Tankless water heaters are designed in various sizes to accommodate user needs and preferences, they are frequently used residentially either at large home or tiny homes with different rates and types. For small or tiny studios, accomodating a large tank heater is difficult, thus a compact tankless water heater can be the best choice. In this article, I have provided this guide to help you have in-depth information which will also facilitate your decision when purchasing your tankless hot water heaters.
Let’s get into it.
8 Best Tankless Water Heaters for Tiny House
Features
There are some common features of the best tankless water heaters for the small houses; when you choose, you can combine the features together and see which one suits your family most.
1. Small shape
Of course, the primary feature of the tankless water heater for a tiny house is the small shape. Owning a tiny house, there will be less space for you to install a large one on the wall. The small and compact shape is able to save a large amount of space for your home. Some of which can even be installed under the water sink.
2. Small flow rate
As there will be only one or two bathrooms for a tiny house, the tankless water heater does not need to get such a large flow rate, it needs only meet the demand of one bathroom and one sink use the same time. The small flow rate also helps save much energy and heating costs for you.
3. Point of use types
Most of the tankless water heaters for the tiny house are suggested to be installed near the application fixture, it needs only to supply hot water for one bathroom use, thus installing in the bathroom helps reduce the waiting time for hot water, and less cold water is wasted accordingly.
4. Short waiting time
Compared with large home types, tankless water heater for tiny house owns shorter waiting time. The pipe is short and thus it takes only a few seconds for hot water to flow through the pipeline to the destination.
Best Tankless Water Heaters for Tiny House
1. Rheem RTEX-13 240V Heating Chamber Residential Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Compact shape
It weighs light and is designed as a compact small shape, so it is the perfect one for small tiny studio use. You can install it near the point of use and fast heating performance supplies constantly hot water in a few seconds. It takes about 15 seconds for hot water flowing to the hand sink.
- Easy installation
It is super easy to install all by yourself, it takes about 1 hour to hook it up. The multiple stranded wire makes a connection much easier. The maximum flow rate of the unit reaches up to 4 gallons per minute.
- Stable water temperature
With delicate design, the water temperature stays the same even when used for a long period. Led light and digital temperature settings make it easy to operate and adjust the exact water temperature you want.
Pros:
- Perfect for single bathroom use
- Money saver on using and installation
- Cheap and affordable price
- Compact shape
- Endless hot water supply
- 50-70 degrees F temperature
Cons:
Used for small or tiny house only
2. Rheem RTEX-18 Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Easy operation
The temperature of water shows on the screen and can be adjusted one degree a time accurately. Temperature lights up once you turn on the valve and error codes also show on for reminding.
- Self-modulation system
It is equipped with the self-modulation system to adjust the power when hot water demand is high. Compared with the RTEX-13 series, this unit is more powerful but is also a bit larger than that.
- Quiet working noise
It works smooth and quiet, no working noise can be heard and no clicking relays either. But the waiting time for hot water is a bit long, takes about 40 or 50 minutes for hot water to flow.
Pros:
- Quiet working performance
- External digital thermostatic control with LED display
- Can be used in cold climate
- Durable copper immersion
- Handle 1 shower and 1 sink simultaneously
Cons:
Take up a few seconds for the water to heat up
3. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Space saver
It is designed super light and small, it is regarded as the lightest and smallest one in the full lines of EcoSmart tankless water heaters. After installation, it is said to save 12 cubic feet and thus can be perfectly used for the best tankless water heater for a small house.
- Digital control system
There is a digital control system for you to operate the heating machine easily, you can adjust water temperature up and down with one increment to find the exact temperature you want.
- Cost-saving
Self-modulating technology enables the heater to draw energy only when you use it, and well internal design helps you save about 50% in water heating cost. It is able to process up to 3 GPM in cold areas and 6 GPM in warm places.
Pros:
- Unlimited hot water supply
- Run 2 showers simultaneously
- Copper and stainless steel components
- Heating elements are easy to be replaced
- Digital control system
- Large flow rate for constant hot water
Cons:
The temperature can not be set as right as EcoSmart Promises
4. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP Indoor Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Stylish light compact shape
This unit is the lightest and smallest among all the Takagi lines of products, it saves much space for your home and you can easily hook it up anywhere in your home. It is also easy to be installed, takes about a few hours to hook it up by yourself.
- 6.6 GPM flow rate
The flow rate of the unit reaches 6.6 gallons per minute, it is able to supply constantly hot water for multiple bathrooms and kitchen faucets at the same time. But when used in cold regions, the flow rate may drop to 3-5 gallons per minute.
- 150 degrees F temperature
The maximum temperature of it is up to 150 degrees F, capable of meeting the demand for daily residential use. It demands a power input of up to 140000 BTU per hour. Thermal efficiency is 0.81. It is not powerful enough to meet the demand of large house use but is a perfect one for a small home or point of use.
Pros:
- Digital remote control
- Lightest and smallest among Takagi tankless water heaters
- Space saver
- Low using and heating costs
- Easy to be installed
- Constant hot water supply
Cons:
The working noise can be heard
5. Eccotemp i12-LP Liquid Propane Indoor Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- 4.8 GPM flow rate
The flow rate range of it is between 0.6 and 4.8 gallons per minute, and the gas rate is between 25000 and 80000 BTU per hour. It supports one bathroom and one kitchen faucet uses the same time.
- Automatic temperature control
It has automatic temperature control to prevent overheat and keep the water temperature stable, energy-saving mode is adjustable for saving energy, there is also a child lock technology to avoid unintentionally adjusting.
- Safe electronic ignition system
It needs to plug into a standard 110v electrical outlet with a UL-listed cord, electronic ignition system makes it safer in the using process. Sleek modern design with easily operated LED display control gives you the best enjoyment on using.
Pros:
- No pilot light needed
- Horizontal stainless steel vent kit
- Perfect for vacations cabins and small tiny houses use
- Sleek simple design
- Supports 1 bathroom and 1 sink the same time
- Automatic temperature control
Cons:
It needs to be plugged in
6. Eccotemp FVI-12 Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Gas-powered
The maximum flow rate of it is 3.6 gallons per minute, the self-modulation system makes it activates only when you use it, thus it saves much energy. You need to get ventilation facilities for safety using. It is able to support one bathroom use only but constantly hot water offers.
- Compact design
The unit is extremely light and you can easily hook it up anywhere you want. Stylish compact shape saves much wall space for a tiny house. It is easy to read digital temperature display but it is quite hard to adjust the exact temperature you want.
- Safe electronic ignition system
The same as Eccotemp i12-LP one we recommended before, this unit also adopts an electronic ignition system, you need to plug it into standard 120v electrical outlet with UL-listed cord.
Pros:
- Energy saving
- Perfect for small home, apartment, and cabin
- Low working noise
- Small shape and lightweight
- Endless hot water supply
- Meet the demand for single bathroom use
Cons:
Difficult to adjust the exact temperature you want
7. Atmor 27kW/240V Electric Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Lightweight
It weighs only 17 pounds so you can install it anywhere you want, it is also able to be installed point of use. The small footprint saves a lot of space for you. The installation is also easy and straight forward, anyone who knows about basic knowledge can hook it up under clear instruction.
- Digital temperature control
The temperature range of the unit is between 90 and 135 degrees F, you can set water temperature in an increment of 1 degree each time. It is also capable of automatically detecting water flow by turning it on and off by itself, thus eliminates wasted water flow and lower water consumption greatly.
- Energy saver
It is said to save 50% on the electricity bill, Atmor’s advanced ThermoPro self-modulating system is adopted to regulate the amount of energy required to heat water.
Pros:
- Long service life
- Lightweight and compact shape
- Easy installation
- Highly energy efficient
- Digital temperature control
- Durable stainless steel interior
Cons:
You need to buy one pressure relief device from the manufacturer and install along with machine
8. Bosch Tronic 2.5-Gallon Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Features:
- Sink use only
This unit is a point of use tankless water heater and can be used for kitchen faucet or bathroom sink only. It is able to be wall hung or floor mounted, the waiting time of hot water is super short, takes about 1 second.
- 2.5 gallons of water flow
2.5 gallons per minute water flow enables to supply constantly hot water for you. But because of its small power, it lacks consistency on water temperature.
- Small and compact shape
It is super small and can hide underwater sink easily. For a fast and large amount of hot water, we suggest it be installed near where you intend to use hot water. The operation of it is also simple, no complicated machinery is added, you need only plug it into the outlet.
Pros:
- Perfect for sink
- Compact design
- Simple operation
- Easy installation
- Fast recovery on hot water
Cons:
- Lack of consistency of water temperature
Tips to Consider When Choosing A Tiny House Tankless Water Heater
When you have access to hot water you never see its need until the moment you lost it. There are various options that you can use to produce hot water in your tiny house. One of them is the use of tiny house tankless water heaters. But before you make this move, you should ensure that you are aware of some important tips that will help you have the best tankless water heater. Here are some very important factors that you should get to know.
Find the right size
I know you might be wondering how ill I know the right size for me. This is very simple, first, you must get to know the number of devices that you will want to operate using the hot water. You then add up rates and find the total flow.
Required temperature
You must also get o know the temperature that you will require. For instance, a shower will require 104-106 degrees and requires 2.6 gallons of water. You must get to know the minimum temperature that your devices require. This makes a key factor that you can get.
Will it last?
It is important to have a tankless water heater that will serve you for a good period. It is always disappointing to have a tankless water heater and within a short time, it is out of service so ensure that you go for a tankless water heater that you will use for a long time.
Is it safe to use?
Some tankless water heater has caused some issues when it comes to safety. To get a good tankless water heater, go for the one with good quality and well-known brands. This will ensure your safety.
Buying Guides on Tankless Water Heaters For Small Tiny Homes
Tankless water heaters vs. traditional water heaters
Tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters vary in several ways. Which one is the best between these two products?
Costs
Tankless water heaters are known to save you money over time. You might not get to see this in the initial stages but when you do the total cost of the tankless water heater and the traditional water heaters there will be a great margin between these two water heaters.
Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are known to be very efficient if water usage is low. Research has shown that tankless water heater can save 24 to 34 percent of the energy used if the water being used is 41 gallons or even less. This makes it very efficient, unlike traditional water heaters which use a lot of energy.
Durability
Tankless water heaters have been found to last longer than the traditional water heater. Tankless water heaters last for a period of 20 to 30 years which is a good thing to invest. This beats the traditional water heater greatly. This is because a traditional last a period of 8 to 12 years which is almost half of what the tankless water heater will last.
Space
A tankless water heater requires no space. This will not give you a hard time trying to seclude a place for the tank since it does not need any. This makes them very efficient for anyone who has a challenge of space.
Heating time
Tankless water heaters take a very short time to heat the water. This is because no tank accumulates a lot of water. Unlike the traditional hot water tank which takes a lot of time since it must heat the water in the tank to the right temperature. This might be inconvenient for you.
Gas water heaters vs. electrical water heaters
Gas water heaters are known to be cheaper to operate than the electrical water heaters.
This makes it very great to use since it will require less from you. it is also reliable since the operation is easier than that of electricity.
Gas water heaters can be used in any locality.
This involves those places that lack electricity and it won’t be a challenge to you since you don’t have to stress when there is an electrical blackout. This makes gas water heaters more reliable than electric water heaters.
Gas water heaters are cheap to install and to use.
This is because they don’t charge a lot like the electric water heaters. For instance, gas water heaters cost about 300 to 600 dollars in a year but the electricity cost about 700 to 200 dollars which is much higher.
Other alternatives to water heaters
There are various options that you can use to replace your water heater. Here are some options you can opt for.
Fuel options
In this option, you should first start by determining which fuel will suit your home. After this go for an appropriate fuel that will not cause problems to your members.
On-demand recirculation is another option you can use to select an option for a water heater. This is because you will not be waiting for the water to heat up which is a waste of time.
Solar options
Solar has been used in most of our homes and they have proven very important. You can use the water solar option to heat your water.
Though it has its challenges, it has more benefits and it can be a perfect replacement for your water heater.
Exterior vs. interior installation
If you live in a place that the temperatures drop to a freezing point, then I will suggest an interior installation. This is to avoid condensation being an effect to your heater. If you live n warm climates, then it will be best for you if you opt for the exterior installation. The climatic conditions of a place have a way of dictating the mode of installation that will suit you.
Full home water heaters or tap mounted water heaters?
Full home water heaters are better since they are more efficient than the tap mounted water heaters. Though the two have their benefits I would suggest the use of a full home water heater for a larger house and also a big family. This will be worth using in such conditions.
Attention:
If you intend to reduce waiting time and quickly get heated water, you’d better install it near the application fixture. And remember to keep the machine dry all the time, install it within a safe distance from water for safety.
Types of Small House Tankless Water Heater
Three types of tankless water heaters are frequently known to us, which includes electric type, small propane type, and natural gas types when dividing according to the power source.
Electric tiny tankless water heater
The electric tankless water heater is frequently used for a small tiny house, it weighs light and is normally designed into a compact shape. The flow rate and power rate are normally low, meeting the basic demand of tiny house single bathroom use.
Gas tiny house tankless water heater
Natural gas and propane tankless water heaters are basically the same, they are more frequently used for a large family, owning large flow rate and power, they are capable of providing constant hot water for multiple bathrooms use. Some of the recommended best tankless water heaters for a tiny house with natural gas or propane power can also be used for a large family.
Point of use tankless water heater
Besides, there are also point of use tankless water heater or under sink tankless water heater. The majority of heating machines are mounted on the wall because of their large shape, but under sink type is normally installed under hand sink, the flow rate of it is super low, meeting the demand of single sink use only. Therefore, if you intend to get one for a hand sink, you may consider the under sink heaters.
What We Pick Is…
Among all the best tankless water heaters for a tiny house, we would like to suggest Rheem RTEX-13 Tankless Water Heater for you, it is the hot-selling type on tankless water heater market of 2020. This one weights light and has 4 GPM flow rate, thus is capable of providing constant hot water for bathroom and sink use. The waiting time for hot water is only 15 minutes.
The delicate design makes it easy to operate and adjust the exact water temperature you want. Water temperature always stays the same. If you have interest in such item, please feel free to check more information or product price details on Amazon, the constant discount on Amazon is also helpful for saving a large sum of money for you.