Best Water Heater for Well Water

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Hard water can affect the lifespan of your water heater.  Your heater’s efficiency is significantly reduced when it comes to contact with water contain hardness as it allows the scale to form on the heater.

This not only reduces the lifespan of the heater but allow increases the cost of operation. Scaling affects both tank and tankless water heaters. There are many ways to ensure that you don’t waste a lot of money on repairing or replacing old water heaters due to water hardness.

The most effective way is by using water softeners. Flushing the heating system also helps to drain all the sediments before building up and destroying your heater.

Throughout this piece, you will read about some of the best water heaters units in the market today, gasping that you need about these tools. 

Best Water Heater for Well Water

1. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater

Bosch electric mini-tank is an excellent water heater for hard water. It’s compact, measuring 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5 inches meaning it can fit in a small space.  The tank can hold up to four gallons of hot water though there is another model with 2.5 gallons .handling capacity.

The water design incorporates premium long-lasting glass-lined material. Its installation process as straightforward as you can connect to the water source without needing a plumber. Bosch electric mini-tank has a quick recovery rate, meaning that you don’t have to wait long before reheating.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Measurement: 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5.
• Tank Capacity: 4 gallons.
• Weight: 17.4 lbs.
• Recovery Rate: 6.8 GPH.
• Temperature: 65-145°F.
• Warranty: 2 years warranty on parts plus six years warranty on the unit.

What we like

• Maximum energy efficiency thanks to its CFC-free insulation.
• It comes with sleek and attractive designs.
• Its powerful 1140 Watt motor heats water faster.

What We Don’t Like

• Complaints about leakage issues.

Summary

Bosch electric mini-tank is a long-lasting and efficient tank water heater making homeowners happy by offering reliable water heating solutions.

2. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN

Rheem RTGH-95DVLN brand comes with unique features.  The hot-start programming feature aids in reducing fluctuation in water temperature. Its safety feature includes the Overheat Film Wrap (OFW), ensuring maximum protection if excess heat from its heat exchanger.

Another fantastic feature is the EZ-Link cable allowing you to link two heaters units and use them as one. The Energy Star approved water heater has a 0.94 energy factor and enables users to monitor the amount of energy consumed. Its stainless steel body is long-lasting and can resist damaging elements.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Material: Stainless Steel.
• Dimensions: 27.5 x 9.75 x 28.5 inches.
• Color: Grey.
• Weight: 77 pounds.
• Voltage: 120 Volts.
• Max Pressure: 150 PSI.
• Consumption : 199, 900 BTU 
• Fuel: Gas.
• Platinum heater exchange

What we like

• Energy-efficient booking a 94% rate.
• The flow rate is high, producing up to 9.5 GPM.
• Designed with fantastic safety features plus straightforward controls.
• The heater can handle cold temperatures.
• It can fit almost anywhere.

What We Don’t Like

• It’s expensive.
• Not ideal for small homes.

Summary

Rheem RTGH-95DVLN is a low NOx emitting gas water with excellent efficiency, a high flow rate of 9.5 GPM designed with long premium materials.

3. Sio Green IR30 POU

Another tankless water heater makes it to the list. The new Sio Green IR30 POU is a small tankless electric heater measuring 13.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches, weighing 6.39 pounds. It can be installed anywhere due to its small size. Sio Green uses the latest infrared technology in the water heating process.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Maximum Voltage: 30A/120v.
• Connections: 1/2″ NPS (1/2″ NPT.
•  Weight: 6.39 pounds.
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches
• Cover: two years warrant; requires registration within 30 days.

What we like

• The heater comes with a two-year warranty.
• Operating the heater is straightforward.
• Low to zero maintenance cost.
• It is long-lasting as it can resist corrosion due to scale build-up.
• This high rated water heater can fit in small spaces.

What We Don’t Like

• Limited as it can only be used on one appliance.
• Its installation might be technical and you need the services of a plumber; therefore, you may need the services of a professional.

Summary

Sio Green IR30 POU is a modern water heater using the latest technology in providing water heating solutions.

4. Stiebel Eltron 224199

Stiebel Eltron 224199 is a tempra 24 electric water heater capable of supplying the house with hot water. It incorporates microprocessor technology with advanced flow control ensuring constant water temperature. This heater comes with a digital temperature regulator allowing you to adjust the temperature quickly.

The Tempra Plus can continuously provide up to 4 gallons of hot water per minute. This tankless water heater achieves a medium rate GPM when compared to its peers.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Weight: 16.1 pounds
• Voltage; 208 Volts.
• Dimensions: 21.7 x 20.1 x 9.6 inches.
• Wattage: 18000 watts.
• Certification: certified frustration-free.
• Warranty: 3 years on parts plus seven years on leakage
• Platinum heater exchange

What we like

• Comes with an excellent manufacturer cover.
• It includes adjustable temperature features,
• Energy efficiency.

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive than some electric heaters.
• It may require more power to run.

Summary

Stiebel Eltron 224199 is an easy to install tankless water heater with outstanding water heating features.

5. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG

Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG features an inlet and outlet thermistors to ensure monitoring of water temperatures. Its gas input is at 140,000BTU; hence it is efficient in the rapid heating of water. With a flow rate of 6.6 GPM, Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG ensures there is a constant supply of hot water at home.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Dimensions: 6.7 x 13.8 x 20.3 inches.
• Voltage: 120 Volts.
• Weight: 37 pounds.
• Certification: Energy Star.
• Electric water heaters
• Warranty: 5 years on parts plus ten years on heat exchange/

What we like

• Its size makes it fit in limited space.
• The heater comes with brilliant safety features keeping users safe.
• Its price is affordable.
• Convenient for domestic use thanks to its flow rate.

What We Don’t Like

• Its heating capacity is not convenient for large families.

Summary

Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG is a fantastic water heater with good energy factors, significantly regulating power consumption for maximum performance.

6. Camplux 10L Outdoor

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Camplux BW264 is uniquely built for camping and family vacations. It has an output of 2.64 gallons per minute, working correctly under 3.6 to 110.0 PSI. The manufacturer allows you to use the 2-D cell batteries and uses propane gas operating under a pressure of 0.4PSI.

The water comes with a full switch function and can correctly work with a Camplux 12V 1.6 GPM water pump.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Flow rate: 2.64 GPM
• Fuel: Propane Gas.
• Holding capacity:  10L.
• Voltage: 3 volts.
• Pressure: 110 PSI.
• Installation Method: Wall-Mounted.
• Platinum heater exchange
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.1 x 21.65 inches.
• Weight: 23.6 pounds.

What we like

• It comes with incredible 20 minutes of automatic safety features.
• The heater comes with a provision for battery use.
• It has digital temperature control. 
• The anti-freezing protective feature makes the heater efficient even during winter.

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t produce consistent water flow when opened with cold water 
• Not effective with low water pressure.

Summary

Camplux 10L Outdoor is a convenient propane gas water heater incorporating dry combustion protection, anti-freezing protection, and flame failure device as its safety features.

7. Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor

Noritz NRC66DVNG is a great indoor water heater ensuring the homeowners an endless supply of hot water. The low Nox emitting water heater assures users high performance and efficiency using natural gas at 6.6 gallons per minute. It comes with a 6′ power cord plus a remote thermostat.

The package includes horizontal termination/intake PVT-H, an SVCK-3 atmospheric conversion kit, and a PRC-1 rain cap. When installing the water, 11.42 pounds, you need an IK-WV-200-1-XX-LF valve kit to come separately.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Weight: 11.42 pounds.
• Model number: NRC661-DV-NG.
• Dimensions: 6.7 x 13.8 x 23.6 inches.
• Warranty: one for Labor, 12 years for the heat exchanger, and five years of parts.

What we like

• Energy-efficient.
• Come with reliable remote control.
• The installation and operation are straightforward.

What We Don’t Like

• It is expensive.
• Water takes some time to heat correctly.

Summary

Noritz NRC66DVNG is coming with unique kits, making it practical and fit to ensure a steady supply of hot water.

8. Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series

Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is a natural gas-powered water heater exclusively designed for indoor use. It offers homeowners a PVC venting option while emitting ultralow NOx. In terms of fuel consumption, this heater has a gas input of up to199000 max BTU.

The natural gas water heater measures 10 x 18.5 x 26 weighing about 82 pounds with a flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Dimensions: 10 x 18.5 x 26 inches.
• Size: Ultra.
• Fuel: Natural gas.
• Weight: 82 pounds.
• Voltage: 120 Volts.
• Water Consumption: 9.8 gallons.

What we like

• Comes with a 12-year manufacturer cover.
• Emits ultralow NOx.
• Durable and efficient.
• Compact and fits in almost any space.

What We Don’t Like

Requires commercial controllers in case you want to use it for commercial purposes.

Somehow expensive.

Summary

Rinnai RUC98iN combines its ultra-design with energy-efficient features ensuring brilliant performance.

9. Rheem MR50245 Marathon

Another Rheem model makes it the list.  The MR50245 is a tall electric water heater capable of producing up to 50 gallons of hot water. It is a non-metallic electric heater built to last long.  Weighing about 100 pounds, the tanked water heater incorporates a polyurethane perfectly to reduce energy consumption.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Model: MR50245.
• Weight: 100 pounds.
• Voltage: 240 Volts.
• Item Dimensions: 23.5 x 23.5 x 62.75 inches.
• Capacity: 50 gallons.

What we like

• It easy to install.
• Can hold heat for long.
• Efficient energy features.

What We Don’t Like

• Complaints about poor customer support.

Summary

Rheem MR50245 is a high capacity tank electric water heater featuring a brass drain valve to ensure a steady water flow.

10. Tankless Water Heater Electric ECO TOUCH

Ecotouch’s ECO55 electric water heater sums the list. This heater incorporates multiple protection features. It features over-temperature, leakage, and dry heating protection incorporating separate electricity and water lines. ECO55 is ideal for sinks, and its installation is a bit of technical meaning; hence, it requires a professional’s skills.

Manufacturer’s specs

• Material: Glass.
• Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM.
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 10 x 4.4 inches.
• Voltage: 240 Volts.
• Net Weight: 6.29 pounds.
• Installation: Wall-Mounted

What we like

• Come with fantastic protection features.
• Effective and efficient ensuring steady hot water supply.
• Available in different colors.
• Heats water faster.

What We Don’t Like

• Somehow expensive.
• Installation instructions are somewhat technical, require careful reading, and force you to seek professional services.

Summary

Tankless water heater electric ECO TOUCH comes with unique safety and energy-efficient features allowing you to have a constant hot water supply.

What to look for when buying a water heater?

Before buying anything, not just the best water heater, one or two things need to be considered before buying it. What does consider when looking for the best water heater? In case you are stuck, this section will give an idea of where to start. Here are essential things to look for when buying a water heater.

Fuel type

Knowing the type of fuel will help you to settle for the heater that suits your preference. In the next section, we will look at different water heaters and the energy they use. The market allows you to pick from a long list of fuel options from electric water heaters.

Size

The size of the water heater will affect the output of hot water during the heating process. Small heaters are useful if you don’t consume a lot of hot water at your home will; if you are operating a business that needs a lot of hot water, you will settle for an electric water heater with higher capabilities.

Energy efficiency

Is the water heater energy efficient?  Energy-efficient heaters save you a lot of maintenance and operation costs. Propane gas heaters are the most energy-efficient water heater in the market; hence, it makes sense to buy this heater to save on energy compared to other heaters.

Cost

Cost is one thing that should come to mind when buying a water heater. This will allow you to work within your budget and settle for what can serve you best. Heaters have different tags, and you can still buy the right water heater with your account. You should also consider the cost of replacement parts and repair.

Types of water heaters

There are several types of water heaters available in the market today. Water heaters use different forms of fuel and have different levels of performance.  Here,  we will to varying types of water heaters in the market. Here we go.

1. Tanked water heaters

In this category, heaters are customarily built to hold twenty to eighty gallons of hot water at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to their nature tank, water heaters require large spaces. Setting up these babies only take a few hours as the process is straightforward.

Tank water heaters can’t tolerate harsh weather; hence you need to install them indoors. You can choose from natural gas, propane gas, or electric models. They can serve for ten to fifteen years, and the cost of installation varies with the specifics of your house, size, and the type of heater.

2. Tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters can last for twenty years and beyond, and they are smaller than tank heaters meaning you will need less space to store them. With tankless water heaters, the installation is quite tricky as you may need to improve your electrical system once you settle on an electric one.

The installation cost depends on the type of tankless water. Heat pumps heat water on demand though they operate with output limits, limiting the amount of hot water produced at a given time. Gas water heaters are more efficient than electric tankless water heaters heating water faster, plus their operation cost is relatively low.

3. Heat Pump Water Heaters.

Heat pump water heaters work by moving water from one place to another, heating it in the process instead of directly heating the water. To achieve this, they work like a refrigerator in reverse, and they are way efficient than average electric heaters.

4. Solar Water Heaters

The cost of operating these babies is low than other types of water heaters. They reduce monthly electric bills by fifty to eighty percent. Besides being cost-efficient solar water heaters come with excellent features such as a solar water tank to allow the family to enjoy swimming even it’s is a bit cold.

5. Water Dispensers

Also known as water coolers, a water dispenser is equipment that heats up or cools the water and then dispenses it. A water dispenser is normally situated in a restroom. Water dispensers come in different forms and functionality. They are the two main types of water dispensers.

• Point of Use of water dispensers (POU): POU dispensers are usually connected to the water supply like a tap.
• Bottled water dispensers: A bottled water dispenser gets its water supply from a large water container placed on top of the dispenser.

Types of water heaters by the fuel they use.

These heater uses different fuel to give user s different experience. Let’s now turn our attention to different types of water heaters and their fuel consumption and efficiency. Shall we?

1. Electricity water heater.

Electric water heaters use electricity in their operation. Coldwater comes in through the dip tube, heating up in the tank thanks to electric heating elements.  Once properly heat, hot water rises in the tank and moves out through the heat- out the plumbing.

Most electric water heaters available in the market today are energy efficient and can last for a long depending on their maintenance cost.

2. Fuel oil water heater

Oil powered water heaters are unique in that they can use both oil and electricity in heating water. Like the traditional electric and gas heaters, oil heaters have a storage tank to ensure enough hot water.

They are energy efficient and capable of heating four times faster than other types of water heaters. They can heat more water; hence they are reliable when a lot of hot water is on-demand.

3. Solar water heater

Solar water heaters are environmental-friendly and energy-efficient. The cost of maintenance and operation is low, saving you money. The installation cost is somehow costly; once done correctly, they can serve you for a long time. New solar heating systems come with great features such as solar water tanks.

4. Geothermal energy water heater

Geothermal energy water heaters work in a cost-effective and energy-efficient way. The cost is reduced through the desuperheater. This heater heats cold water through the compressor, which produces extra heat. In the process, the desuperheater harvests the excess heat through a heat exchanger and pump.

Hot water is then collected at the tank. The desuperheater mustn’t interfere with the heat output from the geothermal pump.

5. Natural gas water heater

Natural gas water heaters come in two versions; those with tanks and tankless water heaters. An average natural gas heater can serve for eight to twelve to twelve years, depending on how you maintain it. They are more efficient than electric water heaters.

6. Propane heater

If you are looking for a gas heater with unique energy features that cut the cost of energy, look no further. Propane-powered heaters consume almost 50% less energy than natural gas water heaters. Besides being energy efficient, they allow you to heat water faster than any gas heater in the market today,

7. Solar energy.

Heaters using solar energy are known for efficiency and operation cost-cutting. Depending on your location, you can heat water at your convenience, costing you from zero to $10 per month you these heaters. They come with multiple panels to ensure that enough solar energy is tapped for the heating process.

FAQs

How does hard well water affect water heaters?

Hard water will impact your water heater maintenance cost as it will affect its efficiency.  Due to hardness, limescale build-up on the heater is usually installed at the bottom of the tank.

How does a water softener affect your water heater?

Water softeners prevent the formation of scale by accelerating anode consumption hence making the heater last for long.

Effects of too much iron on water heaters

Water with a high concentration of iron or manganese will result in staining of water heaters. When it’s deposited on the water heater element resulting it shorten the life of the water heater. Read our guide the best Iron Filter for Well Water

Do water heaters produce Hydrogen sulfide gas

A water heater provides a good condition for converting sulfate into hydrogen sulfide. This because a warm environment encourages the growth of sulfur bacteria. In addition, water heaters supply electrons that provide sulfate to sulfide gas which gives a rotten egg smell.

What are hybrid water heaters and are they worth it?

A hybrid water heater uses both heats from the air and electricity to heat water. Water draws heat from the air around the water which is used to raise the water temperature. Hybrid water heaters are more energy-efficient.

How long does a water heater last on well water?

A water heater can last from eight to twelve years, but it depends on the installation’s hardness and maintenance levels, and quality. Tankless water heaters units are more susceptible to headwater.

How to protect your water heater from hard water?

There are many ways to prevent your heater from hard water, but an investment in a water softener will save you a lot. It is the most reliable and cost-effective.

How often should you flush a water heater?

It is commendable to flush your water heater every six months to ensure the drainage away sediment building-up. You can at least rinse it at least once per year to make your heater last for long.

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