Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for Cold Climates

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When choosing an electric tankless water heater for cold climates, you need a unit that can handle a higher temperature rise while maintaining a good flow rate. Here are the best options designed to perform efficiently in cold climates:

1. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus

  • Flow Rate: 3.5 GPM at a 50°F temperature rise
  • Power: 36 kW
  • Why It’s Great: The Tempra 36 Plus is one of the most powerful electric tankless heaters, specifically designed to handle colder inlet water temperatures. With advanced flow control, the unit maintains consistent temperatures even when the water demand is high, which is crucial for cold climates where water may enter as cold as 40°F. It adjusts water flow automatically to ensure the right temperature is delivered.
  • Best For: Homes in extreme cold climates with multiple hot water needs (e.g., showers and laundry running simultaneously).
  • Key Features:
    • Digital temperature control.
    • Self-modulating technology for energy efficiency.
    • Durable copper heating elements.

2. EcoSmart ECO 36

  • Flow Rate: 3.6 GPM at a 50°F temperature rise
  • Power: 36 kW
  • Why It’s Great: The ECO 36 offers a great balance of performance and energy efficiency. It uses self-modulating technology, adjusting energy use based on water demand, which is crucial in colder climates where water needs more power to heat. It’s known for being easy to install and maintain.
  • Best For: Homes needing reliable hot water even in cold climates, especially for 2-3 bathroom usage.
  • Key Features:
    • Digital temperature control with 1-degree precision.
    • Compact design for easy installation.
    • Suitable for whole-house use in cold regions.

3. Rheem RTEX-36

  • Flow Rate: 3.5 GPM at a 50°F temperature rise
  • Power: 36 kW
  • Why It’s Great: The Rheem RTEX-36 is designed for larger households and cold weather performance. Its dual copper immersion heating elements ensure fast heat transfer and consistent hot water delivery. It’s equipped with adjustable digital thermostats for precise temperature control, making it suitable for cold regions where a higher temperature rise is needed.
  • Best For: Homes with multiple users needing hot water in cold weather.
  • Key Features:
    • External digital thermostats with LED display for easy temperature adjustment.
    • Self-modulating power to conserve energy.
    • Durable copper elements for long life.

4. Bosch Tronic 6000C WH36

  • Flow Rate: 3.3 GPM at a 50°F temperature rise
  • Power: 36 kW
  • Why It’s Great: Bosch’s Tronic 6000C WH36 is designed with a high-temperature rise in mind, making it ideal for colder climates. It’s a highly efficient model that provides reliable hot water at a consistent flow, even when the water inlet temperature is low. The compact design makes it ideal for homes with limited space.
  • Best For: Smaller homes or apartments in cold areas.
  • Key Features:
    • Modulating elements for consistent temperature.
    • Digital controls for precise adjustments.
    • Energy-efficient, even in demanding conditions.

5. Titan SCR-4

  • Flow Rate: 3.0 GPM at a 50°F temperature rise
  • Power: 36 kW
  • Why It’s Great: The Titan SCR-4 is a highly efficient unit, known for its fast response time and energy-saving features. Although compact, it delivers a high temperature rise, making it perfect for homes in colder regions. Its microprocessor-controlled technology ensures the heater adapts to changing water demands, providing reliable hot water even with low inlet temperatures.
  • Best For: Homes with limited space needing hot water in colder climates.
  • Key Features:
    • Space-saving compact design.
    • Fast response to temperature changes.
    • Energy-efficient with adjustable settings.

Important Factors to Consider for Cold Climates:

  1. Temperature Rise: In colder climates, the incoming water can be as low as 40°F or less, so you need a unit that can handle a high temperature rise—usually around 50-70°F for showering or household use.
  2. Power Output: Units with 36 kW or higher are ideal for cold climates as they generate enough power to heat the colder incoming water quickly and efficiently.
  3. Flow Rate: Look for models with a minimum of 3 GPM at a 50°F rise, which should cover multiple fixtures like showers and faucets simultaneously.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Since electric tankless heaters will be working harder in cold climates, self-modulating technology (adjusting power based on water usage) is essential for reducing energy costs.
  5. Durability: Choose a model with copper or stainless steel heating elements, which last longer and resist corrosion.

Final Recommendation:

For the best performance in cold climates, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is the top choice due to its high power, advanced flow control, and excellent ability to handle low inlet temperatures. However, the EcoSmart ECO 36 and Rheem RTEX-36 are also excellent alternatives if you need a reliable and energy-efficient unit at a lower price point.

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