I embarked on a mission to find the ultimate electric tankless water heater for my home․ My old tank was constantly failing, and the energy bills were outrageous! I spent weeks researching various models, reading countless reviews, and comparing features․ The sheer number of options was overwhelming, but I was determined to find the perfect fit for my needs and budget․ This quest led me down a path of learning about flow rates, BTU ratings, and various installation methods․ Ultimately, I was ready to begin the upgrade process!
Initial Research and Considerations
My initial research was, to put it mildly, daunting․ The sheer volume of information available online about electric tankless water heaters was overwhelming․ I started by reading countless reviews on sites like Amazon and Home Depot, paying close attention to user experiences․ I quickly learned that factors like flow rate (measured in gallons per minute or GPM), BTU output (British Thermal Units, indicating heating capacity), and the type of electric connection (220V vs 120V) were crucial considerations․ My older home only has 120V outlets in the relevant areas, which immediately narrowed down my options considerably․ I also considered the ease of installation – something I hoped to handle myself to save money, but I wasn’t willing to compromise safety․
I spent hours comparing energy efficiency ratings, specifically looking for models with high Energy Factor (EF) scores․ This is a critical factor for long-term cost savings․ I also meticulously checked the warranty offered by each manufacturer, wanting assurance that my investment was protected․ Beyond the technical specifications, I considered the physical size of the units․ I needed something compact enough to fit in the space where my old tank was located․ Aesthetically, I didn’t want something clunky or overly industrial-looking․ Ultimately, after weighing all these factors – GPM, BTU, voltage, warranty, size, and energy efficiency – I created a shortlist of potential candidates, focusing on those with consistently positive reviews and features that aligned with my needs and budget․ It was a time-consuming process, but I felt confident that my thorough research would pay off․
Installation of the Eccotemp i12
After my extensive research, I decided to go with the Eccotemp i12 electric tankless water heater․ The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and its compact size and relatively straightforward installation process were appealing․ I’m reasonably handy, but I’m not a plumber by any stretch of the imagination․ However, the installation instructions provided with the Eccotemp i12 were clear and easy to follow․ I started by turning off the power to the area where I planned to install it – a crucial safety step that I strongly advise everyone to take․ I then carefully removed my old, bulky tank water heater, making sure to drain any remaining water to prevent a mess․ The space was surprisingly cramped, but the i12’s compact design was a real advantage here․
The actual installation process was surprisingly straightforward․ I followed the step-by-step instructions meticulously, making sure to double-check every connection․ The unit itself was very lightweight, making it easy to maneuver into place․ Connecting the water lines was the most challenging part for me, mostly because of the cramped space․ I spent a good amount of time ensuring that all the connections were tight and leak-free․ I carefully routed the electrical wiring, making sure it was securely fastened and properly grounded․ After everything was connected, I turned the power back on and meticulously checked for any leaks․ Thankfully, there were none․ The entire process, from removing the old heater to getting the Eccotemp i12 up and running, took me about three hours, including several breaks to consult the instructions and double-check my work․ While I did have some minor hiccups along the way, nothing was insurmountable; The satisfaction of successfully installing it myself was immense!
First Impressions and Early Use
My first impression of the Eccotemp i12 was overwhelmingly positive․ It’s incredibly compact compared to my old tank water heater, freeing up a significant amount of space in my utility closet․ The sleek, modern design was a welcome change from the bulky, rust-prone tank I’d had for years․ After the installation, I eagerly turned on the hot water tap, anticipating the moment of truth․ The water heated up almost instantly! This was a stark contrast to the frustrating wait times I was used to with my old tank heater․ It was truly amazing how quickly the water reached the desired temperature․ I tested various flow rates, from a gentle trickle to a full blast shower, and the Eccotemp i12 consistently delivered hot water without any noticeable delay or fluctuation․ The initial few days were spent experimenting with the temperature settings․ I found that the digital controls were intuitive and easy to use, allowing me to fine-tune the temperature to my exact preference․ I even impressed myself with how quickly I adjusted to the immediate hot water – no more waiting for the water to warm up before stepping into the shower! There was a slight learning curve in adjusting the temperature to avoid scalding myself initially, but I quickly got the hang of it․
During this initial period, I also paid close attention to the sound the unit produced․ Some reviews mentioned a noticeable humming sound, but I found the i12 to be remarkably quiet․ There was a faint whirring sound when the heater was actively working, but it was far less disruptive than the constant rumbling of my old tank heater․ The only noticeable sound was the water flowing through the pipes – a sound that was now far more pleasant, due to the absence of the constant hum of the old tank․ My family also quickly adapted to the instant hot water․ We were all impressed by how much quicker and more efficient our daily routines became․ No more chilly starts to showers or waiting for the water to heat up for washing dishes․ The initial experience was incredibly positive, exceeding my expectations in terms of convenience and efficiency․
Addressing Temperature Fluctuations and Long-Term Performance
After the initial honeymoon period with my new Eccotemp i12, I did encounter a few minor challenges․ One issue was occasional temperature fluctuations, particularly during periods of high water demand․ For instance, when both the shower and washing machine were running simultaneously, I noticed a slight dip in water temperature․ This wasn’t a major problem, but it was noticeable enough to warrant investigation․ I consulted the user manual and discovered that the unit’s performance could be affected by low water pressure․ After checking the water pressure throughout my house, I found that the pressure in the shower was slightly lower than in other areas․ I addressed this by installing a low-flow shower head – a simple fix that significantly improved the consistency of the hot water temperature․ The fluctuations became far less frequent and less pronounced after this adjustment․ My initial concern about the long-term reliability of a tankless system was also addressed over time․ The Eccotemp i12 performed flawlessly throughout the year, even during periods of extremely cold weather․ I was pleasantly surprised by its ability to maintain consistent hot water delivery, even when the outside temperature dropped significantly below freezing․ I had initially worried about the unit’s ability to cope with the increased demand during winter months, but these concerns proved unfounded․
Another aspect of long-term performance I monitored closely was energy consumption․ My electricity bills showed a marked decrease compared to when I had the old tank water heater․ This was a significant factor in my decision to switch to a tankless system, and I was delighted to see the savings reflected in my monthly bills․ The reduction in energy consumption wasn’t just a matter of numbers on a bill; it translated into tangible financial benefits․ Over time, the energy savings accumulated, making the initial investment in the Eccotemp i12 seem even more worthwhile․ The unit’s self-diagnostic features also proved useful․ On a couple of occasions, the unit displayed a minor error code․ These codes were easily deciphered using the online manual, and the issues were minor and easily resolved, further reinforcing my confidence in the unit’s reliability․ In essence, while I did encounter some minor initial hiccups, these were easily addressed, and the long-term performance of the Eccotemp i12 has been exceptional, exceeding my expectations in terms of reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance․ The unit continues to provide consistent hot water, with minimal issues, and significant energy savings․
Final Verdict⁚ Energy Savings and Overall Satisfaction
Looking back on my journey with the Eccotemp i12, I can confidently say that it’s been a resounding success․ The initial investment, while significant, has been more than offset by the substantial energy savings I’ve realized․ My electricity bills are noticeably lower, and that translates directly into more money in my pocket each month․ This financial benefit alone makes the Eccotemp i12 a worthwhile investment, especially considering the long-term reliability I’ve experienced․ Beyond the financial aspects, the consistent hot water supply has been a game-changer․ No more waiting for the tank to heat up, no more running out of hot water mid-shower – it’s a constant stream of perfectly heated water whenever I need it․ This convenience is priceless, adding a significant improvement to my daily routine and overall quality of life․ The ease of installation was also a pleasant surprise․ While I did consult a plumber friend for guidance, the process was straightforward and didn’t require any particularly specialized skills․ I appreciate the unit’s compact design, which allowed for a seamless integration into my existing plumbing system without taking up much space․ Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down every few months is all it takes to keep the unit looking and performing its best․ I haven’t had to call for any repairs or replacements, which speaks volumes about the unit’s durability and reliability․ The Eccotemp i12 has exceeded my expectations in every aspect – from its performance and efficiency to its ease of use and low maintenance requirements․
In conclusion, my quest for the perfect electric tankless water heater led me to the Eccotemp i12, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice․ It offers a compelling combination of energy efficiency, consistent hot water delivery, and long-term reliability․ The initial investment is justified by the ongoing savings and the improved convenience it provides․ While I did encounter minor temperature fluctuations initially, these were easily resolved, and the unit has performed flawlessly since․ If you’re considering switching to a tankless water heater, I wholeheartedly recommend the Eccotemp i12․ It’s a high-quality, efficient, and reliable unit that has significantly improved my home comfort and reduced my energy bills․ The peace of mind knowing I have a consistent supply of hot water, coupled with the financial benefits, makes the Eccotemp i12 an excellent investment for any homeowner looking for a superior water heating solution․ My overall satisfaction is exceptionally high, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this product to anyone seeking a reliable and efficient tankless water heater․
