Tankless Ratings
Recommended Gas Tankless Models
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Although we do not do in depth testing on Gas Tankless Water Heaters we do provide research on the most reliable and best selling gas units out there for the consumer. Our in depth research has listed what we feel are the best out there. We have outlined on our home page the reason we do not do more in depth research, however, despite the downfalls these units do provide a much higher output of hot water than an electric model. This may benefit those who live in northern, colder climates where the incoming water is very cold or those with existing gas lines in place where electric would be costly to implement. Gas Tankless Water Heaters are also eligible for Federal Tax Credits where an electric model is not. We have ranked the top selling and best tankless units in order and the best and most reliable sites for purchase:
1. Bosch Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Bosch Gas Tankless models continue to be a leader in the gas tankless market in America. Despite the recall mentioned on our home page their products are reliable and they offer great customer service. They have corrected all the recall problems and have had no problems since. Many of their units meet "Energy Star" standards and offer State and Federal tax incentives that can amount to as much as $1500.00 which can help with costly installations. The units are made entirely in the U.S.A. and are also designed solely for the American market so they are very adaptable for installations with our existing electrical and plumbing. They offer the best gas tankless warranty in the industry and the units are known to last over 20 years with reliable performance. The best, most reliable site we have found for purchase is:
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2. Paloma Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Moving up to number 2 (almost made 1) this year was the Paloma Tankless model. After many brands suffered recalls in the industry Paloma stepped up and made many beneficial safety changes to their units. One of these great features is called the ICAD - Incomplete Combustion Avoidance Device. This is an advanced system to monitor dangerous carbon monoxide or combustion issues. If anything dangerous is sensed it shuts down the unit. They also have advanced fire protections with an "overheat limiter wrap". This device can sense if there is any danger or potential for fire and again shuts down. The also have anti-boil technology where is flow out of the unit is blocked the unit protects itself from internal boiling and damage. For very cold climates they have a "freeze protection" sensor that protects water from freezing internally. We are impressed with Paloma's changes and find them to have the most advanced safety features of any gas unit we researched. They offer good site installation training, good customer service and warranty. Definitely moving up in the industry. Fully eligible for both State and Federal tax credits as well. The best site we found for purchase and reliability is (click on it):
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3. Rheem Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Moving to number 3 this year was the Rheem Tankless model. We weren't pleased about Rheem having units that were involved in the Tankless Recall but they have not had any issues since and have many safety features on their units. One of the many features offered is the "Sensing Burned Technology" that senses if there is any issue with combustion and shuts off the gas supply if a malfunction is detected. They are also the only gas model to be designed to adjust for high altitude climates where the modules adjust automatically for proper and safe combustion. The customer service is good and they do offer a 10 year warranty. You are also eligible for tax credits of 1500 dollar State and Federal tax credits for the installation of their gas units. Details are listed on the below listed page and again this site is the best we found for purchase and information (click on it):
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4. Takagi Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Takagi Gas Tankless Water Heaters are originally from Japan but after many years moved some production to the USA and have been doing so for the last 12 years. They have the smallest size models in the gas industry and the smaller models are great if you are in an apartment, condo or small home. They also have an incredible thermal efficiency rating of 92% for natural gas and 95% for liquid propane. We were impressed that their units were not part of the gas tankless recall and they have many types of residential and commercial models that are all eligible for 2009 tax credits. They have many safety features built in for flame sensing and freeze protection. They offer a great warranty with 10 years on water carrying components. They are also NSF (National Safety Foundation Certification) certified and are not only listed as safe for residential use but also commercial as well. Takagi Gas Tankless units can be purchased at good old Builders Square (click on it):
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5. Noritz Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Amongst the leaders in Gas Tankless Technology for many years selling a quality well made product based out of Japan. The units have a ten year warranty and are equipped with many safety features that impressed us and they were not part of the Gas Tankless recall. They have advanced dual flame burner technology with a commercial grade heat exchanger. We placed them at number 5 this year as they prohibit and disapprove of internet retailers or online sales of their product. You are forced to go to their authorized local plumbers and reps and we know how that can work. We got installation quotes in the thousands and although they appear to have safety in mind with this policy it does cause the price to go up. The Noritz site that best explains their marketing policies is at (click on it):
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We have to regretfully report that this year the RINNAI GAS TANKLESS MODEL has dropped out of our top 5 picks. We have heard from many of you about this and all we can say is they do make a good product that we approve of, HOWEVER, we have received some complaints about the internal components breaking down and they dropped to an "F" rating with the BBB so...maybe next year.
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CAUTION:
Unlike the Electric Tankless Water Heaters that can be installed by the homeowner in many cases this is NOT so with gas tankless units. We strongly advise in ALL cases that a licensed plumber and contractor handle the entire installation process. We have listed all the dangers of the gas tankless models and it is imperative the installations are done correctly for your families safety. In addition we recommend sticking with the top 5 Gas units listed above as we have found and taken apart generic off brand Chinese and Japanese models that have unsafe internal components, fans and venting systems that could put you at risk. The top 5 are what we feel the best gas models on the market.
