Electric Tankless Questions? We've Got Answers.
Is It Better to Have a Gas or Electric Demand Water Heater?
Electric Tankless Water Heater Pros:
- Flexibility: The Eccotemp SHiE-27 Electric Tankless Water is the World’s first and only electric on demand hot water heater with adjustable amperage settings. The all-in-one flexible installation using the Turner feature via the Eccotemp Smart app allows users to optimize power consumption based on their specific needs and available electrical capacity.
- Installation: Electric models are generally easier and less expensive to install compared to gas units. They typically require a 240-volt electrical service and can be mounted on a wall with standard plumbing connections.
- Space and Safety: Electric units are compact and do not require venting, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They also eliminate the risk of gas leaks, which enhances safety.
- Operating Costs: While electricity costs can vary, electric tankless water heaters tend to have higher operating costs in areas where electricity is more expensive. However, in provinces where electricity is generated from renewable sources, these costs can be offset by the environmental benefits.
- Smart Technology: Many electric models, like the Eccotemp SHiE-27 Electric Tankless Hot Water Heater, offer smart features that allow for remote monitoring, scheduling, and energy management, providing a higher level of control and convenience.
Gas Tankless Water Heater Pros:
- Heating Capacity: Gas tankless water heaters typically have higher heating capacities and are better suited for larger homes with high hot water demands. They can deliver hot water more quickly, especially in colder climates.
- Operating Costs: In areas where natural gas is less expensive than electricity, gas tankless water heaters can have lower operating costs. However, the installation costs can be higher due to the need for proper venting and gas line connections.
- Longevity: Gas units often have a longer lifespan compared to electric models, providing more years of reliable service.
- Operating Costs: While electricity costs can vary, electric tankless water heaters tend to have higher operating costs in areas where electricity is more expensive. However, in provinces where electricity is generated from renewable sources, these costs can be offset by the environmental benefits.
- Environmental Considerations: While gas heaters can be more efficient in some regions, they still rely on fossil fuels, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In areas with a cleaner electricity grid, electric tankless water heaters may be a more environmentally friendly option.
How Do I Know What Size Electric Tankless Water Heater I Need?
Selecting the right size electric tankless water heater for your home in Canada is crucial to ensure that it meets your hot water needs efficiently. Here’s how to determine the right size:
- Calculate Your Peak Hot Water Demand: The first step in sizing your electric tankless hot water heater is to estimate your household's peak hot water demand. This is the total flow rate of all fixtures that might be used simultaneously, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). For instance, if you have a showerhead with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, a washing machine at 3 GPM, and a kitchen faucet at 1.5 GPM, your peak demand would be 7 GPM if all are used at the same time.
- Consider the Temperature Rise: In Canada, where groundwater temperatures can be quite low, it’s important to factor in the temperature rise needed to heat the water to your desired temperature. For example, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F (common in many parts of Canada during winter) and you want your water heated to 120°F, the required temperature rise is 80°F. The heater you choose should be capable of achieving this temperature rise at your estimated peak demand.
- Household Size and Usage Patterns: Consider the number of people in your home and their hot water usage habits. If your household typically experiences high demand in the morning or evening, make sure the electric tankless water heater can handle this without compromising performance.
- Adjustable Settings: Models like the Eccotemp SHiE-27 offer adjustable amperage settings, allowing you to customize the heater’s output according to your needs. This flexibility can be particularly useful in optimizing performance for different seasons or changes in household occupancy.
For homes with moderate hot water demands, the Eccotemp SHIE-27 electric on demand water heater is the perfect choice thanks to its patented all-in-one flexible installation using Tuner mode. The SHIE-27 consolidates the entire electric tankless water heater category into one single model. Installation limitations based on a home’s available amperage is eliminated. It can be digitally adjusted to become an 11 to 27 kilowatt tankless water heater. The Turner feature allows users to adjust the maximum electrical usage. Adjusting the maximum amperage per Triac eliminates overloading individual circuit breakers. Unleash flexibility allowing compatibility with any size home regardless of available amperage.
Ultimately, selecting the right electric tankless water heater involves choosing one with a flow rate that matches your household's hot water demand while also considering potential future changes. By evaluating fixture flow rates, hot water usage patterns, and temperature rise requirements, you can determine the appropriate size to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency. Additionally, features like adjustable amperage settings and smart controls, as seen in models like the Eccotemp SHiE-27, provide flexibility and convenience, allowing you to tailor the water heater's performance to your specific needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that your electric tankless water heater can reliably meet your hot water needs both now and, in the future, enhancing your overall hot water experience.
What Are the Advantages of Using an Electric On-Demand Water Heater?
Electric tankless water heaters are quickly becoming the go-to option for many Canadian homeowners. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Electric tankless water heaters, such as the Eccotemp SHiE-27, only heat water when you need it, eliminating the energy waste associated with maintaining a hot water tank. This on-demand hot water heating method means that you can enjoy a continuous supply of hot water without the standby energy loss experienced with traditional water heaters.
- Cost Savings: Although the initial cost of an electric tankless heater can be higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills can be significant. By only heating water when it's needed, you avoid the constant energy drain of keeping a tank of water hot around the clock.
- Space-Saving Design: Electric tankless water heaters are compact and can be wall-mounted, freeing up valuable space in your home. This is particularly advantageous in smaller homes or condos where space is at a premium.
- Safety: Without the need for a gas connection, electric tankless water heaters eliminate the risk of gas leaks, making them a safer option for your home.
- Environmental Impact: Electric continuous water heaters contribute to a lower carbon footprint compared to their gas counterparts. They are especially beneficial in regions where the electricity grid is powered by renewable energy sources.
- Smart Technology: Models like the Eccotemp SHiE-27 come equipped with smart features that allow you to control the water heater via a smartphone app. This technology enables you to monitor energy consumption, set schedules, and even adjust the water temperature from anywhere. Here are key features of using Eccotemp SHiE Smart Electric Hot Water Heater:
- Control: Smart electric tankless boilers like the Eccotemp SHiE-27 offer control at your fingertips through a dedicated mobile app, allowing users to adjust settings and monitor performance from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.
- Temperature Control: Users can easily adjust the water temperature from their phone ensuring personalized comfort and convenience for hot water usage.
- Scheduler: The Eccotemp Smart App enables users to set schedules for specific days and times to manage hot water usage. For example, if you want to avoid hot water usage during peak hours when utility prices may be at their highest, you can set a schedule to only allow hot water before or after those times. This optimizes energy usage, saves money, and minimizes waste.
- Timer: You can set a timer to limit hot water usage at any given time on any day. For example, set a timer for 30 minutes if you never want hot water running for more than that period. The timer will restart every time the hot water is turned on and off.
- Energy Monitoring: Real-time energy consumption statistics provided by the app allow users to track and monitor their tankless hot water heater usage, empowering them to make informed decisions to optimize energy efficiency and potentially reduce utility bills.
- Tuner Feature: The Eccotemp SHiE-27 features the Tuner capability, allowing users to adjust the maximum amperage output range from 11 to 27 kilowatts according to their specific electrical capacity, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
- Voice Control: Integration with virtual voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home enables hands-free operation through voice commands, further enhancing convenience and accessibility for users.
- Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostics features in the app facilitate easy troubleshooting of device or network issues, ensuring prompt resolution and minimizing downtime.
Overall, smart electric tankless water heaters offer customizable, user-friendly solutions that prioritize convenience, energy efficiency, and proactive maintenance, making them an attractive option for modern households.
Do Tankless Electric Water Heaters Need Regular Maintenance?
Electric instant water geysers are an excellent option for homeowners, providing instant and unlimited hot water precisely when and where it's needed, surpassing the efficiency of traditional water heaters. To ensure these advanced systems continue operating at peak performance and maintain their efficiency over time, regular maintenance is crucial. This maintenance may include tasks such as descaling to remove mineral buildup and checking for leaks or malfunctions.
A crucial part of maintaining an electric tankless water heater is routinely cleaning its internal components to prevent sediment and mineral buildup. Minerals found in the water supply can accumulate over time, causing scale formation and reducing the water heater's efficiency in transferring heat. To address this, it's advisable to descale the electric tankless water heater at least twice annually, or more frequently in regions with hard water. Eccotemp electronic instantaneous water heaters are fully compatible with the EZ-Flush System Descaling Kit. Using this kit involves flushing out the accumulated sediment and minerals using the kit’s descaling solution to restore the water heater's performance and prolong its lifespan. Regular descaling helps ensure optimal operation, prevents potential issues like reduced flow rates or system malfunctions, and extends the longevity of the electric tankless water heater.
In summary, while electric tankless water heaters provide several benefits, such as energy efficiency and instant hot water on demand, consistent maintenance is crucial for maintaining peak performance and longevity. By integrating regular cleaning and descaling into their maintenance routine, homeowners can optimize the efficiency and lifespan of their electric tankless water heaters.
Why buy the Eccotemp SHiE 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater?
All-in-One Flexible Installation: The Eccotemp Smart Home Electric Instant Hot Water Heater is one of the best electric tankless water heaters on the market thanks to its all-in-one flexible installation. This innovation eliminates the need for multiple water heater sizes based on a home's electrical capacity and usage. Our unique 'turner' feature allows users to control the maximum electrical output per Triac/electrical breaker. This means you can adjust the maximum amperage output range from 11 to 27 kW according to your available electrical capacity, making it possible to install the model in any home without overloading existing electrical systems. Whether you have a 60-amp or 200-amp breaker, the Eccotemp Smart Electric Tankless Water Heater ensures seamless, customized installation to tailor energy consumption to your specific needs.
Smart Consumption Management App: Our cutting-edge app, designed for energy-conscious homeowners, provides detailed insights into both electricity and water consumption, including their monetary values. This empowers users to monitor and manage their usage effectively. The app allows you to set timers and schedules, ensuring optimal efficiency. For example, if you prefer a 10-minute shower, the app will shut off the water and electricity after the set time, preventing unnecessary waste and reducing utility costs.
Seamless Technology Integration: The Eccotemp Smart Home Electric Tankless Water Heater stands out as the only electric tankless water heater that seamlessly integrates with third-party technologies like Alexa and Google Home. This integration allows consumers to use voice commands and smart automations, enhancing their smart home experience. Control your water heater effortlessly with simple voice commands or incorporate it into your existing smart home routines for maximum convenience.
Superior Efficiency: Our electric tankless water heater is designed with high efficiency in mind, outperforming both tankless gas and traditional electric water heaters. By heating water on demand and maintaining precise temperature control, it minimizes energy waste, leading to significant savings on utility bills. This high efficiency not only benefits the consumer financially but also reduces the overall energy consumption footprint.
Positive Environmental Impact: The Eccotemp Smart Home Electric Tankless Water Heater is crafted with sustainability at its core. By eliminating the need for multiple models and sizes, we reduce plastic waste and material usage in production. This streamlined approach ensures that fewer unsold products end up in landfills. Additionally, our efficient design reduces overall energy consumption, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable future.