Stiebel Eltron Tempra Tankless Water Heaters

Stiebel Eltron is a manufacturer of several popular tankless hot water heater models. While some manufactures focus on just whole house water heaters, Stiebel Eltron makes a full line of models that can find several uses in your home.

Stiebel Eltron has several makes and models, all under the Tempra series name. Since Stiebel Eltron doesn't really roll of the tongue, its probably a good idea that they market tankless water heaters under the Tempra name. All of these models are controlled with a thermostat, and they certainly can be described as advanced machinery in the world of tankless water heaters.

One nice feature with the Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater is that the heater is designed to monitory the temperature of the water that is coming in to the unit. The customers requested flow rate is then converted by the heating element built in on the water heater to heat the water to whatever temperature you request. This temperature setting can always be changed by the user to meet their own specific needs.

Some of the other advantages of a Stiebel Eltron Tempra model include on-demand hot water, it will never run out, no matter how many people need to use the bath or shower. Since there is not the need to constantly reheat water in a tank, your water heating costs are reduced by as much as 50%. The Tempra's sleek and compact design saves space over a tank heater. Tankless heaters are also less likely to leak, crack, or rupture. Because the maximum temperature can be regulated, the risk of scalding injuries to children can also be reduced substantially.

Stiebel Tempra tankless heaters also maintain their efficiency throughout the service life of the heater, while tank heaters continue to lose efficiency as the years go by. Tempra water heaters are also more resistant do different water problems like sediment, mineral, and hard water issues. Finally, tankless heaters like these have a longer service life, often between 15 and 20 years.

As mention, several Tempra models are available to fill almost any need. Both of point-of-use and complete home residential tankless heaters are available. Heaters designed for commercial use are also available. Top of the line, heavy duty Tempra series water heaters can put out quite a bit of hot water. According to the company, these units can produce up to 7 gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water, depending on the incoming water temperature. Warm climates have an advantage over colder areas of the country, as the water is much warmer as it enters the house.

Even in cold climates, you should be able to get 3-4 gallons per minute of hot water during the winter. Stiebel Eltron Tempra heaters thus provide hot water on-demand, and also offer energy savings of between 30 to 50% when compared side-by-side with a regular tank water heaters.

If your worried about the company's reputation, don't be. These are recognized as superior electric tankless water heaters. Stiebel Eltron tankless water heaters have a full warranty as well at technical support. The company has been in business since 1924 and has more than 2,200 employees worldwide.

One additional point is that the company only makes electrical tankless water heaters, no natural gas or propane models here. While the monthly operating cost may be more with an electrical model, they generally cost less up front, and installation is easier to accomplish. No special venting requirements exist with a Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater.

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters

Takagi USA has been manufacturing tankless water heaters heaters here in the States for more than 10 years. While that isn't very long, Takagi has been in the business for more than 50 years in Japan.

What sort of features and benefits can a Takagi tankless water heater offer you? Like other tankless models, the main selling point is the endless supply of hot water that is offered through the heater.

Takagi tankless heaters are also highly efficient. In fact, one tankless water heater from Takagi boasts and efficiency rating of 92% for the natural gas model, and 95% for the propane (LP) model. Compare that to the average rating in the 50-60 range for a standard water heater, or 82% for some of the Bosch water heaters, and you can see the difference.

Takagi heaters only operate when you ask for hot water. When the hot water tap is turned on, water begins to enter the heater, which then is detected by a flow sensor. This in turn activates the burner, and water begins to circulate through heat coil, or exchanger as it is also known. The heat exchanger then heats the water to the preset temperature in less than 7 seconds. This can continue on for an indefinite period of time, so no more worrying about running out of hot water. When the hot water tap is turned off, the heating unit stops as well.

Takagi tankless heaters are also more compact than a regular water heater. They range in weight from 30 pounds to 90 pounds, and are generally about the size of a medium to large suitcase. Most of the units are designed to be placed inside, and can be mounted on a wall. This frees up floor space in your home that can be used for other things. Because Tagaki water heaters are natural gas and/or propane powered, they require proper venting, thus a professional installer is your best bet. Category 3 stainless steel vented pipe is recommended by the manufacturer, and the tankless heater cannot share venting with any other appliances.

One thing that confuses some consumers is that they expect instant hot water when they put in a tankless hot water heater. While a Takagi heater can provide unlimited hot water, it is not instantaneous. It still takes time for the water to reach each faucet or shower head, so if you want immediate hot water, an alternative would be a recirculation pump.

According to Takagi, their tankless heaters have an average life span of 15 to 20 years, which is about 5 to 10 years longer than the average standard water heater. Takagi tankless heaters have a 10 year warranty on the heat exchanger, and 5 years on all other components on the units. Tankless units cost more up front, but generally make up the difference in lower operating costs and longer lifespans.

Based on the model you select, a Takagi tankless water heater can provide you with between three and five gallons (GPM) of hot water per minute.