Choosing the best residential tankless water heater depends on factors like energy efficiency, flow rate, fuel type, and the size of your home. Below are some of the top-performing models across natural gas, propane, and electric options:
1. Rinnai RUR199iN (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: Up to 11 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 96% (Energy Factor)
- Why It’s Great: The RUR199iN is a condensing unit with a built-in recirculation pump, which means you get instant hot water while reducing water waste. It is Wi-Fi capable, allowing you to control the unit remotely and monitor energy usage. With a high flow rate, this model is perfect for large homes where multiple showers and appliances may be running at once.
- Best For: Large households or homes with high water demands.
2. EcoSmart ECO 27 (Electric)
- Flow Rate: Up to 6.5 GPM (in warm climates)
- Energy Efficiency: 99%
- Why It’s Great: This self-modulating electric heater is highly efficient and capable of saving up to 50% on water heating costs. It’s perfect for homes with lower hot water demands or homes in warmer climates. It’s also compact, making it a great choice for those who want to save space.
- Best For: Homes with moderate hot water demands or point-of-use applications like a single shower or sink.
3. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN (Natural Gas)
- Flow Rate: Up to 9.5 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 94%
- Why It’s Great: Known for its built-in recirculation pump and condensing technology, the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN provides high energy efficiency while delivering a large volume of hot water. The unit has Wi-Fi connectivity with Rheem’s EcoNet app, which allows you to monitor and control the heater remotely.
- Best For: Medium to large homes needing high flow rates and consistent hot water.
4. Noritz NRC66DV (Natural Gas/Propane)
- Flow Rate: 6.6 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 93% (Energy Factor)
- Why It’s Great: The Noritz NRC66DV is a compact, energy-efficient unit ideal for smaller homes. It is a condensing unit, which helps to recover heat from exhaust gases and reduce overall energy consumption.
- Best For: Homes with moderate water usage or smaller households.
5. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 (Electric)
- Flow Rate: 4.5 GPM at 45°F rise
- Energy Efficiency: 99%
- Why It’s Great: This unit features advanced flow control, which reduces water flow slightly if demand exceeds capacity to ensure you never experience cold water. With digital temperature control, it’s ideal for households that need precise adjustments.
- Best For: Homes that want a consistent hot water supply without fluctuations and small to medium homes with moderate demand.
6. Navien NPE-240A (Natural Gas/Propane)
- Flow Rate: Up to 11.2 GPM
- Energy Efficiency: 97%
- Why It’s Great: The Navien NPE-240A uses ComfortFlow technology with a built-in recirculation pump, ensuring you always get hot water fast. This high-capacity model is perfect for homes with large hot water needs and is one of the most energy-efficient models on the market.
- Best For: Large homes or multi-bathroom households with high water demands.
What to Consider:
- Flow Rate (GPM): Choose a unit that can handle your household’s hot water demand. A flow rate of 5-7 GPM is ideal for moderate homes, while 9-11 GPM is best for larger homes.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for a unit with a high energy factor (EF) or uniform energy factor (UEF) for better savings. Condensing units generally offer the best efficiency.
- Recirculation Pump: This feature is helpful for delivering instant hot water, reducing water waste.
- Fuel Type: Natural gas and propane models tend to offer higher flow rates, while electric models are typically more compact and better suited for smaller homes or warmer climates.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi and app-based controls allow you to monitor energy use and adjust settings remotely, which can enhance convenience.
Conclusion:
For large households or homes needing high flow rates, the Rinnai RUR199iN and Navien NPE-240A stand out as top choices for their flow rate, recirculation pump, and energy efficiency. For smaller homes or lower-demand scenarios, the EcoSmart ECO 27 and Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 provide reliable, energy-efficient electric options.