Best How Much Is a Tankless Water Heater: A Practical Guide for Homeowners
Tankless water heaters offer on-demand hot water with compact design and potential energy savings. This guide reviews representative models and maintenance options to help American homeowners estimate costs, compare features, and choose the right system for their needs. The following selections include outdoor propane, electric point-of-use, and maintenance kits to keep any tankless system performing at its best.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Orbek Tankless Water Heater | Orbek | High flow, on-demand hot water with smart temperature control |
| Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus | Stiebel Eltron | Continuous flow with advanced control and energy efficiency |
| Eemax EEM24013 | Eemax | Self-modulating electric tankless unit with instant hot water |
| Tankless Water Heater 110V 3000W (SBPKMARSCT) | SBPKMARSCT | Under-sink option with high-temperature efficiency |
| 6699 Tankless Flushing Kit | 6699 | Maintenance kit for cleaning and extending life of tankless systems |
Orbek Tankless Water Heater
The Orbek propane outdoor tankless water heater provides 120,000 BTU heating capacity and a 5.1 GPM high flow rate, with 0.53 GPM low-flow start technology. It supports continuous hot water to 2-4 outlets simultaneously, suitable as a whole-house heater or a gift for households needing reliable hot water. The unit uses an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger and a smart controller that adjusts water temperature up to 20,000 times per second, maintaining fluctuations within 1°F. It includes multiple protections and CSA certification for safety and reliability.
6699 Tankless Water Heater Flushing Kit
This cleaning kit includes a 1/6HP submersible sump pump, two adapters, PVC hoses, a 3-gallon bucket with lid opener, and simple instructions to flush a tankless water heater. The pump reaches up to 16.5 feet and delivers up to 1100 GPH, enabling maintenance that helps maintain performance and extend the heater’s life. It’s designed for easy connection to tankless isolation valves for straightforward cleaning, using a biodegradable cleaner or vinegar solution.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus is a compact electric tankless model featuring Advanced Flow Control to maintain temperatures with varying demand. It saves space, eliminates the need for venting, and includes energy-saving features like auto-modulation. The unit provides continuous hot water for the whole house with an easy-to-use electronic switch, digital temperature display, and memory/preset options. It relies on a copper heating system for durable performance and precise temperature control.
Eemax EEM24013 Electric Tankless
The EEM24013 from Eemax offers instantaneous hot water with self-modulating technology, delivering a continuous supply as needed. It optimizes energy use by adjusting input based on demand, ensuring consistent temperature through varying draw. The compact electric unit is designed for point-of-use or smaller installations where a traditional storage heater isn’t ideal, providing reliable hot water on demand with reduced energy waste.
Tankless Water Heater 110V 3000W (SBPKMARSCT)
This 110V electric tankless unit is designed for under-sink applications, delivering hot water quickly with a 3000W heating element. It features 82°F (0.3 GPM) to 131°F (0.5 GPM) rise, a compact, attractive ABS housing, and a display to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. It’s suitable for point-of-use hot water needs and emphasizes safety with water-electricity isolation and dry-boil protection. Note that higher flow rates may reduce output temperature as flow increases.
Buying Guide — Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a tankless water heater, buyers should weigh capacity, energy source, installation requirements, and maintenance needs. Propane models like Orbek can deliver high outputs for larger homes but require venting and proper outdoor installation. Electric units (Stiebel Eltron, Eemax, and SBPKMARSCT) are often easier to install and maintain in apartments or under-sink setups but may have lower peak flow. Consider flow rates (GPM) at your hot water demand centers (shower, faucet, dishwasher). Temperature rise requirements, climate, and gas or electrical availability influence selection and cost.
Expansion and maintenance are important for longevity. A flushing kit, such as the 6699 kit, helps remove mineral buildup that reduces efficiency over time. Descalers like RectorSeal Calci-Free can restore water flow in some installations, though verify compatibility with your system. Verifying safety features (anti-dry burn, anti-leakage, overload protection) helps ensure reliable operation in daily use.
Cost considerations include upfront equipment price, installation labor, venting (for gas units), and potential energy savings over time. In general, electric tankless models have lower upfront installation complexity but may incur higher electricity costs depending on local rates. Gas or propane units can offer higher output for whole-house needs but require outdoor or proper vented installation and gas supply.
For homeowners evaluating “how much is a tankless water heater,” it’s useful to compare total cost of ownership rather than upfront price alone. Factor in energy savings, installation difficulty, maintenance needs, and local incentives or rebates. A system’s suitability hinges on home size, hot water peak demand, existing plumbing, and available utilities. Always consult a licensed professional to confirm compatibility and proper installation.