Finding an eco friendly hot water heater means balancing energy efficiency, reliability, and space savings. This guide highlights top EcoSmart models that deliver on-demand hot water with smart control, helping reduce energy use and environmental impact. Whether you’re upgrading a small apartment or powering a whole house, these electric tankless options provide precise temperature control, compact designs, and long-term savings.
Note: All products listed below are from EcoSmart, a brand known for its energy efficient, self-modulating tankless water heaters. Each model is designed to heat water on demand, reducing standby heat loss and saving space with compact, wall-mounted installation options.
id=”eco11″>EcoSmart ECO 11: Compact On-Demand Efficiency
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a compact electric tankless water heater designed for efficiency and space savings. With a 13 kW rating at 240 volts, it uses patented self-modulating technology to adjust energy use to demand, resulting in significant energy savings. It is 90% smaller than traditional tank heaters, and its peak amperage draw is approximately 54 A. Ideal for point-of-use installations or small residences, this unit heats water only when called, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing standby losses.
Key features include continuous on-demand hot water, temperature monitoring within one degree of the selected setting, and a compact footprint (11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches). This model is built for energy efficiency and space-saving installation, offering a practical solution for apartments, bathrooms, or under-sink setups where endless hot water is desired without a bulky tank.
id=”eco27″>EcoSmart ECO 27: Higher Capacity Tankless
The EcoSmart ECO 27 is designed for climates where incoming water temperatures can be low, enabling heat-up performance that supports multiple fixtures. It has a high output (27 kW) and is capable of heating roughly up to 3 gallons per minute, making it suitable for households with simultaneous hot water needs. The digital temperature control allows precise adjustments in 1-degree increments, helping maintain comfort without overshooting temperatures.
In real-world use, the ECO 27 excels in larger apartments or small homes that demand more hot water at once. Its self-modulating technology ensures the unit only uses energy when water is heated, contributing to a lower energy footprint compared with traditional tank heaters. The unit’s compact dimensions also enable flexible installation options on walls or utility spaces.
id=”eco18″>EcoSmart ECO 18: Balanced Home Solution
The EcoSmart ECO 18 offers flexible capacity for mid-sized homes. Rated at 18 kW at 240 volts, it can heat water efficiently for more than one fixture at a time. Its self-modulating technology adjusts energy usage based on actual demand, delivering heat only when needed and reducing energy waste. Digital temperature control allows users to set temperatures in one-degree increments, enabling precise comfort levels while protecting against scalding or overheating.
This model emphasizes space efficiency with a compact form factor similar to other EcoSmart products. By eliminating tank standby heat, the ECO 18 contributes to ongoing energy savings, particularly in households with varying hot water demands—such as during morning routines or evening showers.
id=”eco8″>EcoSmart ECO 8: Small Space, Big Efficiency
The EcoSmart ECO 8 is ideal for compact spaces or low-demand scenarios. It provides reliable on-demand hot water with a modest electrical draw, making it suitable for single-point or limited-use applications. The unit is marketed as highly durable and easy to operate, with manufacturing in China. While its capacity is lower than larger models, the ECO 8 still utilizes EcoSmart’s self-modulating technology to optimize energy efficiency and reduce waste.
For small apartments, cottages, or sinks with modest hot water needs, the ECO 8 delivers dependable performance without sacrificing eco-friendly principles. The simple installation and energy-conscious design make it a practical choice for spaces where every watt counts.
id=”eco24″>EcoSmart ECO 24: Digital Display And High Efficiency
The EcoSmart ECO 24 combines a sleek, compact design with a digital output temperature display for precise control. It is billed as 99.8 percent energy efficient and manufactured in the United States, underscoring a focus on quality and domestic production. This model is capable of handling higher flow rates than smaller units, making it suitable for households with moderate to higher hot water demands while maintaining energy efficiency through self-modulation.
Users benefit from real-time temperature feedback and efficient operation, which helps maintain comfort while reducing unnecessary energy usage. The ECO 24 offers a strong balance of performance, energy savings, and domestic manufacturing, appealing to homeowners seeking reliable, eco-friendly hot water solutions.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For EcoSmart Tankless Heaters
- Hot water demand and flow rate: Assess your daily hot water needs. Multiply the number of fixtures by the typical flow rate to estimate required gallons per minute (gpm). Choose a model with a comfortable margin to handle peak usage.
- Climate and incoming water temperature: Colder incoming water requires higher wattage to reach target temperatures. Some EcoSmart models are designed to perform better in cooler climates.
- Energy efficiency and self-modulation: Self-modulating technology uses energy only as needed, reducing energy waste and lowering electricity bills over time.
- Space and installation: Tankless units are compact and wall-mountable, saving space. Confirm clearance, venting (if applicable), and electrical capacity at the installation site.
- Temperature control: Look for models with precise temperature adjustment (often in 1-degree increments) to balance comfort and energy use and to avoid heat shock.
- Durability and warranty: Consider units with reputable durability, materials (e.g., copper heating elements), and strong warranty coverage for long-term reliability.
- Domestic manufacturing and parts availability: Some EcoSmart units are manufactured in the United States or have widely available replacement parts, which can influence maintenance and service.
- Cost of operation: While upfront costs vary, tankless systems typically reduce energy use by eliminating standby heat. Calculate long-term savings based on your usage patterns.
What to consider when choosing among EcoSmart models: For low to moderate hot water demand, ECO 11 or ECO 8 may fit best due to smaller electrical loads and compact size. For medium to high demand, ECO 18 or ECO 24 offers greater capacity, higher flow, and digital temperature control. For households with simultaneous usage or larger bathrooms, ECO 27 provides higher output while still maintaining on-demand efficiency.