Do you want to buy a Rheem tankless water heater? Rheem Tankless water heaters provide high-efficiency ratings and save space, making them preferable to many homeowners.
Rheem managed to establish itself as a reputable name in the industry based on experience and quality, and they offer a number of types of tankless water heaters, including:
Condensing tankless water heaters
Mid-efficiency tankless water heaters
Electric tankless water heaters
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover what makes each model unique as well as our picks for the best Rheem tankless water heaters.
This natural gas condensing direct-vent water heater uses a NOx low-emission burner to generate hot water at a speed of 8.4 GPM and has a temperature range of 98° – 140° F. It operates with a high-efficiency rating of .93 UEF, and you can activate its unique water-saving mode.
It also comes enabled with EcoNet technology that makes you aware of any potential problems and makes it easy for you to control from anywhere. This is a great option for average size households who want something efficient and modern.
Our Top 5 Picks for Rheem Tankless Water Heaters for 2024
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Rheem Tankless Hot Water Heaters?
Advantages
One-Stop Shop
Rheem offers great variety for a wide range of over 300 patents on innovative home comfort products that expand to more than water heaters, including:
Tankless water heaters
Tank-type water heaters
Hybrid water heaters
Solar water heaters
Furnaces/boilers
Heat pumps
Air conditioners
Cooling coils
Pool/spa heaters
Commercial refrigeration products
Water softeners
Thermostats
You won’t find another company that offers all of these products as one manufacturer. You can turn to Rheem for all of your future needs with full confidence you trust the brand.
Commitment to the Environment
Rheem set ambitious sustainability objectives that demonstrate their commitment to creating products that leave a small carbon footprint and vowing to completely eliminate manufacturing waste by 2025.
Awards
All brands talk up their products, but not all have the awards to support their claims. Experts recognize Rheem’s innovation and commitment to quality with the following recent awards:
Gold 2021 Edison Award
EnergyStar Award 2021 Partner of the Year
Green Builder 2021 Green Innovation of the Year
Disadvantages
Proprietary Parts
Rheem makes components unique for their products, meaning you won’t be able to use generic components for replacements. You will need to go through Rheem or your contractor to get substitute parts.
Professional Installation Required
Rheem requires professional installation if you want to take advantage of the warranty. If the product is installed incorrectly, it will void the warranty. You will be out of luck with whatever happens to the unit. The cost of installation varies greatly on numerous variables, including the location of the installation, whole home or point of use model, and your current hot water set up.
What Are The Key Features Of Rheem Tankless Water Heaters?
Before buying a Rheem tankless water heater, you should learn the key features that make them unique.
Reputable Company/Customer Service:
Rheem has almost 100 years of experience and multiple awards to demonstrate the superior quality of their products.
You can call the water heater customer support number 1-866-720-2076 seven days a week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m CST for questions or troubleshooting. You can also fill out a request for customer service online. For service to your products, call a local Rheem Pro in your area.
Rheem’s Manufacturing Process:
Rheem has three manufacturing plants in Montgomery, Alabama, Oxnard California, and Eagan, Minnesota. In 2011, Rheem also created a manufacturing plant in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
Ease of Use:
Rheem prides itself on producing simple products that anyone can use by creating easy-to-read controls/labels and incorporating modern technology into its products.
They also provide resources on their website to teach consumers about water heaters to help them make the most informed decision. Professional support can answer questions for people who need additional assistance.
Safety Issues:
Rheem water heaters automatically shut off once the water reaches a certain temperature to prevent scalding as well as technology to keep the temperature consistent.
Overall Effectiveness:
Rheem products provide a high level of effectiveness, depending on the product you purchase. For the best results, talk to a plumber to learn the best option for you. You want to get a tankless water heater that satisfies your family’s needs without going overboard.
You also want to find a product that will install easily in your home and provide simple controls. Rheem offers all of these features and more!
Every brand has strengths and weaknesses compared to its competitors. While it’s more important to compare the units themselves, knowing where a brand tends to excel or needs improvement can help you make your purchasing decision. We have provided some general examples to show how Rheem compares to two main competitors.
Rheem vs Rinnai
Rheem and Rinnai are two of the biggest competitors when it comes to tankless water heaters, and both companies make great products.
Rheem provides options for electric tankless water heaters, but Rinnai only offers gas electric water heaters. Rheem also tends to have a lower price tag than Rinnai. Rinnai offers some benefits when it comes to reliability and added features.
Rheem vs A.O Smith
Again, Rheem and A.O. Smith both offer great options, and both brands rank closely in most areas. Rheem provides a lot more variety and easy-to-use products with a better warranty. A.O. Smith excels in efficiency and slightly beats Rheem in customer service.
Rheem Tankless Water Heaters Reviews
Rheem offers a lot of products to choose from. How do you know which Rheem tankless water heater to pick? Read our top 5 Rheem tankless water heaters to learn about their best units and buy the right one for you.
This natural gas condensing direct-vent water heater uses a NOx low-emission burner to generate hot water at a speed of 8.4 GPM and has a temperature range of 98° – 140° F. It operates with a high-efficiency rating of .93 UEF, and you can activate its unique water-saving mode.
It also comes enabled with EcoNet technology that makes you aware of any potential problems and makes it easy for you to control from anywhere. This is a great option for average size households who want something efficient and modern.
This Rheem electric tankless water heater generates hot water at a speed of 5.3 GPM at 27,000 watts and 240v. It offers a temperature range of 80° – 140° F with an easy-to-read digital temperature display and temperature controls that allow you to change the temperature in 1-degree increments.
This unit will easily satisfy the needs of a 2 person household who prefer an electric-powered water heater and prioritize energy efficiency.
This compact and lightweight electric tankless water heater generates hot water at a speed of 4 GPM at 240v and fits almost anywhere you want to install it in your home. The heat exchanger is made of copper, increasing heat transfer efficiency.
An on-unit control panel can let you switch to “Standby Mode” and use the dial to alter the temperature. The product meets EnergyStar requirements.
This product is perfect for a single-person household that doesn’t want technology features.
This natural gas direct-vent condensing tankless water heater generates hot water at a speed of 8.4 GPM with 180,000 BTUs and a .83UEF efficiency rating. Overheat film wrap prevents the unit from getting damaged by excessive heat and comes with a low emissions setting. It comes with 10 feet of thermostat cable, a self-diagnosing system, and EcoNet technology.
Homeowners with a 3 bathroom home who desire a moderate-to-higher cost gas tankless water heater will love this product.
Pros
8.4 GPM can satisfy 3 bathrooms simultaneously
Quiet operation
EcoNet technology
Cons
Direct ventilation system offers low installation flexibility
This product in the EcoSmart line by Rheem generates hot water at a speed of 5.3 GPM at 27,000 watts and 240v. Copper and steel components are easy to clean and contribute to a long lifespan but are also easy to replace.
It is 99.8% efficient and can save up to 50% on water heating compared to conventional tank water heaters. Use the control on the unit to adjust the temperature within the temperature range of 80° – 140° F.
Pros
99.8% efficient
Copper and steel components
Cost-effective
Cons
No remote
No Bluetooth or WiFi technology
Not mountable outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions on Rheem Tankless Water Heaters
How long do Rheem tankless water heaters last?
Rheem tankless water heaters last about 20 years, but life expectancy varies based on the product. Ask about the life expectancy of the specific product you want to buy to learn more.
Are Rheem tankless water heaters any good?
Yes! Rheem creates high-quality water heaters that earn awards and receive great reviews. Some brands reach similar quality, but Rheem has a good argument to be called one of the best water heaters on the market.
How much does a Rheem tankless water heater cost?
Two factors come into play when determining the cost of a Rheem tankless water heater: product cost and installation.
Rheem tankless water heaters will vary in cost based on GMP rating, efficiency, power, technology, and additional features. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 – $1,000 for a residential Rheem tankless water heater.
Installation can add to the cost significantly but usually runs between $600 and $1500.
Current water heater setup (possible new gas line or water pipe installation)
Outdoor installation or indoor installation
Direct vent or power vent
You may require additional equipment for some installation that will also add to the cost. One of the most expensive accessories is recirculation equipment. You may also need valves or wiring.
To keep costs low, pick the correct size water heater for your home. You can also pick a water heater that will install easily and say no to unnecessary add-ons.
