up from the heat exchanger.
- Clean the air intake filter periodically to prevent dust and debris from affecting burner performance.
- If you live in a hard water area, consider using a scale reduction system or water softener.
7. Laars Model Overview: Which One is Best for You?
| Model | Type | Flow Rate (GPM) | Energy Factor (UEF) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laars FT Series | Gas Condensing | 9.5 GPM | 0.95 | Large homes, multiple bathrooms |
| Laars EZ Series | Gas Non-Condensing | 7.5 GPM | 0.82 | Easy replacement for traditional tank systems |
| Laars Mascot FT | High-Efficiency Boiler | 199,000 BTU | 0.96 | Homes that need both water and space heating |
Pros and Cons of Laars Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
- Endless hot water: High flow rates, perfect for large homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Energy-efficient: Condensing technology and modulation reduce fuel consumption.
- Durable stainless steel heat exchanger: Long-lasting and corrosion-resistant.
- Strong warranty: 12 years on heat exchangers provides peace of mind.
- Wi-Fi control: Available on higher-end models for remote monitoring and control.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost: Condensing technology and premium build materials make Laars more expensive than budget brands.
- Complex installation: Professional installation is typically required, especially for gas models.
- Scaling issues in hard water areas: Like most tankless models, Laars heaters require regular maintenance in homes with hard water.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Laars?
Laars tankless water heaters are a great investment for homeowners who need high hot water demand, energy efficiency, and durability. Their commercial-grade expertise is clear in their robust build quality and long lifespan. If you have a larger household or frequently use multiple hot water appliances at once, the Laars FT Series is hard to beat for consistent hot water delivery.
However, the higher upfront cost and professional installation requirements might be a hurdle for those on a tight budget or looking for a DIY-friendly solution. But if you’re focused on long-term savings and high performance, Laars is definitely a brand worth considering.