In-depth review of best electric tankless water heater EcoSmart ECO 36 performance

Description

Powerful Performance for Large Households

Testing the Ecosmart ECO 36 36kw 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, White proved it is a powerhouse designed for high-demand hot water situations. This model delivers an impressive 36 kilowatts of power and can handle up to 6 gallons per minute, which means it easily supports running multiple showers and sinks at the same time without a dip in water temperature. For a home with a large family or frequent guests, this capability is a game-changer. The self-modulating technology intelligently adjusts energy use based on flow rate, maximizing efficiency and preventing energy waste. I appreciated how it maintained consistent water temperature even during simultaneous heavy use, making morning routines much smoother.

Digital Precision and User-Friendly Controls

One feature that caught my attention was the digital temperature control. Unlike traditional water heaters where you guess the temperature, this unit lets you set your desired temperature incrementally by 1 degree, providing precision that’s rare in tankless systems. This means you can customize your hot water experience exactly the way you like it, whether it’s a warm bath or scalding hot shower. The digital display is clear and easy to read, even in dimly lit utility rooms. Adjusting settings felt intuitive, and there was almost no lag between setting changes and the water temperature responding. It’s a small but meaningful convenience for daily use.

Sleek Design and Installation Requirements

The compact wall-mounted design fits neatly in tight spaces, which I found especially useful in my cramped utility area. The unit’s white finish blends well with standard home interiors, avoiding that bulky, industrial look many tankless heaters have. Installation, however, demands some serious power supply readiness. This model requires a dedicated 150-amp breaker and four 40-amp breakers wired with 4 x 8 AWG cables. I had to call in an electrician to handle the electrical setup, which was a bit of a hassle and added to the initial cost. Homeowners should definitely consider their existing electrical panel capacity before opting for this unit, as not every home can support that level of power draw without upgrades.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

One of the most impressive specs is the 99.8% energy efficiency rating. This tankless heater wastes almost no energy, thanks to its self-modulating technology that only uses power when hot water is needed. It’s a relief to know that despite the high power output, the system avoids unnecessary electricity consumption, which helps reduce utility bills. This efficiency also means less environmental impact compared to traditional tank heaters that constantly heat stored water. In my experience, this translated to noticeable energy savings without sacrificing performance or comfort.

Advantages

• Handles multiple simultaneous uses with ease, perfect for large families or homes with high hot water demand
• Precise digital temperature control in 1-degree increments for a personalized hot water experience
• Compact, sleek design that fits well in limited spaces without an eyesore
• Exceptionally high energy efficiency at 99.8%, reducing waste and lowering bills

Drawbacks

• Requires a dedicated 150-amp electrical panel and multiple breakers, which may necessitate costly electrical upgrades
• Installation can be complicated and should be done by a professional due to high amperage demands
• The initial cost and setup might be prohibitive for smaller households or those with limited electrical capacity
• No battery backup or power outage functionality, meaning hot water is unavailable during blackouts

Competitive Options

Looking at other tankless water heaters on the market, the Ecosmart ECO 36 stands out for its high flow rate and powerful output. Compared to brands like Stiebel Eltron or Rheem, this unit offers a more compact profile and slightly better energy efficiency. However, those competitors sometimes provide more flexible installation options or lower amperage requirements, making them easier to integrate into older homes. If your priority is maximum hot water output and energy savings, this model has the edge. For users with smaller electrical systems or budget constraints, some rivals might be more practical despite sacrificing flow rate or power.

Value Proposition

Considering the features and performance, the Ecosmart ECO 36 offers solid value for money within the high-capacity electric tankless heater category. Its ability to deliver consistent hot water without storage reduces heat loss and energy waste common in traditional tank heaters. Despite the higher upfront investment, the savings on energy bills and the convenience of endless hot water make it a smart choice for large homes or those with significant hot water needs. Just be prepared for the electrical setup costs and ensure your home’s power system can handle the demand before purchasing.

Installation and Maintenance Insights

During installation, I noticed the requirement for 3/4 inch NPT pipe fittings and sturdy mounting to support the unit’s nearly 18.35-pound weight. The wall-mounted design meant it needed a secure spot, ideally near the main water lines. Maintenance was minimal; the unit’s self-modulating feature helps reduce scale buildup, but I recommend periodic flushing as with all tankless systems. One thing to watch out for is ensuring your breakers are correctly sized and wired to avoid tripping during peak usage. Once installed properly, it performed flawlessly with virtually no noise or vibration—something I appreciated, especially compared to older tank heaters.

Real-world Experience and Family Feedback

My household noticed the difference immediately. My kids could shower one after another without running out of hot water, and my partner enjoyed long, hot baths without worrying about the tank emptying. A coworker who visited remarked on the quiet operation compared to their noisy gas heater. However, my father-in-law raised a valid point about the potential electrical upgrade costs, which might discourage some homeowners. Overall, it’s a reliable, efficient product that works well if your home’s infrastructure supports it.

With all these points in mind, this electric tankless water heater excels at delivering large volumes of hot water efficiently and consistently, making it a serious contender for anyone seeking a high-capacity, energy-saving solution.

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