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EcoSmart ECO Review ~ The Best Electric Tankless Waterheater

The Ecosmart Eco At A Glance

Top Perk > Live Warranty

EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology
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When it comes to choosing the best water heater for any application, a simple need may not always require a simple unit. The EcoSmart ECO tankless water heater is your top choice if you have a “simple” need of a reliable heating system that will constantly deliver hot water on demand to single point areas like your sink, cabin or a room in your home. With this unit you can expect considerable reduction in your energy bills, as well as your water bills; thanks to its digital control and self-modulating technology. Apart from its great price, the EcoSmart ECO also comes with other features that it a good catch. Of course, the most important one is its lifetime warranty, which obviously separates it from the rest of the field.

  • 8.4/10
    Efficiency - 8.4/10
  • 8.6/10
    Ease of Use - 8.6/10
  • 8.8/10
    Value - 8.8/10
  • 8.6/10
    Features - 8.6/10
8.6/10

EcoSmart ECO

  • Cost: $$$
  • Model Number: ECO27
  • Weight: 16.8 pounds
  • Size: 17 x 17 x 3.5 inches
  • Voltage: 240 V
  • Water Flow Rate: 6 gallon per minute (GPM)
  • Temperature Range: 80F-140F
  • Usage: Indoor
  • Fuel Type: Natural Gas
  • Similar model: ECO24
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty on electronics, exchanger and element. Warranty only covers cost of heater; does not cover labour or any incidental damages

DETAILED REVIEW

Introduction

Using a traditional hot water tank is not only wasteful, it can leave you feeling frustrated at times. Imagine yourself in dire need of hot water, then walking up to your sink only to discover that you have to wait a little while for hot water from the tank outside to get to you. Beside this, such a set up can even skyrocket your bill because tanked water heaters generally use power throughout the day. The cost of installation and maintenance can also be disturbing. Unfortunately, there are many households still making use of such systems; whether it’s because they don’t know better or they just find it hard to let go of old technologies, we don’t know yet.

A better and more effective solution that has been developed for providing hot water in residential buildings and offices environments is the tankless water heater. These devices allow you to get hot water when you need it and will help you save a great deal of money on energy bills. They don’t take up as much as traditional heaters and only require little maintenance since they come without storage tanks.

So expectedly, electric tankless heaters don’t hold water; instead they run on your home’s electricity to provide you and your family with hot water on demand.

One of the tankless water heaters that has attracted of interest from homeowners due to its high efficiency and superior performance is the ECO Smart Tankless Water Heater. And it’s no surprise this unit is highly rated considering the fact that it’s a product of an industry benchmark, Rinnai.

EcoSmart is a highly trusted brand in electric tankless water heaters, and for good reason. They have one of the most efficient units on the market and have been a best seller 3 years in a row on major online retailers, while consistently maintaining a very high positive review score.

If you have a simple need to place a water heater under your sink, perhaps for a cabin or a new powder room added to your home, then the EcoSMART ECO electric tankless water heater is the right unit for you.

With this unit you can expect considerable reduction in your energy bills, as well as your water bills; thanks to its digital control and self-modulating technology.

The ECO 27 is capable of heating nearly 3 gallons per minute at a low temperature of 37F. It can handle up to two showers running at the same time and never run out of hot water. For homes in the southern United States, the ECO 27 is perfect for a high demand of hot water between multiple applications. It can handle up to 6 gallons per minute, which means you can run four showers and a sink simultaneously and never run out of hot water. A digital temperature control allows you to set your temperature in increments of 1 degree, so you can set the temperature anywhere from 80°F – 140°F.

We believe the ECO 27 is one of the best electric tankless water heaters in the market right not, which is why we have it in our list of the best tankless heaters currently available.

Performance

Efficiency is one of the most important criteria that determines how well a particular tankless heater is going to meet the specific needs of a home. When it comes to efficiency, there are only few brands that can rival the EcoSmart ECO. And the reason is not far-fetched.

This unit is equipped with a self-modulating flow sensor technology that enables it to operate at a greater efficiency. With such a configuration, you can be sure of saving more than 50% of your monthly water heating costs.

The system also comes with a digital temperature control that allows you to conveniently adjust the water temperature in 1 degree increment to your desired choice. Usually, the heater can maintain temperature up to 140°F while its minimum setting is 80°F.

Even with all these configurations, the EcoSmart ECO can still malfunction or fail to operate at maximum conditions in certain situations. For instance, when you don’t have a steady water pressure (this is mostly common in most rural areas) or when the water is too cold.

Obviously, warm water will be heated faster than cold water. Luckily, the EcoSmart ECO can heat up very low temperature (as low as 37 degrees) incoming water and still maintain a steady outflow of up to 3GPM. Though, both flow and temperature can be adjusted as long as your power or water supply is not interrupted.

The location and type of pipe you are using can also hamper the efficiency of this unit.

Installation

If you have any DIY skill set at all, installing the EcoSmart ECO shouldn’t be much of a big deal. No special tools are required to carry out the task; just a few hours of your time is sufficient.

However, you may encounter a few challenges in removing the old unit (if you have one). If you don’t feel confident enough to do this, then you may want to consider hiring someone qualified to get the job done. It’s better to spend some bucks than end up with a messy installation. The later will definitely cost you more.

At 20 pounds, you would agree that this model doesn’t weigh much; which makes it easy to handle and move around. And you don’t require a lot of space to install it.

After setting up this unit, you can set the temperature through the digital control and then you are ready to start using your water heater. Like we indicated earlier, you can always change this temperature according to your desired choice.

You will need a 60 amp circuit breaker to install this unit.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Constant supply of hot water
  • Efficient even in cold temperatures
  • Great value – flow rate and quality for the price
  • Trusted by many verified online purchases and reviews
  • Great warranty for peace of mind
  • Self-modulating technology for greater energy efficiency

Cons

  • Somewhat unknown brand
  • Larger unit than expected
  • Louder than the competition
  • May use more electricity in certain situations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What amp breaker is required?
A: The installation instruction says it requires a 60 amp circuit breaker.
Q: Does the heater provide any remote control for separate heaters in same home?
A: Yes eco smart make remote for such purpose.
Q: Does it work for a washing machine and shower at a time?
A: Yes, eco smart work efficiently for these purposes at same time.
Q- Is eco 27 tankless water heaters adequate for 3700 sqft with 3.5 bathrooms?
A: It can but efficiency depends on the water flow, temperature of the area and how many faucets are simultaneously working. Length of the pipes will determine efficiency. A smaller pipe at point of use is preferable to one long pipe from the centre.
Q: Is installation easy?
A: It is easier in compare to traditional heaters; EcoSmart also provides a plumbing manual for installation. However you should install it by a licensed plumber and electrician in case you want a life time warranty for faulty parts.
Q: What does warranty cover?
A: Warranty covers repairmen of faulty parts. Installation cost, dissembling or assembling costs are excluded of warranty coverage.
Q: Can this unit supply enough hot water for a shower and a washing machine running at the same time?
A: Yes it can.
Q: What yearly maintenance is required on this unit?
A: You need to install an in line filter, and change out the cartridges every 3-6 months.
Q: Can you use with along with a standard tank, to supplement it and make sure you never run out of hot water?
A: Yes you can.
Q: Is this unit rated for use to supplement a solar water heated system?
A: Sure, just route you preheated water through the unit and it will add heat if needed.
Q: Can I install this unit in a mobile home?
A: Yes you can, but 60 amp will be needed
Q: Do I need to install a water softener for this unit?
A: That would depend on the degree of hardness of your water.
Q: Is this ENERGY STAR certified?
A: Yes
Q: Does this product come with pressure release valve?
A: No it doesn’t
Q: What temperature is this unit capable of running?
A: Unit has a max temperature of 140f.
Q: Is this water proof?
A: It is not water proof. It would have to be placed in a weather protected enclosure. But then it’s an indoor heater and not recommended to be taken outside.
Q: where is this made?
A: This unit is made in China.
Q: Can this be installed in a manufactured home?
A: Yes, as long as the electrical requirements for installation are met.
Q: How would this work for showering when it's below freezing outside?
A: How hot the water is coming from the heater does depend on the temperature of your ground.
Q: Are the input 3/4
A: Yes, they are 3/4 and they are male.
Q: Will this heater be good enough for a 1300 sqft house with 3/2, kitchen, washer/dryer?
A: You may want to go for a larger model
Q: How many minutes of hot water does this provide?
A: There’s no limit to how much water you can get as long as you have water supply.
Q: Can this work be used to heat well water?
A: Yes, it should work just fine.
Q: For ECO27, what type fuse is needed?
A: It does not require any fuses. It needs 3 -40amp double pole breakers.
Q: Can I use this electric Tankless in place of my Gas Heater?
A: Yes you can, but now you are going to need electric power.
Q: What is the powers savings of this unit?
A: Not specified, but it should be around 5-10%

The Bottom Line

If you’re not happy with your current water heater, then the EcoSmart ECO will make a good replacement. The price is great for a product of its reputation and quality. With its lifetime warranty, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. This unit works well in both warm and cold climate areas and features a technology that allows you to save on water and energy. However, you need to be careful with installation in order not to tamper with your warranty. Overall, this unit is a great catch; one that will give you the best value for your money.

  • Our Rating
4.8
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