The tankless hot water heater is able to support endless hot water in bathing, compact shape saves much space and its high working efficiency reduces heating costs to a large extent. They work excellently in warm places or the southern part, then what about cold climate? Do they work well in cold weather also?
Definitely yes! In order to solve the problems of cold climate hot water use, many manufacturers add much-advanced technology to prevent the machine from being frozen in winter.
Followings are the best tankless hot water heater for cold climates we recommend for you:
Top 5 Best Tankless Hot Water Heater for Cold Climates
Best Tankless Hot Water Heaters For Cold Climates
1. Rinnai RL94iP Propane Tankless Water Heater
This is a large power propane tankless water heater, the flow rate of it reaches as high as 9.8 gallons per minute. It drops 2-3 GPM in cold weather but is still able to support endless hot water for multiple bathrooms and faucets. In winter, it meets the demand of two showers and two sinks simultaneously. Therefore, it can be the best and top-rated tankless hot water heater for cold climates.
Other features:
- Direct powered vent
It adopts direct powered vent to prevent outdoor air from coming into the unit after turning it off. Also, it helps cool down the exhaust gas.
- High efficient
It is powered by propane instead of electricity, therefore, for long term use, it saves many heating costs and you can see a slight drop on your heating bills each month.
- Long service life
Rinnai boasts that the unit is able to be used for more than 20 years with light yearly maintenance. Compared with short life expectancy, it saves money on purchasing a brand new one.
Pros:
- Pretty powerful
- Modulated burning allows for less fuel consumption
- No smell from direct vent
- Long-time warranty for heating parts
- No standing heat loss
Cons:
- You need to get a professional to help installation
- Takes about 40 seconds for hot water
- Coldwater sandwich
2. Rinnai RL75eN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
For cold weather use, this tankless water heater is equipped with a freezing protection system. It senses temperature change smartly and then takes measures automatically to protect the machine before it gets too cold. The flow rate of it is 7.5 gallons per minute. And temperature for residential use ranges from 98 to 140 degrees F.
Other features:
- Commercial use available
This unit is able to be used commercially with a commercial controller, and the maximum temperature for commercial use reaches as high as 160 degrees F.
- Wi-Fi enabled
Anywhere if you connect with Wi-Fi, you can control the water temperature and turn the unit on and off remotely.
- Multiple bathrooms support
With a flow rate of 7.5 gallons per minute, this unit is able to support nearly endless hot water for two bathrooms and multiple faucets use the same time in winter.
- Stable temperature
It is capable of keep water temperature stable all its using period, but the waiting time for hot water can be quite long when used in cold climates. However, that is the common problem of tankless water heater for cold climates and cold weather.
Pros:
- 82% thermal efficiency
- Easy installation with the help of professional or handyman
- 1/2 inch gas line compatible
- Error code indicator
- Comes with a control unit on adjusting water temperature
Cons:
- The working noise is a bit loud
- Water is not that hot as Rinnai promises
3. Rheem RTG-64XLN Tankless Water Heater
This is a pretty powerful natural gas tankless hot water heater for cold weathers. The required power output ranges from 11000 to 150000 BTU per hour. Rheem promises that this unit is capable of both high and low altitude, which means the working performance is also in excellent condition in winter or cold climates. The flow rate of it is 6.4 GPM and temperature ranges between 100 and 140 degrees F.
Other features:
- Commercial use available
The same as Rinnai RL75eN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater we have recommended before, this unit is also capable enough for commercial use, but you need to connect two or more machines together to get large power.
- No cold water sandwich
It is the most excellent feature, with a hot starting program, the cold water sandwich effect is totally solved. It makes the machine continue to operate for a few minutes after you shut the water off.
- Low NOx design
The low NOx design of the machine releases much carbon dioxide and is more environmentally friendly. By the way, it passed the requirement and standard of SCAQMD rules.
Pros:
- All copper heat exchanger
- Saves 1100 gallons of water per year
- Exclusive water-saving settings
- Easy operated digital console
- 82% energy efficient
Cons:
Need to be installed by professionals
4. Takagi T-K4-IN-NG Tankless Water Heater
This unit is equipped with an internal freeze protection system, in winter or cold climate, it prevents the machine from being frozen. You can choose to install it both indoor and outdoor, but for outdoor installation, protection cover needs to be bought to prevent it from complicated outdoor weather. For residential use, the maximum temperature is 140 degrees F.
Other features:
- Free installation
Most of the tankless water heaters must be installed vertically on the wall, Takagi promises this to be able to install both vertically or horizontally according to your home space.
- Powerful
The required power range of the unit is from 11000 to 190000 BTU per hour, it supports two bathrooms use the same time even in winter.
- Remote control available
With the remote control, the maximum temperature reaches up to 167 degrees F, so you can control it anywhere you are.
Pros:
- 8 gallons per minute flow rate
- Self-diagnostic system equipped
- Both commercial and residential use
- Both indoor and outdoor installation
- Easy operating control panel
Cons:
Without remote control, you can only use 4 temperature sets
5. Noritz NRC661-DV-NG Tankless Hot Water Heater
This unit is also equipped with a freeze protection system, in order to protect the unit from freezing climate. For winter use, the flow rate may drop to 4-5 GPM, as the maximum power requirement reaches as high as 120000 BTU per hour, it is still powerful enough on providing endless hot water for two bathrooms or one bathroom and one faucet use easily in cold climate.
Other features:
- Dual heating exchanger
There are two heating exchangers you can choose, one is made by copper while the other is made of the stainless steel material. Both of which are highly corrosion resistance and heat resistance.
- High thermal efficiency
The thermal efficiency of the unit reaches as high as 93%, and low NOx design helps emit less greenhouse gas.
- Remote control available
This unit is also able to be controlled remotely through a controller, then you can adjust temperature and turn the machine on and off remotely.
Pros:
- Quiet working condition
- Easy installation
- Can be vented with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe
- 12 years warranty for heat exchanger
- Energy efficient
Cons:
Coldwater sandwich
Are Tankless Water Heaters Good In Cold Climates?
For most tankless hot water heaters, the ideal using condition is of course in the warm or southern part, with warm weathers, it heats water rapidly. But in a cold climate, the heating time becomes much longer.
In order to protect the unit from being frozen, many manufacturers choose to add some technologies such as freeze protection to accommodate sub-zero temperatures.
Altogether there are two main factors deciding whether the tankless water heaters can be used in cold weather, which include fuel type and size.
1. Fuel type
The most common types of tankless water heaters are electric type and gas type. But electric tankless water heater is struggling for heating water quickly in cold weather and thus may not able to provide much hot water as you expected.
Therefore, if you intend to get one best tankless water heater for cold climates, go and get a gas type for cold days. It is more powerful and is still able to offer constantly hot water for you.
2. Size
Before purchasing a natural gas tankless water heater, you need to be aware of the size. Getting the right size tankless water heater for a cold climate, then you can enjoy a comfortable living in winter. It includes flow rate and temperature rise.
Flow rate refers to the amount of hot water that the heater provides and is represented by GPM (gallons per minute). In cold weathers, the flow rate of tankless water heater drops 1-3 GPM, and heating time will be prolonged.
Temperature rise is how much the heater needs to heat the groundwater in order to get the exact temperature you want.
Normally, the higher the temperature rise is, the lower the flow rate becomes. Because when the weather gets cold, it takes much longer for the heater to heat water up. Many official websites of tankless water heaters have detailed instructions on how to size and what size of tankless water heater do you need. Or you can get a professional to help you.
The Best Tankless Water Heaters For Cold Climates
- Rinnai RL94iP Tankless Water Heater – The most powerful type
- Takagi T-K4-IN-NG Tankless Water Heater – Best one for middle-sized home use
- Noritz NRC661-DV-NG Tankless Water Heater – High energy efficient type
Tips On Getting and Using Best Tankless Hot Water Heater For Cold Climates
Cold weathers will do large harm on the heating machine, especially for outdoor installation or the natural gas types. Venting facilities are installed outdoor to emit used gas, the snowy and under zero temperature outside will bring devastating damage to the unit. Therefore, in order to save much money on repairing and replacing your unit frequently, there are eight tips you should know about getting the best tankless hot water heater for cold climates:
1. Size of the unit
As we have introduced before, the size of the unit is quite important, it decides whether you can enjoy a hot and satisfying bath in cold winter. And of course, the size of the unit should be based on winter temperature.
2. Freeze protection
The freeze protection is able to protect the machine from being frozen in winter. As soon as it senses the under zero temperature, it will automatically take measures to protect itself. Adding the freeze protection system is a vital thing for a tankless hot water heater for a cold climate.
3. Indoor &outdoor
On installation, the installer needs to make sure in what climate does the heater works best. Most of the tankless water heaters are installed indoor, but in some warm places such as the southern part, you can also get it hooked on the outside wall and saves a large sum of money on venting facilities.
4. Venting
For natural gas tankless water heater, the most important thing is the installation and use of venting facilities. They are used to emit used gas and guarantee the using safety of the unit. You need to make sure that venting facilities are not installed in the direction of freezing winds. And six feet is regarded as the recommended minimum feet for cold areas.
5. Snow advisories
There should be snow advisories along with the tankless water heater for cold climates. The venting kits are normally installed 12 inches above the ground. But when the snow gets high enough on covering the venting, you need to clear the snow for normal operation of the heater.
6. Recirculation pump
The recirculation pump is used to shorten the waiting time for hot water, remember to turn it off in a storm. Or it will keep working even if the venting facilities are buried under snow, in such condition, the unit will be damaged.
7. Condensing
Most natural gas tankless water heaters are equipped with a condensing system to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If so, you need to make sure to run the condensation drain in conditioned space, or it will get frozen.
8. Backup power option
Natural gas and propane tankless water heaters are powered mainly by gas but are also ignited by electricity. When the power runs out, the heater with a backup power option can still drive the machine into working conditions.
Summary
If you live somewhere in cold climates, hot water for bathing is really a satisfying thing that you can enjoy. Buying the best tankless hot water heater for cold climates can be a good helper in your life.
| Tankless Water Heater | Best Type |
| The most powerful type | Rinnai RL94iP Tankless Water Heater |
| Best one for middle-sized home use | Takagi T-K4-IN-NG Tankless Water Heater |
| High energy efficient type | Noritz NRC661-DV-NG Tankless Water Heater |
When facing so many brands and types of tankless water heaters on the market, remember to choose one that meets your needs and suits your budget. There are still many knowledge and relative products you can find on Amazon.