Water Heater Questions and Answers

At what temperature does water scald?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 °F water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140°F water or with a thirty second exposure to 130°F water. Even at 120°F , a five-minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.

How does the sizing map work?

Choosing the right model electric tankless water heater depends on three things: Incoming water temperature, maximum desired flow rate and electrical service.  The map provides the maximum achievable flow rate for each model based on the inlet water temperature of your area.  Incoming water temperatures are an estimate based on average climate conditions.  There are three outlet temperatures in the tool are 105°F (the average showering temperature), 120°F and 140°F (the maximum temperature setting). The difference  between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature is the temperature rise, which determines the amount of water you will be able to heat at one time, represented in gallons per minute.  Each plumbing fixture in your home emits a certain amount of gallons per minute.  The options to the right of the chart give a representation of the most common household fixtures for hot water, showers and sinks, that can be used at one time with each model.

What is the difference between a gas tankless water heater and an electric tankless water heater?

The main difference is the energy source that is used.  Gas tankless systems can use either Natural Gas (NG) or Propane also known as LPG.  Electric tankless models operate using the home’s existing electrical service. In general, electric tankless water heaters have a higher energy efficiency; in the case of EcoSmart the energy efficiency is 99.8%.  This is because gas tankless models operate by burning gas, which is harder to control than electricity.  Gas tankless water heaters are more expensive. EcoSmart electric tankless systems are priced comparably to an electric tank of equivalent size.  Both gas and electric tankless require changes to the existing piping and wiring of the gas or electric tank they are replacing.  On a gas tank unit the typical venting size is 3″, but on a gas tankless it is 5″ so there will be additional cost to upgrade the venting when going from a gas tank to a gas tankless.  You must also consider the size of the gas pipe from the main to the home, which is 1/2″, compared to the piping for a gas tankless, which is 3/4″.  This may also increase the cost of installation.  On a typical electric tankless install, where they existing electrical panel has sufficient capacity, it will be necessary to install additional, upgraded wiring and replace the breakers on the electrical panel.  If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us.     

What is the difference between an electric Point-of-Use and an electric whole home tankless water heater?

A whole home electric tankless water heater refers to a heater that is large enough to heat all of the hot water applications from one central location. An electric point of use tankless water heater generally only services one plumbing fixture.  If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Can I use the POU 3.5 or the POU 6 in colder climates?

The POU 3.5 is not recommended for areas with an inlet water temperature of less than 57°F. The POU 6 produces a temperature rise of 74°F at a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute.  The POU 6 is recommended for areas with an inlet water temperature of less than 57°F.  To check your inlet water temperature and the flow rates each model can heat in your area please refer to the map by clicking this link.

Where can I buy?

You can visit our Distributor Look Up Page or click on one of the logos below to look up a store location near you. You can also use the EcoSmart shopping cart by going to the product detail page of any model. 

I just finished my install and the light in the digital display is not turning on.

If you are getting hot water even though the digital display does not turn on then the problem is with the electronic board.  If you are not getting hot water this could be an error in the plumbing or electrical connections.  Call our customer support line with your installer at 877-474-6473 to troubleshoot the unit.  You can also access installation manuals and troubleshooting guides by selecting this link.

My electric tankless water has been working great and now it’s not getting as hot as it used to.

This may be an indication that a connection to one of the heating elements was severed or the heating element itself has gone bad.  Contact our customer support line at 877-474-6473 to speak with an EcoSmart customer service technician.  Or you can email us by completing the form attached to this link.

I get hot water at my sink, but not at my shower.   

This is typically an installation error.  If there is no hot water at the shower your water lines may be crossed.  If there is luke warm water at the shower, either the flow rate on the shower head or heads is too high or you have an anti-scalding valve that needs to be adjusted to maximum setting. To troubleshoot, call our customer support line with your installer at 877-474-6473. You can also access installation manuals and troubleshooting guides by selecting this link.

My bathtub is not getting warm enough.

The bathtub flow rate may be too high. Reduce the flow rate by closing the faucet some until the water reaches your desired temperature.  It may take a little longer to heat up your tub, but unlike a tank you will be able to fill it up without running out of hot water.

Can I use an electric tankless water heater if my shower has an anti-scalding valve?

Yes. Simply adjust the anti scalding valve to the maximum setting.

Do the EcoSmart electric tankless water heaters restrict water flow or pressure?

No. EcoSmart maintains the same water distribution pipe size through the interior of the heater as the inlet connection so there is no reduction in flow as water passes through the unit.

Will my dishwasher work with an electric tankless water heater?

Yes.  Although, most new dishwashers come with a built in heating element to heat water as it passes through the machine. 

What if my inlet water temperature is lower than what is on the map?

There aren’t many places with an inlet water temperature lower than 40°F.  The information on the map is based on the mathematical formulas of the physics of heating water.  If your temperature rise is different than what is on the map, meaning there is a difference between your inlet and outlet temperature, this will affect the flow rate that can be heated. If your temperature rise is lower than what is assumed on the map you will have more flow rate capacity.  

What if I want to set my outlet temperature higher than what is on the map?

The three temperature options available on the map are 105°F, 120°F and 140°F. EcoSmart electric tankless water heaters cannot be set higher than 140°F. Outlet temperature setting can be anywhere from 80°F to 140°F.

What happens if I exceed the flow rate on the map?

The information on the map is based on the mathematical formulas of the physics of heating water. If you increase the flow rate, your temperature rise capacity will decrease.  If you lower your flow rate then your temperature rise capacity will increase.