One of the best creature comforts available today is most likely a water heater. They covertly adjust the water’s temperature so we may wash our hands, get rid of germs, and take nice baths.
Due to this, it’s essential that a water heater be well-made and purchased from a reliable supplier. Because if they don’t work, the whole house suffers. Below is a list of the top 7 water heater producers for customers.
This post will walk you through the best water heater for well water and help you choose one that’ll fit your needs.
Best Water Heater for Well Water
1. A.O. Smith Voltex Heater
This water heater is energy-efficient and produces hot water for your house using heat pump technology and conventional electric heating components. This particular type is a domestic water heater with a 50-gallon capacity.
The energy efficiency of this water heater is one of its main advantages. Compared to conventional electric water heaters, the heat pump technology of the device enables it to draw heat from the air around it and utilize it to heat the water.
A dry fire prevention function is built into this heat pump water heater. The purpose of this function is to stop the heating element from operating when the tank is empty or there is not enough water flowing through it.
The dry fire protection function will automatically turn off the heating element if the water level in the tank falls below a safe level, keeping it from overheating and harming the appliance. This crucial safety feature can help the water heater last longer and guard against property damage.
This water heater has drawn chiefly criticism for being noisy and expensive upfront users. Customers who had their heat pumps put close to their bedrooms or home offices, such as in an attached garage, were the ones who frequently complained about the unit’s loud noises.
This water heater is one of the most costly 50-gallon electric water heaters. It costs around $3,027. The installation cost is still considerable even after taking into account the federal tax credit. However, the money you’ll save on energy in the long term will make it up.
The heat pump’s dependability has also been a source of complaints from specific customers. They had to spend nearly $1,500 to repair the entire heating system after their heat pump died after a year because the manufacturer does not simply replace heat pumps.
The Voltex heats the water by removing heat from the surrounding air, which can have the unintended side effect of chilling the area around it in some circumstances.
2. Rheem Marathon Electric Heater
Rheem water heaters are typically thought of as ordinary and lacking in distinguishing characteristics. But one of their best-selling lines is the Marathon range of water heaters—homeowners like them for their long lifespans, lifetime warranties, and energy-saving features.
Let’s examine the unique qualities of these water heaters that make them stand out from the competition.
Marathon electric water heaters come in various capacities, including small point-of-use models for as little as 15 gallons, traditional tank models for 30 to 100 gallons, and thermal storage tanks for 50 to 105 gallons.
Any family or domestic water heating need may be satisfied by a Marathon electric water heater, thanks to the various types offered.
The peculiar structure of these water heaters allows them to endure much longer than typical electric water heaters. All Marathon versions include seamless, blow-molded polybutene inner tanks, which never rust or corrode.
This, together with an external tank that resists dents and scratches and keeps out salty air, results in a water heater that will last as long as you own your house!
Rheem backs up this audacious promise with a lifetime warranty and 24-hour customer service in case of any issues. Marathon water heaters can last up to 40 years, but, in reality.
This water heater comes with four inches of unique Envirofoam inner liner, made from eco-friendly materials, and doesn’t include any additives that deplete the ozone layer.
Therefore, less than 5°F of heat is lost through the walls of Marathon tanks. Because of this, Marathon heaters are significantly more energy-efficient than those from other companies. As a result, they also cost much less to run and maintain.
The absence of complicated technology is another argument for choosing a water heater from the Rheem Marathon line. Nowadays, most water heaters come with complex WiFi remote technology that never functions as intended and needs to be simplified for most people to understand. The operation of a Rheem Marathon electric heater is simple and doesn’t call for a computer science degree.
The upfront cost is one of the most important factors when buying a water heater. This Rheem electric water heater is no exception to the rule that a water heater is only helpful if it is reasonably priced.
An average Marathon electric water heater with a 15-gallon tank costs $850, while a 30-gallon tank model costs $1390. These heaters are small, perfect for a studio apartment or other tiny homes or buildings.
Although this water heater has a 105-gallon tank capacity and a 3800W heating element, the most expensive residential Marathon water heaters may cost up to $2,615. Larger residences with higher hot water consumption are best suited for this kind.
The functionality and durability of the Marathon water heater series are unmatched in the market, despite the Marathon being more expensive than other traditional electric water heaters.
3. EcoSmart ECO 27 Water Heater
One of their newest versions, this tankless system gets its name from how many kilowatts it uses daily.
With its capacity to heat three gallons of water per minute, the EcoSmart 27 tankless water heater is an excellent option for any home. It is designed for usage where the average water temperature might dip to 37 degrees.
Townhomes, apartments, condos, and single-family houses may all benefit from the EcoSmart 27 tankless water heater system, an eco-friendly alternative to outdated water heating systems.
This water heater can produce between 2.7 and 6.5 gallons of hot water per minute, which is more than adequate for most standard-sized homes, depending on the water temperature in your area.
One of the tiniest and most space-efficient tankless water heaters on the market, this one measures 17 by 17 by 3.62 inches. No matter where you decide to install it in your home, it has a steel casing to protect it from the weather. It also has a lifetime warranty and an excellent reputation.
Thanks to the self-modulation technology in this tankless heater, which guarantees that it will only heat what you need, there won’t be any more wasted water or energy. This method, which EcoSmart has patented, is included in every heater they make, from the tiniest to the 27-watt model.
Although EcoSmart has addressed several concerns, this tankless water heater offers many unique features. It is an expensive option for other tankless water heaters to start. Nevertheless, customers are frequently willing to pay a premium price because the brand is well-known and has a good reputation.
Additionally, the lifetime components guarantee EcoSmart offers will not apply to homeowners who want to install their tankless water heater.
There are also allegations of leaks, tripped circuit breakers in residences, broken sensors, warranty rejections because of water mineral content, regular maintenance because of copper element corrosion, and sluggish customer support.
4. Bradford White Heater
This water heater is one of the nation’s oldest thermal appliance producers, established in 1881. They employ a unique technology called the Hydrojet Total Performance System in their RE series electric tank-style water heaters.
The basic structure of this device is a cold water supply tube with jet apertures that provide counter-rotation and emotional turbulence to blast suspension and halt its development effectively. The lower “jet ports” guide the flow inward to boost pressure and turbulence.
Sediment buildup is the main factor in premature water heater failure. In contrast, Bradford White’s Hydrojet technique lengthens the water heater’s useful life while improving its efficiency, first-hour rating, and rate of hot water supply.
The common problems with Bradford White water heaters are extinguished pilot lights, faulty anode rods, leaky tanks, and a 15-year lifespan. These heaters are likewise less prevalent than the ones listed above.
They are only offered in 30-, 40-, 50-, and 55-gallon types, which is another drawback. The Rheem Marathon and A.O. Smith Voltex, which offer a variety of models, including 60-, 66-, 80-, and 100-gallon versions, are a long cry from this.
5. Stiebel Eltron Water Heater
This water heater is a water heater from German firm Stiebel Eltron and is not inexpensive. There is little to support their $2,400 and $2,600 asking prices for the 220 E (58-gallon) and 330 E (79.8-gallon) versions, respectively.
The roll bond wrap-around condenser in these Energy Star-certified units stops refrigerant from polluting the water. The evaporator’s self-cleaning layer prevents corrosion. The cold water outlet stops incoming cold water from chilling the hot water during a draw. A 10-year warranty is included.
The digital control panel of the Accelera 220 E and Accelera 300 E provide access to a user-friendly, intuitive menu system. The board also displays additional performance information, such as the amount of hot water that is currently accessible.
This water heater must offer more features than the Voltex model we previously tested to warrant its cost.
6. Westinghouse Heater
This water heater is a water heater that blends premium stainless steel construction with energy-efficient operation, enabling extended hot water draws without using excessive electricity.
Because the heating element sits near the bottom of the tank, where cold water enters the tank, there is less chance of scalding. This is accomplished by strategically routing the water supply.
Due to its durable design, high recovery rates, low standby heat losses, and lifetime warranty option, this water heater is a safe choice for electric water heating.
This appliance’s poor ranking is due to Westinghouse’s decision to stop producing its hot water, combination heating, space heating, and water heating products as of December 31, 2021. Following numerous hours of research and phone calls,
What to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater
When selecting a water heater, several considerations might come into play. The fuel type, volume, amount of energy used, and flow rate are often listed first.
Your choice might affect your budget because a water heater accounts for 20% of the costs of heating and cooling your house.
1. Capacity
The water heater you need for your home depends on how many people live there. Two to three people can live comfortably in a house with a 40 to 50-gallon water heater.
Depending on the water requirements of the residence, a three to four-person household may require a 50 to 75-gallon tank. A 75-gallon tank is usually necessary for homes with five or more occupants. The price of a water heater will climb as the tank’s capacity increases.
2. First-Hour Rate
The first-hour rate is how much water a water heater can heat in the first hour. The initial hourly rate should equal or exceed the hot water required to run your faucets and appliances simultaneously.
Typically, it takes 30 gallons of water to run a washing machine, 20 gallons to bathe or shower, and 14 gallons to run a dishwasher.
3. Gallons Per Minute or Flow Rate
The tankless water heaters’ flow rate, or gallons per minute, is measured. You can run more hot water if the GPMs are greater. 6 to 12 gallons per minute of flow are required for the average dwelling.
A two-person household needs at least 2 to 3 GPM. A flow of 3 to 5 GPM is recommended for families with three to four occupants, while 6 GPM or higher is recommended for homes with five or more occupants.
4. Warranty
The majority of water heater warranties last six to twelve years.
Conventional storage-tank water heaters typically last eight to twelve years, but if they are not properly maintained, they may malfunction prematurely due to corrosion or tank accumulation.
Tankless water heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years. An installation warranty may be beneficial because you are working with water.
5. Fuel Type
It may be necessary to conduct some studies or depend on personal choice when comparing gas and electric water heaters.
The two most popular fuel choices for water heaters are gas and electric, but there are additional possibilities for solar, fuel oil, and propane.
Water heaters powered by electricity use less energy while operating than gas-powered, but electricity is more expensive.
6. Energy Use
Depending on the type of water heater you have and how much water you use, your water heater might be responsible for around one-fifth of your energy cost.
Gas-powered 55-gallon storage water heaters that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label must have consistent energy factors of 0.64 to 0.81 to be recognized.
Finding a water heater that uses energy effectively might be aided by looking for ENERGY STAR® certified models.
The Bottom Line
The AO Smith Voltex hybrid electric heat pump water heater, model FPTU-50, is a highly effective and adaptable water heater that uses heat pump technology to draw heat from the air around it and use it to heat the water.
This makes it highly energy-efficient and capable of achieving significant energy savings compared to conventional electric water heaters.
The FPTU-50 provides a range of alternatives for hot water supply and energy savings because of its 50-gallon capacity and four operational modes: Efficiency, Hybrid, Electric, and Vacation.
With a glass-lined steel tank that resists corrosion and insulation caused by CFC-free foam, the FPTU-50 is also built to be dependable and long-lasting. You may have an additional piece of mind knowing that a 10-year limited guarantee covers the tank and parts of the unit.
Overall, the AO Smith Voltex hybrid electric heat pump water heater, model FPTU-50, is an excellent option for homes seeking a high-quality and energy-efficient water heater that can save a lot of electricity while still delivering dependable hot water.
The cost of this heater is rather costly. Still, compared to other manufacturers on our list regarding efficiency, energy savings, and longevity, you truly are getting the most for your money.
Look no further than the AO Smith electric heat pump water heater if you’re looking for an effective, long-lasting, robust water heater that can offer considerable energy savings and dependable performance for your house.
FAQs
Do You Need a Special Hot Water Tank for Well Water?
Even though well water often has a lower temperature, the issue can be readily handled by selecting a tankless water heater with a larger capacity. Utilizing a tankless water heater with healthy water during the winter can provide hotter water than municipal water.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Good on a Well?
The water may be more relaxed than water from public sources, but a tankless heater of the proper capacity will still function perfectly.
Which Water Heater Type Has the Highest Thermal Efficiency?
As you might have guessed, tankless water heaters lack a tank. Instead, the device’s coils superheat it when the water travels through the mechanism to its final destination. One of the most energy-efficient methods to heat water in your house as a consequence is on-demand hot water that seldom runs out.
How Long Does a Hot Water Heater Last on Well Water?
The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is 20 years or more. Before showing indications of aging, traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last 10 to 15 years.
How Do You Heat a Water Well in Your House?
Some good owners can get away with utilizing one or a few inexpensive incandescent light bulbs (100w+) while doing so does generate a significant amount of heat (particularly in a compact, well-insulated area). If you need extra warmth, your best option is a compact ceramic utility heater.
