Optimizing Your RV Life: Selecting the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
A water heater in your RV can provide one of the most crucial “comforts of home” – hot showers and hot water in the kitchen sink. As an RV owner, it is essential to have these features readily available. Opting for the best electric tankless water heater ensures you have hot water on demand without sacrificing too much space. The advantage of an electric heater is that you won’t need to carry propane or natural gas in your RV. If you’re searching for the best tankless electric water heater for your RV, here’s what you need to know.
What is an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a separate storage tank. This is especially beneficial for RVs, as you can enjoy the luxury of a hot shower whenever you have a source of electricity. Unlike standard tank water heaters, which take up space and consume energy, tankless water heaters do not require preheating or repeated reheating. This means you won’t run out of hot water and can enjoy a full shower without worrying about finishing all the water in the storage tank. Say goodbye to these drawbacks with a tankless water heater.
How does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
A tankless water heater provides instant heating to the water that flows through it. The water is pumped to the heater through a pipe and is heated as it passes through, using either a gas burner or a powerful electric heating element. Certain models can heat up to five gallons per minute, which is a sufficient flow rate for showering.
What Types of Tankless Water Heaters Are There?
Tankless water heaters come in two varieties: gas and electric.
Gas
A tankless water heater that operates on gas, such as propane, kerosene, or natural gas, relies on a gas source and pipe to supply fuel to the unit. It also requires a flue to expel the exhaust produced by gas combustion.
Gas-powered tankless water heaters are less environmentally friendly than electric heaters and tend to have lower efficiency. Additionally, their installation can be more complex, especially if your RV still needs a propane system.
Electric
Electric water heaters are highly favored among RV owners due to their popularity. They boast an eco-friendly operation by emitting no greenhouse gases while delivering efficient performance. Additionally, their installation is a breeze as they solely rely on electricity. For those seeking even greater efficiency, connecting the water heater to a solar panel, battery, or other power generator is effortless.
What to Consider When Finding the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
There are a few factors you should consider when you’re out shopping for the best electric tankless water heater for an RV:
How Much Space Do You Have?
Ensure the heater you select fits snugly in the designated area of your RV. Since space is limited in an RV, measuring and comparing the dimensions of the tankless water heater you intend to install is important. Moreover, if you opt for an electric water heater, ensure that you have a convenient power source for a hassle-free unit connection.
How Energy Efficient is the Heater?
In general, tankless water heaters are more efficient than standard ones because they eliminate standby loss, which occurs when water in the tank needs to be reheated. However, it’s important to understand that there may still be differences in efficiency among various tankless heaters. To achieve optimal efficiency, it is advisable to select tankless electric water heaters for RVs that have obtained Energy Star certification. This certification ensures they have undergone efficiency tests and consume less energy than traditional models.
What to Consider When Finding the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
There are a few factors you should consider when you’re out shopping for the best electric tankless water heater for an RV:
How Much Space Do You Have?
Ensure that your RV heater is compatible with the designated installation area. Given the limited space in an RV, it is crucial to measure and match the dimensions of the tankless water heater you plan to install. Additionally, as you are utilizing an electric water heater, it is essential to confirm the availability of a convenient power source for a seamless connection to the unit.
How Energy Efficient is the Heater?
Tankless water heaters are generally more efficient than standard ones as they eliminate standby loss, which requires reheating water in the tank. However, it’s important to note that efficiency levels can vary among different tankless water heaters. For optimal efficiency in an RV, it is recommended to choose tankless electric water heaters that have received Energy Star certification. This certification ensures they have undergone efficiency tests and consume less energy than standard models.
The Flow Rate of the Water Heater
The flow rate of a tankless water heater refers to the amount of water it releases within a specific period. Typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM), some tankless heaters have a flow rate as low as 0.5 GPM, while others can reach up to five GPM. To ensure a comfortable shower experience, a minimum flow rate of 2.5 GPM is required.
Your Water Consumption
The rate of water flow is connected to water consumption. The required flow rate depends on your level of consumption. For instance, an average RV shower utilizes three GPM, while a bathtub or toilet may require four GPM. Water consumption could become a concern if you frequently use the kitchen sink and shower simultaneously.
The Heating Capacity of the Water Heater
Water heaters are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) to determine their heating capacity. The greater the BTUs, the higher the heating capacity. A shower typically requires around 30,000 BTUs, but some units offer a range of 8,000-15,000 BTUs, which may or may not meet your water usage needs.
Safety Features
For an RV, the ideal electric tankless water heater should have a safety feature that automatically shuts off the heating if it runs too long, preventing the water from reaching the boiling point. It should also be equipped with surge protection and compatible with variable currents.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for RVs Product Reviews
Here are our choices for the best electric tankless water heaters.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for an RV Overall
These two units are the best options overall.
PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater – Wall Vented
The PrecisionTemp model is perfect for various settings, such as RVs, trailers, tiny homes, cabins, and cottages. It’s a hybrid water heater that can utilize electricity and gas. It consumes around 1.5 to 3 amperes during regular operation, which is highly efficient. It remains efficient even when operating on propane, using up to 50% less propane than a standard water heater. With built-in freeze protection, you can use it in any season. Additionally, it provides 55,000 BTUs of heating power, ensuring an ample hot water supply for your RV.
Pros
- It’s a versatile water heater that you can use in a variety of settings
- It functions in all weather conditions
- It has a high heating capacity
Cons
- The heater needs a constant power or gas supply for the anti-freeze system to operate properly.
- It may have more power than you need
EcoSmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater
Ideal for RVs, this portable and versatile electric water heater comes with a tankless design. It features a battery-powered ignition and manual temperature control, allowing you to select the perfect temperature for your requirements. With a capacity of up to 75,000 BTU, you always have an ample hot water supply. However, for some users, the unit’s size may be excessive.
Pros
- This heater is very versatile
- It has a high heating capacity
- A flow rate of 3.0 GPM is enough for most users
- The EcoSmart is exceptionally efficient
Cons
- The heating capacity is more than some people need
- The heaters have some reliability questions.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters for an RV Under $250
Here are our two top choices for electric tankless water heaters under $250.
Thermoflow Electric Tankless Water Heater
With a compact size of just five pounds, this unit features a digital display and offers a flow rate ranging from 0.6 to 2.88 gallons. Adjust the temperature between 32 and 140 degrees using the digital display. Standing just over one foot tall and less than five inches deep, this 12 kW, 240-volt heater is suitable for most RVs.
Pros
- Compact size
- Digital temperature controls
- Up to 2.88 gallons per minute of on-demand hot water
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks pressure control features
- Breakers and wire not included
ECOTOUCH 9KW 240V on-demand Instant Hot Water Heater
With a 40-degree increase in water temperature, the EcoTouch 9kW offers a modest yet efficient flow at 1.5 gallons per minute. However, the true advantage lies in its safety features, including leak protection, over-temperature protection, and separate casing for water and electric lines.
Pros
- Extra safety features
- High level of efficiency
- Separate water and electric lines
Cons
- At 16 lbs, it is on the heavy side.
- Modest flow rate
- Not ideal for cold-weather travel
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters for an RV Under $150
Here are the best options for electric tankless water heaters under $150.
Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater is a compact model, perfect for small spaces. It efficiently raises water temperature by 45 degrees, delivering a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute. It’s an excellent choice for RV showers or sinks. With a thermal efficiency of 98%, you can operate it with minimal energy consumption.
Pros
- Compact size
- Very low energy consumption
- EnergyStar certified
- Lightweight
Cons
- Modest flow rate
- Only one-year warranty on components (except for the heating element)
Ariston Aures Slim-Multi 10.5 kW
With a compact design, this tankless water heater offers a six-year warranty for leaks and a two-year warranty for parts. It features adjustable settings for low, medium, and high heat, allowing you to conserve energy while meeting your water heating requirements. Despite its small dimensions (less than one foot wide and 3.5 inches deep), it boasts a flow rate exceeding two gallons per minute.
Pros
- Compact size
- Good flow rate for its size
- Multiple setting
- Six-year leak warranty
Cons
- The flow rate may not meet a large family’s needs
- Limited warranty on parts
- Requires a 240-volt connection
Conclusion
While all the tankless water heaters mentioned in this list are excellent, the Precision Temp Tankless Water Heater is our top choice. It offers great versatility, a high flow rate, powerful heating capacity, and temperature control.
However, it’s important to note that your best water heater may vary based on your specific needs. If you have an RV, the best electric tankless water heater will be the one that best suits your heating, water consumption, and size requirements.
Rest assured, any tankless water heaters listed here will provide reliability and ensure you have all the comforts of home in your RV shower.
