When it comes to the best tankless water heaters with a recirculation pump, the following models stand out for their efficiency, flow rate, and integrated features that ensure hot water is delivered instantly throughout the house.
1. Rinnai RUR199iN (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: Up to 11 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 96% (Energy Factor)
- Key Features:
- Built-in recirculation pump for faster hot water delivery.
- Wi-Fi enabled for remote monitoring and control via the Rinnai app.
- Condensing technology for higher energy efficiency.
- Why It’s Great: The RUR199iN is Rinnai’s flagship tankless model with a recirculation pump. It reduces water waste and wait time, delivering instant hot water to your taps. The high flow rate of up to 11 GPM makes it suitable for large households with multiple bathrooms. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control and monitor the system remotely, which is an added convenience.
- Best For: Large homes with multiple simultaneous hot water needs.
2. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: 9.5 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 94% (Energy Factor)
- Key Features:
- Built-in recirculation pump.
- Wi-Fi connectivity with Rheem’s EcoNet system.
- Low NOx emissions for eco-friendliness.
- Why It’s Great: Rheem is known for reliability, and the RTGH-95DVLN offers excellent performance with the added convenience of a recirculation pump to provide instant hot water. The EcoNet system lets you monitor and adjust settings remotely, while its low NOx emissions make it more environmentally friendly.
- Best For: Medium to large homes with high hot water demand and a need for quick access.
3. Navien NPE-240A (Natural Gas/Propane)
- Flow Rate: Up to 11.2 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 97% (Energy Factor)
- Key Features:
- Built-in recirculation pump.
- ComfortFlow technology, which ensures constant water temperature without fluctuations.
- Dual stainless steel heat exchangers for durability.
- Why It’s Great: Navien is highly regarded for its innovative approach to tankless water heaters. The NPE-240A uses ComfortFlow technology combined with a recirculation pump, ensuring that hot water is always available with minimal wait time. This model also has one of the highest energy efficiency ratings on the market.
- Best For: Large homes or multi-bathroom properties where consistent hot water is a priority.
4. Noritz NRCR92-DV-NG (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: 9.2 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 94% (Energy Factor)
- Key Features:
- Integrated recirculation pump with scheduling capability.
- Low NOx emissions.
- Compact design for space-saving installations.
- Why It’s Great: The Noritz NRCR92 offers an affordable option with a built-in recirculation pump and strong environmental credentials. It includes a scheduling feature, allowing you to set times for when the recirculation pump should run, optimizing energy use.
- Best For: Homes with moderate hot water demands that need an energy-efficient and compact solution.
5. Takagi T-H3-DV-N (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: 10 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 95% (Energy Factor)
- Key Features:
- Recirculation pump compatibility (external pump required).
- Commercial-grade heat exchanger.
- Multiple safety features such as overheat protection and freeze protection.
- Why It’s Great: While the Takagi T-H3 doesn’t come with a built-in recirculation pump, it is fully compatible with external pumps. It’s an excellent option for homes that need high capacity and long-lasting durability. Its commercial-grade heat exchanger is built for heavy-duty use, making it ideal for larger households.
- Best For: Homes or light commercial setups where high flow rates and strong durability are required.
Things to Consider:
- Flow Rate: Depending on the size of your home and how many hot water outlets you need to use simultaneously, choose a model with a high enough GPM (gallons per minute).
- Energy Efficiency: A higher Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) means lower energy costs in the long run.
- Recirculation Pump Features: Look for systems that allow for scheduling or Wi-Fi control to maximize convenience and efficiency.
- Installation Costs: Tankless systems with recirculation pumps may require more complex installation, so factor in labor and installation costs.
For instant hot water and reduced water waste, these models offer the best tankless water heaters with integrated recirculation pumps, ensuring you have a steady and efficient supply of hot water on demand.