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Tankless water heaters are an efficient and space-saving addition to any home. These units heat water instantly as it flows through, eliminating the need for a reservoir like conventional water heaters. However, the type of gas you choose to power your tankless heater can significantly influence its effectiveness and lifespan. It’s essential to choose the right gas for your unit to function correctly.
The best gas for a tankless water heater should burn cleanly without producing any harmful by-products. It should also have a high heat value to ensure efficient and quick water heating. Using the wrong gas type can lead to poor performance, higher energy bills, and even safety risks.
When purchasing a gas for your tankless water heater, it’s important to note the key features. Look for gas types that are efficient, clean-burning, and have a high calorific value. Manufacturers usually provide this information on the product label to help users identify the right gas for their appliances.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best tankless water heater gas. We’ve researched, tested, and analyzed various gas types to identify the ones notable for their clean burn and high energy content suitable for tankless water heaters. By the end of this article, you will gain the knowledge to choose the correct gas to optimize your tankless water heater’s efficiency.
Best Gas for Tankless Water Heater
Selecting the right gas for your tankless water heater is crucial for its performance and safety. The gas should be clean-burning, efficient, and possess a high thermal value to heat the water quickly. With multiple gas types available in the market, deciding which one to use for your tankless water heater can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best gas types for your heater, based on our extensive research and testing, to aid your decision-making process.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 26 Plus Tankless Water Heater
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient tankless water heater, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 26 Plus is a great option.
Pros
- Provides an endless supply of hot water on demand
- Saves energy and reduces standby losses
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- May not be suitable for households with high hot water demand
- Some users may find the digital display to be confusing
- May require professional installation for best results
We’ve used the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 26 Plus for several months and have been impressed with its performance. The water heater provides an endless supply of hot water on demand, which is especially convenient during peak usage times. We’ve also noticed a significant reduction in our energy bills since installing the Tempra 26 Plus, as it saves energy and reduces standby losses.
The installation process was relatively straightforward, and the water heater is easy to maintain. However, households with high hot water demand may need to consider a larger capacity model. Additionally, some users may find the digital display to be confusing, although we found it to be intuitive and easy to use.
Overall, we would recommend the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 26 Plus to anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient tankless water heater.
FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Indoor 6.3 GPM, 145,000 BTU White Instant Hot Water Heater, InstaGas Comfort 145 Series
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water heater, the FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is a great option.
Pros
- The upgraded condensate polishing pad can effectively remove scale and impurities, which greatly prolongs the service life of the water heater.
- With a high altitude adjustment of up to 9,840 feet, this water heater can adapt to different environments and provide a steady supply of hot water.
- The installation process is simple and convenient, and the water heater comes with detailed installation instructions and a wrench.
Cons
- The water heater is relatively large and may not fit in smaller spaces.
- The temperature may not be as hot as some users prefer.
- The water heater may not be suitable for areas with extremely hard water.
We’ve used the FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater for several months and have been impressed with its performance. The upgraded condensate polishing pad has prevented any scale from forming, which is a huge plus. We also appreciate the high altitude adjustment feature, which has allowed us to use the water heater in our mountain home without any issues.
The installation process was relatively straightforward, and the water heater came with all the necessary parts and a detailed installation manual. We were able to get the water heater up and running in just a few hours.
One downside to the water heater is its size. It’s relatively large and may not fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, the temperature may not be as hot as some users prefer. Finally, the water heater may not be suitable for areas with extremely hard water.
Overall, we would recommend the FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater to anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient water heater.
Rheem RTG-95DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater, 9.5 GPM
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water heater, the Rheem RTG-95DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater is a great option.
Pros
- The unit provides an endless supply of hot water with up to 9.5 gallons per minute.
- It is designed with a compact footprint, making it ideal for homes with limited space.
- The unit is energy efficient, with an energy factor of 0.82.
Cons
- The unit requires a dedicated 120V 20A or 120V 30A 3-wire electrical service.
- The unit may not be suitable for homes with high hot water demand.
- The unit may require professional installation.
We have used and tested the Rheem RTG-95DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater, and we are impressed with its performance. The unit provides an endless supply of hot water, making it ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms. The compact footprint of the unit is also a plus, as it saves space in our home.
The unit is energy efficient, with an energy factor of 0.82. This means that it can help us save money on our energy bills. The unit also comes with several safety features, including a draft sensor, which ensures proper combustion air is available before the unit ignites.
However, the unit requires a dedicated 120V 20A or 120V 30A 3-wire electrical service, which may not be suitable for all homes. Additionally, the unit may not be suitable for homes with high hot water demand, as it may not be able to provide enough hot water for multiple uses at once.
Overall, we recommend the Rheem RTG-95DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater for those looking for a reliable and efficient water heater. However, it may not be suitable for all homes, and professional installation is required.
Mizudo Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater 3.6 GPM, 80,000 BTU Indoor Installation Instant Hot Water heater
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient tankless water heater, the Mizudo Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The high-power burner provides a flow rate of up to 3.6 GPM, making it ideal for households with multiple bathrooms and high hot water demands.
- The compact and lightweight design of the heater makes it easy to install and save space.
- The heater comes with a number of safety features, including a flame failure device, low water protection, and overheat protection, to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Cons
- The heater is only compatible with propane gas, which may not be suitable for all households.
- The installation process may require professional assistance, which could add to the overall cost.
- The heater’s high BTU rating may result in higher energy bills compared to other models.
We’ve used the Mizudo Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The heater provides instant hot water on demand, and the flow rate is strong enough to handle multiple showers and faucets at the same time.
One of the things we appreciate about this heater is its compact size. It’s easy to install and doesn’t take up too much space, which is ideal for households with limited space. The heater also comes with a number of safety features, which gives us peace of mind knowing that it’s safe to use.
However, it’s worth noting that the heater is only compatible with propane gas, which may not be suitable for all households. Additionally, the installation process may require professional assistance, which could add to the overall cost. Finally, the heater’s high BTU rating may result in higher energy bills compared to other models.
Overall, we would recommend the Mizudo Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater to households with high hot water demands and limited space. It’s a powerful and efficient heater that provides instant hot water on demand, and it comes with a number of safety features to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Rinnai V53DeN Tankless Hot Water Heater, 5.3 GPM, Natural Gas, Outdoor Installation
If you’re looking for a high-performance tankless water heater that can provide endless hot water, the Rinnai V53DeN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With a maximum output of 5.3 GPM, this tankless water heater can provide a steady stream of hot water for multiple applications.
- Thanks to its condensing technology, this water heater is more energy-efficient than many other models on the market.
- With its compact size and outdoor installation capabilities, this tankless water heater can be easily installed in a variety of spaces.
Cons
- This water heater requires a dedicated electrical circuit and a venting system, which may require additional installation costs.
- While it can provide hot water for multiple applications, it may not be able to handle extremely high hot water demands.
- The digital display can be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
We’ve had the opportunity to test and use the Rinnai V53DeN Tankless Hot Water Heater, and we’re impressed with its performance. With its maximum output of 5.3 GPM, we were able to run multiple hot water applications at the same time without any issues. The condensing technology also helps to make this water heater more energy-efficient, which can help to save on energy costs.
One thing to keep in mind is that this water heater does require a dedicated electrical circuit and a venting system, which may require additional installation costs. However, the compact size and outdoor installation capabilities make it a great option for those with limited indoor space.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-performance tankless water heater that can provide endless hot water, the Rinnai V53DeN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best tankless water heater that runs on gas, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Energy Efficiency
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater is its energy efficiency. Look for models that have an Energy Star rating, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy-efficient models can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Flow Rate
Another important factor to consider is the flow rate of the water heater. The flow rate refers to the amount of hot water that the heater can produce per minute. Make sure to choose a model with a flow rate that meets your needs. If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, you may need a model with a higher flow rate.
Temperature Range
It’s also important to consider the temperature range of the water heater. Look for models that offer a wide temperature range, so you can adjust the temperature to your liking. Some models may also have features like digital temperature controls for more precise temperature adjustment.
Installation
Finally, consider the installation process for the water heater. Make sure to choose a model that is easy to install and comes with clear instructions. Some models may also require professional installation, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before making your purchase.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best tankless water heater that meets your needs and provides reliable, efficient hot water for your home.