Choose the Best Rheem Tankless Water Heater 2024
Rheem tankless water heater
Are you tired of running out of hot water during your morning shower? Are you looking for a more energy-efficient solution for your home’s water heating needs? A Rheem tankless water heater might be just what you’re looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of Rheem tankless water heaters and help you find the perfect model for your home.
Rheem Manufacturing Company is a leading producer of heating, cooling, and water heating solutions with a rich history dating back to 1925. Founded by brothers Richard and Donald Rheem in Emeryville, California, the company initially focused on manufacturing steel drums and other metal products before expanding into water heaters in the 1930s. Over the decades, Rheem has grown to become one of the largest water heating and HVAC equipment manufacturers in the United States, with a global presence in multiple countries.
Rheem is renowned for its innovative and energy-efficient products, offering a wide range of residential and commercial heating, cooling, and water heating solutions. The company is committed to sustainability and continuously develops cutting-edge technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. With a reputation for reliability and quality, Rheem has established itself as a trusted brand in the HVAC industry, providing cost-effective alternatives to more expensive competitors while maintaining high performance and customer satisfaction standards.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rheem tankless water heaters. We’ll also discuss choosing the right model, reviewing six top-rated units, and answering some common questions. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to decide on the best Rheem tankless water heater for your home. Let’s dive in!
How to Choose a Rheem Tankless Water Heater
Selecting the right Rheem tankless water heater for your home involves considering several key factors. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Fuel Type: Rheem offers both electric and gas (natural gas or propane) tankless water heaters. Your choice will depend on the available fuel sources in your home and your personal preferences. Gas models typically have higher flow rates and can be more cost-effective to operate, while electric models are often easier to install and maintain.
- Flow Rate: This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and determines how much hot water the unit can provide simultaneously. Consider your household’s peak hot water demand. Do you need to run multiple showers at once? Will you be using hot water for appliances like dishwashers or washing machines simultaneously?
- Energy Efficiency: Look for models with high energy factor (EF) ratings. Rheem tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency, but some models perform better than others. The higher the EF, the more energy-efficient the unit.
- Size and Installation: While tankless water heaters are generally compact, you’ll still need to ensure adequate installation space. Consider where you’ll mount the unit and whether you have proper ventilation for gas models.
- Climate: If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need a more powerful unit to heat the incoming water to your desired temperature. Look for models with higher BTU ratings for colder regions.
- Smart Features: Many Rheem tankless water heaters come with smart technology, allowing you to monitor and control your unit via a smartphone app. If this is important to you, look for models with EcoNet® compatibility.
- Budget: Rheem offers a range of models at different price points. While tankless water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost than traditional tank models, they can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Pro Tip: Consider the long-term costs, not just the initial purchase price. A more efficient model might cost more upfront but save you money on energy bills in the long run.
By carefully considering these factors, you can narrow down your choices and find the Rheem tankless water heater that best suits your home’s needs. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top-rated models in Rheem’s lineup.
1. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
Key Highlights:
- 9.5 GPM flow rate for multiple simultaneous uses
- 94% energy efficient
- Low NOx emissions
- Intelligent electronic controls
- Exclusive Water Savings setting
The Rheem RTGH-95DVLN is a tankless water heater powerhouse designed to meet larger households’ hot water demands. With its impressive 9.5 GPM flow rate, this unit can easily handle multiple showers, dishwashers, and washing machines running simultaneously.
One of the standout features of this model is its high energy efficiency. At 94% efficient, it’s one of the most eco-friendly options in Rheem’s lineup. This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint for your home. The low NOx emissions further underscore its environmental credentials.
The intelligent electronic controls make operation a breeze, allowing you to set your desired water temperature with precision. The exclusive Water Savings setting can help you conserve up to 1,100 gallons of water annually, making this an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Pros:
- High flow rate suitable for large households
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Intelligent controls for easy operation
- Water-saving feature
- Low NOx emissions
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to smaller models
- May require professional installation
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 9.5 GPM |
| Energy Efficiency | 94% |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Installation | Indoor |
| Dimensions | 27.5″ x 18.5″ x 9.75″ |
| Weight | 79 lbs |
2. Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Key Highlights:
- 99.8% energy efficient
- Compact design for easy installation
- Digital temperature display
- External adjustable digital thermostatic control
- Durable copper immersion heating elements
The Rheem RTEX-18 is an excellent choice for those seeking an electric tankless water heater. This compact unit packs a punch with its near-perfect energy efficiency rating of 99.8%, ensuring you get hot water on demand without wasting energy.
One of the standout features of this model is its user-friendly design. The digital temperature display and external adjustable thermostatic control make setting and monitoring your desired water temperature easy. The compact size means it can be installed in tight spaces, making it ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
The RTEX-18 uses durable copper immersion heating elements known for their excellent heat transfer properties and longevity. This ensures reliable performance and hot water delivery for years to come.
Pros:
- Extremely energy efficient
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Compact design for flexible installation
- Durable heating elements
- No venting required
Cons:
- Lower flow rate compared to gas models
- May require an electrical system upgrade in some homes
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 4.4 GPM |
| Energy Efficiency | 99.8% |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Installation | Indoor |
| Dimensions | 18.5″ x 14.5″ x 3.5″ |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
3. Rheem RTGH-84XLN Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Key Highlights:
- 8.4 GPM flow rate for multiple applications
- 94% energy efficient
- Designed for outdoor installation
- Built-in freeze protection
- EcoNet® enabled smart home integration
The Rheem RTGH-84XLN is a versatile outdoor tankless water heater that combines high performance with smart technology. With an 8.4 GPM flow rate, it can supply hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously, making it suitable for medium to large-sized households.
One key advantage of this model is its outdoor design. This eliminates the need for complex venting systems and frees up valuable indoor space. The unit also comes with built-in freeze protection, ensuring reliable operation even in colder climates.
The RTGH-84XLN is EcoNet® enabled, allowing you to monitor and control your water heater through a smartphone app. This smart feature provides real-time data on energy usage and allows you to adjust settings remotely for optimal efficiency.
Pros:
- High flow rate for multiple applications
- Outdoor installation saves indoor space
- Smart home integration with EcoNet®
- Built-in freeze protection
- Highly energy efficient
Cons:
- Requires outdoor space for installation
- May need professional installation
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 8.4 GPM |
| Energy Efficiency | 94% |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Installation | Outdoor |
| Dimensions | 27.5″ x 18.5″ x 9.75″ |
| Weight | 82 lbs |
Maintenance Tip: Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your tankless water heater. Flush the system annually to remove mineral buildup, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
4. Rheem RTEX-13 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Key Highlights:
- 99.8% energy efficient
- Compact design for point-of-use applications
- Digital temperature display
- Modulating power control
- Threaded for easy replacement installation
The Rheem RTEX-13 is a compact electric tankless water heater perfect for point-of-use applications or small households. Despite its small size, it boasts an impressive 99.8% energy efficiency rating, ensuring hot water without wasting energy.
This model features a digital temperature display and modulating power control, allowing you to set and maintain your desired water temperature precisely. The compact design makes it ideal for installation in tight spaces, such as under sinks or in closets.
One of the standout features of the RTEX-13 is its ease of installation. It’s threaded to easily replace existing electric water heaters, making it a great option for those looking to upgrade from a traditional tank model.
Pros:
- Extremely energy efficient
- Compact design for flexible installation
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Modulating power for consistent temperature
- Simple installation process
Cons:
- Lower flow rate suitable only for small households or point-of-use applications
- May require an electrical system upgrade in some homes
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 3.17 GPM |
| Energy Efficiency | 99.8% |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Installation | Indoor |
| Dimensions | 12.63″ x 8.25″ x 3.63″ |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
5. Rheem RTGH-68DVLN Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Key Highlights:
- 6.8 GPM flow rate for medium-sized households
- 94% energy efficient
- Low NOx emissions
- Intelligent electronic controls
- EcoNet® compatible for smart home integration
The Rheem RTGH-68DVLN is a versatile indoor tankless water heater that balances performance and efficiency. With a 6.8 GPM flow rate, it’s well-suited for medium-sized households and can supply hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously.
This model boasts a 94% energy efficiency rating and low NOx emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The intelligent electronic controls allow for precise temperature settings, ensuring you always get water at your desired temperature.
One of the standout features of the RTGH-68DVLN is its EcoNet® compatibility. This allows you to integrate the water heater into your smart home system, enabling remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app.
Pros:
- Suitable flow rate for medium-sized households
- Highly energy efficient
- Smart home integration capabilities
- Low environmental impact
- Precise temperature control
Cons:
- May require professional installation
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional tank models
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 6.8 GPM |
| Energy Efficiency | 94% |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Installation | Indoor |
| Dimensions | 27.5″ x 18.5″ x 9.75″ |
| Weight | 79 lbs |
Energy Saving Tip: To maximize the efficiency of your tankless water heater, consider installing low-flow fixtures throughout your home. This can help reduce water usage without compromising on comfort.
Conclusion
Rheem tankless water heaters offer a range of options to suit various household sizes and needs. From the high-capacity RTGH-95DVLN to the compact RTEX-13, there’s a model for every home. Here’s a quick comparison of the models we’ve reviewed:
| Model | Flow Rate (GPM) | Energy Efficiency | Fuel Type | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTGH-95DVLN | 9.5 | 94% | Natural Gas | Indoor |
| RTEX-18 | 4.4 | 99.8% | Electric | Indoor |
| RTGH-84XLN | 8.4 | 94% | Natural Gas | Outdoor |
| RTEX-13 | 3.17 | 99.8% | Electric | Indoor |
| RTGH-68DVLN | 6.8 | 94% | Natural Gas | Indoor |
| RTG-64XLN | 6.4 | 82% | Natural Gas | Outdoor |
When choosing your Rheem tankless water heater, consider your household’s hot water needs, available fuel type, and installation preferences. Remember that tankless models may have a higher upfront cost but can lead to significant energy savings over time.
The RTGH-95DVLN or RTGH-84XLN might be your best bet for larger households with high hot water demands. If you’re looking for an electric option, the RTEX-18 offers excellent efficiency for medium-sized households. The compact RTEX-13 could be the perfect fit for smaller homes or point-of-use applications.
Whichever model you choose, you can trust Rheem’s reputation for quality and innovation in water heating technology
