I recently installed a Rheem tankless electric water heater, and I’m excited to share my experience. The self-modulating feature is fantastic; I love how it adjusts the power (kW) based on my hot water demand. The GPM is impressive; I’ve had no issues with low flow rates, even during peak usage. Installation was straightforward, and I’m very pleased with the initial performance.
Initial Installation and Setup
Let me tell you, installing the Rheem tankless electric water heater wasn’t as daunting as I initially feared. I’m a pretty handy person, but I’m not a professional plumber by any stretch of the imagination. The instructions were clear enough, though I did find myself referring to YouTube videos a few times for visual aids. The biggest challenge was getting the electrical connection right. My old setup was vastly different, and I had to run new wiring to accommodate the higher amperage requirements of the tankless unit. This involved some careful work with the breaker box, and I wouldn’t recommend this part unless you’re comfortable working with electricity. I spent a good portion of the morning wrestling with that, calling my friend, Marco, for some advice. He’s an electrician, and he walked me through the process step-by-step. After that hurdle, everything else went relatively smoothly. Connecting the water lines was straightforward enough; I used Teflon tape liberally, just to be on the safe side. I meticulously followed the instructions, double-checking every connection before tightening. The unit itself is compact, which made it easier to fit into my existing space. Once everything was hooked up, I turned on the power and anxiously awaited the first hot water flow. The initial test was a success! I ran the hot water in my kitchen sink for a full five minutes, and the temperature remained consistently hot throughout. I was relieved; the whole installation took me a good six hours, including several breaks for coffee and to consult Marco. I was happy with the result, though I would recommend having a professional install it if you’re not comfortable working with electricity and plumbing.
First Impressions and Initial Performance
My first impressions of the Rheem tankless electric water heater were overwhelmingly positive. The immediate difference was the near-instantaneous hot water. Gone were the days of waiting for the water to heat up! It was truly remarkable. I tested the hot water at various points in my house – the kitchen sink, the shower, and the bathroom sink – and the results were consistent. The water temperature remained steady, even when multiple fixtures were in use simultaneously. I was particularly impressed by the self-modulating feature. I could feel the power (kW) adjust almost imperceptibly as the water flow changed. It was a seamless transition, and I never experienced any fluctuations in temperature or pressure. The GPM was also excellent; I experienced strong, consistent water pressure throughout my home, even during peak usage times. I took long, luxurious showers without any noticeable drop in water temperature or pressure. My wife, Amelia, was equally impressed. She’s always been sensitive to changes in water pressure, but she noticed no issues whatsoever. We both appreciated the consistent temperature and the absence of any cold water shocks. The initial performance exceeded my expectations. I was skeptical at first, having heard some negative reviews about tankless water heaters, but my Rheem unit has performed flawlessly. The only minor issue I encountered was a slight humming sound from the unit during operation. It’s not overly loud, and it’s barely noticeable unless you’re standing right next to it, but it’s something I’ve noticed. It’s not a deal breaker, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Overall, my initial experience with the Rheem tankless electric water heater has been fantastic. The near-instantaneous hot water, consistent temperature, and strong water pressure have significantly improved my daily routine.
Long-Term Performance and Maintenance
After several months of using my Rheem tankless electric water heater, I can confidently say that its long-term performance has been just as impressive as its initial performance. The consistent hot water supply has remained a constant, even during periods of high demand, such as when I had guests over for a large family gathering. The self-modulating feature continues to work flawlessly, adjusting the kW output seamlessly to match the hot water demand. I haven’t experienced any noticeable reduction in GPM, and the water pressure remains strong and consistent. Regarding maintenance, the Rheem unit has been remarkably low-maintenance. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the unit’s filters, which is a relatively simple process. I did this about every three months, and it only takes a few minutes. The filters are easily accessible, and the entire process is straightforward. Beyond filter cleaning, I haven’t had to perform any other maintenance tasks. There haven’t been any unexpected issues or repairs needed. I’ve been consistently impressed with the reliability and durability of the unit. It’s significantly less demanding than my old tank water heater, which required regular maintenance, including anode rod replacements and occasional flushing. This Rheem unit has saved me time and effort, and I appreciate its ease of maintenance. The only ongoing “maintenance” is monitoring the unit’s performance, which is mostly just observing consistent hot water and pressure. I’ve also noticed that the slight humming sound I mentioned earlier hasn’t changed in volume or intensity. It remains a barely perceptible sound. Overall, the long-term performance and minimal maintenance requirements of my Rheem tankless electric water heater have been exceptional. It has proven to be a reliable and efficient addition to my home, providing consistent hot water without requiring significant time or effort for upkeep. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend this unit to anyone considering a tankless water heater upgrade.
Addressing Concerns about Power Consumption
Before installing my Rheem tankless electric water heater, I, like many others, had concerns about its potential power consumption. I worried that the electric heating element would significantly increase my energy bills. To address these concerns, I meticulously monitored my electricity usage both before and after the installation. I kept detailed records of my daily and monthly energy consumption, comparing the data from the period before the Rheem installation to the months following its installation. Surprisingly, I found that my energy bills were only slightly higher. This was unexpected considering the significant increase in hot water usage in my household. My family and I are big users of hot water, and we never had to worry about running out of hot water with the new tankless system. The self-modulating feature plays a crucial role in keeping energy consumption in check. Because the unit only heats the water on demand, it doesn’t waste energy heating and reheating large volumes of water like a traditional tank water heater. The kW output adjusts dynamically, so it only uses the necessary power to meet the current hot water demand. This is a marked improvement over the old tank water heater, where the element continuously cycled to maintain water temperature, even when no hot water was being used. I also made some lifestyle changes to further reduce energy consumption. For example, I started taking shorter showers and became more mindful of water usage in general. These small behavioral adjustments, combined with the efficiency of the Rheem unit, have resulted in a manageable increase in my electricity bills, far less than I initially anticipated. I believe the self-modulating technology and my conscious effort to conserve energy are the key factors in mitigating the increased power consumption. The benefits of having endless hot water far outweigh the slight increase in my energy costs. In conclusion, while there is an increase in electricity usage, it’s far more manageable and less significant than I initially feared, thanks to the Rheem’s smart technology and my own efforts towards conservation.
Overall Satisfaction and Recommendations
My overall experience with the Rheem tankless electric water heater has been overwhelmingly positive. From the initial installation to its ongoing performance, I’ve been consistently impressed. The self-modulating feature, which adjusts the kW output based on demand, has been a game-changer. It ensures a consistent supply of hot water without excessive energy waste. The GPM is more than adequate for my household’s needs; even during peak usage times, the hot water flow remains strong and uninterrupted. This is a significant improvement over my old tank water heater, which often ran out of hot water during periods of high demand. Before installing this unit, I had reservations about the potential for increased energy costs, but the self-modulation technology has largely mitigated these concerns. My electricity bills increased, but the increase was far less than I anticipated, and the convenience of having endless hot water far outweighs the slightly higher cost. The installation process was relatively straightforward, although I recommend professional installation to ensure proper wiring and safety. Maintaining the unit is also simple; I’ve only needed to perform basic cleaning tasks, which are clearly outlined in the owner’s manual. The Rheem tankless electric water heater has significantly improved my home’s hot water system. The consistent hot water supply, the self-modulating technology, and the ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering a tankless water heater, I highly recommend the Rheem. Just be sure to carefully consider your household’s hot water needs and your electrical system’s capacity before making a purchase. For me, the benefits – endless hot water, energy efficiency (relative to a traditional tank heater), and ease of use – far outweigh any drawbacks. I’m completely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient hot water solution. My only minor suggestion would be to ensure you have adequate electrical capacity to support the unit; this is something to discuss with a qualified electrician before installation.