Tankless Water Heaters, also known as Instant Water Heaters, are energy efficient and provide hot water on demand.
Instead of the water heater running all the time using energy, and saving the hot water in storage, these smaller units provide instant water heating.
The question, however, arises as to which is the Best Tankless Gas Water Heater for you and how to make that decision.
Worry not; we have done an extensive research to offer you a list of the top 10 best tankless gas water heaters 2021 for you to choose from based on your requirements.
Best
Choice
The Rinnai RUR98iN water heater is one of the best Tankless Gas Water. It has advanced technology that allows unlimited usage of hot water at different temperature ranges.
Best
Budget
The Tengchang 8L Hot Water Heater is an LPG Propane Gas water heater that provides instant hot water at a very reasonable price. It is ideal for apartments.
Editor’s
Choice
The Camplux Propane Tankless Water Heater is ideal for small families and has the capacity to deliver 3.18 gallons of water per minute.
Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters 2021
Hot water can sometimes feel like a blessing in extremely cold weather while some people simply like to take a hot bath all year round. It is therefore important to choose the right water heating system for your household to have hot water without the heater taking too much space or being too heavy on the bills.
We have done some research to shortlist the ten best tankless gas water heaters based on their price, capacity, hot water temperature ranges, and some other features to help you choose the right model for your household.
1. Rinnai
Features
- 9.8 Gallons per minute
- Temperature controls
- Easy Installation no extra pipes required
- Dual options for vents
The Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series is an indoor tankless natural gas water heater and qualifies to be on the top of the list due to its advanced technology, and it can provide multiple temperature options.
It also has a recirculation option, which means that without requiring any extra pipes, this water heater can provide you with unlimited hot water.
It can provide up to 9.8 gallons per minute of hot water, which is ideal for a good-sized family and it offers dual options for vents, i.e., PVC as well as concentric which makes it easily compatible.
The best part perhaps is that this water heater is 96% energy efficient which means that it is both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient in terms of monthly energy bills.
Pros
- Ideal for larger families
- Recirculation of water without any extra pipes and plumbing
- 96% energy efficient
- Chrome Plated Stainless Steel
Cons
- It is a pricey product
2. Tenchang
Features
- Noise Free
- Reduces Consumption of Gas
- Adjustment buttons for water and gas pressure
- Water Pressure Control
The Tenchang 8L Heater makes the cut for the top 10 best tankless gas water heaters due to the advanced combustion technology it offers, which saves energy by reducing the consumption of gas.
It also has the feature to reduce and manage the pressure of water in case of high-pressure issues.
This gas water heater runs on propane gas, and one of its best features is the safety option where in case of any accidental flameout, the gas power is automatically shut off.
The Tenchang also offers the choice to choose between hot and cold water as when required and is ideal for individuals and studio apartments.
Pros
- Safety Precautions with automatic shut off
- Energy efficient with combustion technology
- Dual Water output; hot and cold
- Easy on the pocket
Cons
- Limited capacity, not ideal for families
3. Camplux Propane
Features
- Ideal for small families
- Proper power ventilation
- Adjustment buttons for water and gas pressure
- Safe and convenient to use
The Camplux Tankless Gas Water Heater is one of those heaters that look classy while offering heated water. The design is sleek and trendy with an LED touchscreen for display and control of temperature. It has a capacity of 3.18 gallons per minute of hot water which is ideal for small families.
It has numerous protection features such as the flame failure feature, child lock, and protection against combustion. It has an energy-saving mode and you can easily control the temperatures, which means that if you want warm water during the summers, you don’t need to have it on full capacity like in winters.
Pros
- Amazing Customer Service
- Energy Efficient with temperature controls
- 3.18 gallons capacity
- Compact size saves space
- On-Demand usage
- Automatic Shut off in case of flame or combustion
Cons
- Not easy to install, better to have someone hook it up
4. Marey Power Gas
Features
- Save energy and water
- Sleek and compact design
- Multiple water output option
- Temperature Display
The Marey Power 10L tankless gas water heater has a compact design which helps to save a lot of space and can easily be installed anywhere. It has a digital display where you can monitor the temperature and doesn’t run on electricity; all you need are cell batteries.
It is energy efficient and only utilizes the gas when hot water is being used and can provide water output for 2-3 points at the same time. You can easily control the water, and the gas flow and pressure to suit your needs and is the perfect solution for instant water heating.
Pros
- Easy to install and saves space
- Gas consumption is limited to only when the heater is being used
- Cost-effective and efficient
- Good value for money, not too costly
- Can be used outdoors as well
Cons
- Not easy to set temperature controls
5. Takagi
Features
- High Energy Efficiency
- Small compact design
- No pilot issue
The Takagi T-H3-DV-N is an indoor Tankless Gas Water Heater that has high efficiency in saving energy. It provides unlimited hot water on demand and is small in size which is convenient to use. The best part perhaps, is the extensive safety features that are computerized.
There is no pilot phase to worry about, which means direct access to hot water, and this tankless gas water heater is ideal for using in 4 bathrooms simultaneously.
The flow rate is 10 gallons per minute, making it the best tankless water heater for large families and there is a temperature range you can choose from.
Pros
- 10 gallons per minute
- Suitable for 4 bathrooms simultaneously
- Computerized features for safety
- Multiple temperature ranges
Cons
- It is an expensive product
6. Eccotemp
Features
- Wall-mounted
- 38 degrees’ Fahrenheit temperature range
- Ideal for apartments and single-family homes
The Eccotemp O20H is an outdoor Tankless gas water heater, which is ideal for 2-3 uses simultaneously and is ideal for single families.
It offers 6 gallons per minute of hot water with a rise of 38 degrees in temperature making it extremely efficient in energy saving.
The Eccotemp also offers sensor technology to monitor the temperature controls and use the hot water safely. It is a compact heater that is easily wall mounted and is powered by natural gas.
The control system is fully automated and runs on 12 amps, which is nuts making it cost-effective when it comes to energy bills.
Pros
- 6 gallons per minute
- 2-3 uses simultaneously
- 10 years’ warranty
- Proper Certifications
Cons
- Not for indoor use
7. VEVOR
Features
- Lightweight and compact
- 6L to 16L variants available
- Wall-mounted
- Starts at a low water pressure
The VEVOR tankless gas water heater runs on liquefied petroleum gas and comes with 5 different hot water output capacity. The VEVOR comes from 6 liters to 16 liters per minute hot water output with varying prices.
The heater has a metal heat-resistant body, has temperature controls and an LED display where they can be viewed.
It uses combustion technology, which minimizes the combustion of gas and saves energy. THE VEVOR is one of the best propane tankless water heater which is easy to carry and can be used for small families as well but it should not be installed in the bathroom.
It can be wall mounted and installed in the kitchen and it will provide hot water wherever required.
Pros
- Energy-saving efficiency
- Protection against overpressure of water
- Automatic shut off after 20 minutes
- Portable and comes with a showerhead kit
- Easy on the pocket
Cons
- Limited per minute hot water capacity
8. Marey GA5PORT
Features
- Small and portable
- No Electricity needed
- Energy-efficient up to 80%
- Hot water on demand
Another model of Marey that makes the list of the top 10 best tankless gas water heaters 2021, and this time it is their GA5PORT model which is small and portable, ideal for remote areas, camping trips, cabins and even in house for washing your pets, windows or cars.
It doesn’t require any electrical connection, and the pilot setting can run on 2-D batteries. It provides hot water as and when required, using 80% less gas than standard heaters, making it efficient.
It has the capacity to dispense 2 gallons per minute, which is enough for on the go needs.
Pros
- Pilot runs on 2-D batteries
- 2 gallons per minute
- 5 years’ warranty
- Ideal for outdoors, cabins, etc.
- Not too pricey; value for money
Cons
- May not be suitable for baths at home, limited output capacity
9. Rheem
Features
- Propane gas indoor tankless heater
- Water-Saving settings
- Always ready to provide hot water, minimizing the wastage and hassle of initial cold water
One of the best things about this Rheem model is the settings for water-saving, where you can set the temperature of water you require, and the flow of water will be decreased till the water reaches that temperature.
This can save up to 1100 gallons of water annually and qualifies the Rheem RTGH-95dvln 9.5 gpm indoor direct vent tankless gas water heater to be one of our recommendations.
It has a Low Flow Activation feature, where hot water can be available even if the requirement is low.
It is ideal for large families as it provides 9.5 gallons of hot water per minute, and you can easily hook up two units for extremely high usage of hot water, such as commercial use.
Pros
- 9.5 gallons per minute
- 12 years’ warranty
- Comes with digital remote control to set temperature
- Maintenance setting alerts after usage of 500 hours for an optional service
Cons
- High priced product
10. Rinnai
Features
- Propane or natural gas indoor tankless heater
- Energy efficient with Energy Star certification
- Ideal for large families and simultaneous use
This model of the Rinnai offers all the benefits of a good tankless gas water heater while offering extremely high efficiency. It is an indoor unit and is primarily for residential use.
However, it can be used for commercial purposes as well by purchasing a commercial controller. It has the capacity to give an output of 9.8 gallons of water per minute and is ideal for large families.
It has dual venting options, both concentric and PVC making it easy to install and convenient to use. The unit is noise-free and provides endless hot water supply at multiple outlets simultaneously.
Pros
- 9.5 gallons per minute
- 12 years’ warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years’ warranty on parts
- Twin pipe; concentric and PVC option
- Compatible with digital controllers for temperature control
Cons
- A High priced product
Buyer’s Guide for Tankless Gas Water Heater
Water is being heated as it is flowing through the water heater within seconds, literally……as soon as the tap is turned on. What’s more, with the tank being absent in this tankless gas water heater, space is never an issue……the mechanism of this equipment is as simple as that. Since the water availability requirements vary from family to family, you should make your pick to best suit your requirements. This Buyer’s Guide might come in handy to choose just the one!
Gas or Electric tankless water heater?
The first and foremost question to be considered is which power source you want your tankless heater to run on? If you have a large family where 2-3 persons will be simultaneously using hot water, then tankless gas water heaters are the best for you. In this case, you get to choose from the propane or natural gas types available in the market. However, for small families, an electric water heater may be adequate.
Flow rate
Whether you are using a tankless gas water heater for domestic or commercial purposes, you can easily find the one with the appropriate flow rate. Different appliances such as showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and kitchen faucets require different gallons of water per minute, such as if two showers are in use at the same time, then approximately 5 gallons per minute of hot water should be flowing freely from the water heater. Therefore, the tankless gas water heater should be selected accordingly.
Size
One convenient edge of a tankless gas water heater is that because of it being literally ‘tankless’, no unnecessary space for heating a large quantity of water or a huge tank is employed and the supply of water is uninterrupted throughout the house. As the flow rate is directly proportional to the size of the water heater, the required gallons per minute (GPM) are important because a bigger household would look for a water heater with a medium-sized or large unit i.e., the one which delivers more hot water gallons per minute.
Water temperature
The output temperature of the water would be based largely on the fact as to where you are residing. Naturally, people residing in colder areas would want the water of higher temperature sprouting out of taps, whereas, in warmer areas, the desired water temperature requirements may be lower. Likewise, the cold incoming water temperature in colder areas will define the efficiency of the water heater. So colder areas would require large models with higher flow rates as compared to warmer areas. The same is true for warmer regions, whereby less powerful units can prove to be efficient even for a bigger household.
Energy efficient
It is to be noted that a tankless gas water heater is more efficient and powerful than the ones operating
on electricity. Some of these non-condensing gas water heaters are efficient in recovering unused energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas discharges.
Cost
A tankless gas water heater is costlier than a tankless electric one. Upfront installation costs and specific requirements such as vent and gas pipes, should also be kept in consideration. Nevertheless, the gas water heater can effortlessly accommodate a larger setup providing high flowing hot water whenever a number of water fixtures are turned on at the same time. Water heaters with larger flow rates are costlier than ones with a lesser flow rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tankless gas water heater is the best?
The best tankless gas water heaters are the ones that take the least space, are energy efficient, and provide an endless supply of conditioned water to fulfill the needs of the household or commercial system. Choice can be made from a wide range of water heaters available to suits one’s requirements.
How long do I have to wait to get hot water?
The moment the tap or water outlet is turned on, hot water starts flowing out instantaneously. Chances are that your water heater will be near the water outlet, so there will be no delay because the time spent in water flowing through the pipes is all that is needed.
How can a tankless gas water heater heat water?
As the name suggests, this tankless gas water heater has no ‘tank’ to store hot water. The moment you turn the faucet on, the heater is turned on straight away by the flow of water.
The gas burners heat the water and the only delay in hot water reaching you depends on the distance of the faucet from the water heater. This whole procedure is halted as soon as the faucet is turned off.
Which tankless gas water heater is the best for getting hot water?
The higher the capacity or flow rate of a tankless water heater, the hotter the gallons per minute of water flowing out will be.
Which natural gas tankless hot water heaters are the best value?
Rinnai V65IN gives the best value for money. It lets you operate 2-3 water outlets at the same time, in all weather conditions. The price is also less than the other available varieties in the market.
What is the lifetime probability of a tankless gas water heater?
Tankless gas water heaters have a probable life of around 20 years. In case of an issue, the parts of the heater are replaceable and will continue to give uninterrupted services once replaced.
However, the prolonged service of the water heater would rest largely on the usage, regional temperature, water quality, and upkeep of the water heater.
Benefits of Tankless Gas Water Heater
Knowing that hot water is sprouting and ready just at the turn of the faucet is a never-ending relief. What’s more, if the source is not only compact but also user-friendly, then the whole deal makes a lot of sense. The same is the case of Tankless Gas Water Heaters, the benefits of which are given here.
Energy savers
Nearly 40 percent less energy is consumed when using a Tankless gas water heater as compared to units with tanks, all the while saving a few bucks. Basically, they start working only when you turn them on. Working on gas, be it natural gas or propane, is a definite energy-saver.
Time savers
In this age, when time is of the essence, this water heater provides us with a continuous supply of hot water within seconds, as opposed to the other water heaters which do require warm-up time. What’s more, 2-3 multiple water faucets or showers can be up and running with the immediate flow of hot water simultaneously. Compact shape and size
These Tankless gas water heaters being actually ‘tankless’, come in compact shapes and sizes. They require less space for functioning and can be easily mounted on the wall.
Long life
The Tankless Gas water heater has a longer life expectancy as compared to the ones with tanks. With proper maintenance and repairs, we are looking at something around 20 years!
Safe
As large amounts of hot water are not being stored anywhere, the tankless gas heater is safer to use. What makes the system more reliable is that when water is not being used, the system is off.
Purer water
As hot water is flowing right out of the faucet, rather than coming from a tank, this water is free from sediment of the tank and can be used freely, being purer. Water stored in tanks, being heated numerous times, is susceptible to bacteria growth and may take in rust accumulated at the base of the tank.
Tips to install a Tankless Gas Water Heater
DIY or Plumber?
If the homeowner is not experienced or skilled enough to install equipment like the Tankless gas water heater, it is worthwhile to engage a professional to do it fittingly and safely. Finding the best plumber is crucial as installing this setup requires following the right steps to improve the overall working and life of the water heater. On the other hand, the DIY option never leaves the table if you have the proper tips and are up for some undertaking. In case you get stuck in a situation while doing it yourself, ringing up a representative of the brand always helps. Here are a few guiding steps.
Selection of Location
Is your tankless gas water heater crafted for indoors or outdoors? The selection of location should be made accordingly. Being tankless, this water heater is compact and is positioned vertically on the wall, above all floor supports. A proper venting system is required for indoor models, while this requirement is eliminated in outdoor ones. For indoor models, direct vent to the exterior and sealed combustion should be present for safety. The location must be selected keeping in mind the distance from gas pipes and water sources to maximize performance and reduction in fitting costs. Clean and safe areas, such as free from dirt, dust and chemicals, away from electrical boxes and air conditioning lines, should be selected to keep away from any hazard.
Setting up
Disconnect all gas and water supply to your old water heater and dismount it. Even if starting new, turn off all gas and water supplies before starting the procedure. Inspect if new lines of gas or water are needed for the new equipment. Mount your new water heater at the selected spot with wall studs or brackets (if available).
Gas Supply
Going through the manufacturer’s instruction manual is a must before starting this venture. The rating plate will give you important details about gas and water pressure, which are to be kept in consideration while setting up the water tank. In case the pressure required for your tank does not match the one being provided, the water tank will not be able to perform efficiently. Gas supply lines should be set up by introducing a ‘T’ in the gas lines to connect it to the water tank. The option of shutting gas supply through a valve should always be present. Once the tank is connected to the gas pipes, it should be checked for leakage.
Water Supply Lines
Flushing the unit and purging all air from water pipes is necessary before installing the tankless water heater. Water pipes need to be installed for water supply. These should be installed, keeping a slight distance from the wall rather than touching the wall. The length of these pipes matters because that would define the time it takes to give you hot water for those chores you are willing to complete today!…..Once this set up is complete, tighten all the connections using a wrench and connect manual cold water shut off valve in the system. Most importantly, the water pressure should always be kept in check.
Starting Up!
Re-check all the pipes and valves for leakages. Turn on the gas and water connection, and your tankless water heater is good to go!!! Once the installation process is complete, it should be kept in mind that regular maintenance of the water heater is important for efficiency and best results.
Types of Tankless Gas Water Heater
With homeowners getting smarter by the day, and the increasing demand for spot on hot water makes equipment like tankless gas water heater a hot favorite. Now the big question is which type is best for you?….This list below has been put together in terms of usage and installation power to help you purchase the best one.
Usage
Things get easy if you know how and where you are planning to use your tankless gas water heater.
Whole-house tankless gas water heater
As the name suggests, this is one powerful water heater capable of fulfilling the needs of the whole household at the same time. Whereby providing piping hot water with a high flow makes it an expensive buy.
Commercial tankless water heater
Since the flow rate and usage for commercial use are intrinsically high, this heater is powerful enough to keep up with the water demand. Commercial heaters necessarily run on gas for smooth running of the system, because gas makes them cost-effective and proficient.
Point of use tankless water heater
Ideal for small set-ups where only one faucet has to run. Compact in shape and easy to install makes it a smart choice for studio apartments.
RV and portable tankless water heater
These are suitable for outdoor use, i.e., in RV while camping or traveling, even for something as slight as washing your car.
Installation
Depending on where you are thinking of setting your tankless gas water heater, two options are available.
Indoor tankless water heater
Installed inside your house near a suitable supply of gas and water, this type of water heater is in for the long haul. However, the requirement of proper venting arrangement makes this type costly upfront.
Outdoor tankless water heater
While no ventilation is needed for this type, money would have to be spent on shielding it from bad weather.
Our Verdict
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to the best tankless gas water heaters in 2021, but worry not. These top 10 heaters have been shortlisted for you based on hot water consumption requirements, space, usage indoors or outdoors, price, and so many other features.
There are numerous different types of water heaters for you to choose from and the best thing you can do is compare the different models and choose the one that suits your needs.