Tankless water heaters are very popular these days, due to their compact size and energy saving abilities, but this model by Eco Smart goes one step beyond, topping the energy saving abilities of other units in this price range. The innovative self-modulating system facilitates automatic power adjustments that are based on the level of electricity needed for heating water. Also, because this model is tankless, it will not heat and store water like a traditional water heater will. With this model, the water is instantly heated up as it passes through the central heating system.
If you’re shopping around for an energy efficient tankless water heater, the ECO 27 is one of the bestselling models on the market. This unit can save you up to fifty percent on water heating costs and is a major space saver, making it ideal for smaller homes.
ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater Rundown
This unit can provide ample hot water under the right conditions, heating up three gallons per minute. However, the ECO 27’s performance can get a little dicey in colder parts of the country. If your water supply is extremely cold, there won’t be much hot water available, not even enough to take one shower.
Eco Smart provides an informative reference chart that will list inlet water temperatures in different parts of the country and the amount of hot water you’ll get based on location. The user can also tweak the water output by increasing or decreasing the hot water temp, which can be done in one degree increments.
This model is much more compact than the average storage tank on a hot water heater, but because the outlet and inlet on located on the underside of the unit instead of the top, it can require reworking the plumbing. Additionally, it will require a 240 electrical service and 112.5 amps.
This model can also significantly lower your electric bill. Aside from producing a sufficient amount of hot water on demand, the biggest selling point for this unit is its energy saving ability. While not energy star qualified, the manufacturer claims it has a 99.8 % energy rating, which is said to be high enough to cut your electric bill by as much as fifty percent.
While the water heater features a great product warranty, there are some catches. The ECO 27 is covered by a lifetime warranty on parts, but the consumer must have the water heater professionally installed and provide documentation of these services in order for the warranty to remain valid.
The unit’s self-modulating flow sensor technology works to control energy consumption for improved energy efficiency. This helps to conserve energy while still meeting hot water needs.
This unit activates at .25GPM. In order to quickly and efficiently heat up water, this water heater is equipped with three heating elements, which draws voltage when hot water is in demand.
Consumers will also enjoy the digital temperature control, for better accuracy. The device allows you to adjust the set point temperature in one degree increments. This model features a minimum temp of eighty degrees and a maximum of a hundred and forty degrees.
There is a minimum of two hundred amps total service needed, with three, forty DP breakers that are able to provide protection for two hundred and forty volts. Because of this you may need to upgrade your home’s electrical service in order to operate this unit.
The water heater uses pipe fittings of ¾” NPT. Thanks to its compact design, this water heater can save approximately twelve feet of space in the home.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
Pros
According to most consumers, this model is easy to operate and does a great job of heating up the water quickly. The fact that this unit comes with a replaceable element is a nice bonus for consumers. Its reputation for saving consumers big on their electric bill is the biggest selling point for this model.
The water heater is not only energy efficient, it’s also very user-friendly. This is a compact model that won’t take up much room, allowing for more placement options.
This model is one of the biggest tankless units available that’s equipped with the self-modulating feature. The unit is still able to heat water in temperatures as low as thirty-seven degrees and can heat up to three gallons per minutes, even at a lower temperature. It can also handle a couple of showers in use at the same time and will never run out of hot water.
Cons
Some consumers complained that there’s a slight delay before any hot water is available. So, expect to wait a few seconds for the water to warm up. However, once it does, you’ll enjoy a stable water flow. Another common complaint with this model involves the installation. Installing the water heater involves both electrical and plumbing work. So you’ll need to factor in these installation costs. If you live in a colder climate you’ll need to visit the manufacturer’s website in order to determine if the unit is capable of meeting your hot water needs. The fact that this model has to be professionally installed by an electrician and a plumber was a major downside for the avid DIYer, however, if you fail to do so, you’ll void the product warranty.
Consumers who are looking for a more powerful tankless unit should learn more about the Tempra 24 plus Stiebel Eltron electric tankless water heater, which is offered at a slightly higher price, but definitely packs more power.
Eco 27 Conclusion and Rating
Consumers who purchased this model gave it a rating of five out of five stars for the self-modulating technology, compact design, heating capacity and overall quality. An innovative model that allows you to precisely control water temperatures and one that can easily multitask, this tankless water heater has a lot to offer the homeowner on a tight budget.
This high rating makes the ECO 27 Eco Smart Electric Tankless Water Heater our top rated model and one of the best tankless water heaters on the market.
