Best Water Heaters for Hard Water 2023

The influence of limescale formation in your water heater and other water appliances may be reduced only by the best water heater for hard water that is strong and long-lasting enough. You may relax knowing that this device will keep supplying your family with enough hot water no matter where you live.

How do you choose the best water heating system for your home with hard water is currently the main concern. Let’s begin by taking a look at a few of the top sellers on the market.

Best Water Heater for Hard Water

Bosch Tronic 3000 T ES4 Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater

The Bosch Tronic 300 T ES4 is a product you have to adore. It’s not just the most effective hot water heater for hard water that money can buy. Additionally, it is the most attractive and adaptable tankless water heater you can have in your house.

A high-quality heat exchanger inside of this water heater ensures up to 98 percent thermal efficiency. Only a small portion of the heat produced will be lost, providing households with remarkable energy and financial savings.

The heating elements are tough and come with a specific process to reduce hard water’s mineral content.

There are three ways that this type of tankless water heater might operate. It can first be used as an addition to an existing water heating system. Second, systems with sporadic problems with cold water may benefit from the tankless water heater acting as a buffer. Finally, you may use this technology under your kitchen sink as a stand-alone heater.

This water heater is simple to install. It can be mounted on a sturdy base and set on the floor, hung on the wall, or set on a shelf. Concerns concerning its durability are unfounded. Because of the tank’s top quality glass liner, hard water mineral adherence is prevented.

I wish Bosch would make the device’s plugging less difficult by lengthening the power cord to at least five feet. The 6.8 GPH recovery rate of its built-in 4-gallon tank is likewise unsatisfactory in my opinion. Its recovery rate of hot water is far lower than traditional tank heaters’ 1-GPM, at just about 14.5 ounces per minute.

Pros

• 98% thermal efficiency score for exceptional energy savings
• Premium-quality heat exchanger for maximum durability
• Superior quality glass-lined tank for enhanced durability
• Multipurpose functionality for versatility
• Multiple installation options for enhanced flexibility

Cons

• Short power cord
• Modest recovery rate

Nevertheless, I believe the Bosch Tronic 3000 T ES4 makes for an excellent heating system for hard water. Its heating elements and heat exchanger components are heavy-duty, protecting it against limescale formation for many years. Its versatile design also gives you plenty of options on how you want it to best serve your family.

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart’s fan base is expanding as a result of the quality and dependability of its heating products. The ECO 11 is a viable option if you’re seeking for a trustworthy electric hot water heater for hard water.

A self-modulating technology at the heart of this electric tankless heater reduces your home water heating energy costs by as much as 60%.

Additionally, it collaborates with the other elements to lessen the impact of hard water on the formation of limescale. To maximize the effectiveness of this device, you may still wish to install a specialized water softener or conditioner.

This appliance is as simple to use as any current device. It automatically modifies the heating element’s energy usage to provide your home a 99.8% energy efficiency. It is one of the most economical heating options available right now thanks to its unheard-of UEF score of 0.98.

I adore the user control options, particularly the clear LCD screen and simple control knob. The responsive power button also functions as a toggle switch to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Its 3.1-GPM maximum flow rate intrigues me as an on-demand tankless water heater. I’m not even sure most tankless systems can deliver half that. Never again will there be a shortage of hot water available to you.

Unfortunately, I found some complaints about the product’s durability and warranty. I recommend buying different installation hardware if you want your unit to last long and without leaks. Its package content is admirable, nonetheless.

Pros

• 8% energy efficiency score for improved energy savings
• 1 GPM maximum flow rate for optimum water use
• Innovative self-modulating technology for hassle-free operation
• High-quality heating components for increased hard water resistance
• User-friendly controls and digital display

Cons

• Mediocre-quality supply line fittings
• A few customer complaints about warranty

Suffice it to say that I am impressed with the EcoSmart ECO 11. It is energy-efficient, provides good flow, and has excellent technologies that help slow down hard water-induced limescale formation.

Rinnai V75iP Propane Tankless Hot Water Heater

A high-end 50-gallon gas water heater can’t compete with the Rinnai V75iP tankless water heater. Its smart design, strong build quality, and reliable performance will make you forget about other brands.

For a home with mild to moderately hard water, this water heater is ideal. It features a built-in scale detection mechanism that warns you when limescale production is beginning. You may prevent calcium and magnesium from accumulating in the heat exchanger and heating elements of your appliance by taking preventative actions.

This appliance’s sturdy structure appeals to me because it can last up to two decades, which is twice as long as conventional systems can. You get the finest value for your money when you buy it, which ensures the appliance will last a long time for your family.

The performance of this item is equally remarkable in my opinion. Generally speaking, tankless water heaters only have 3 to 5 GPM. A massive 7.5 gallons are produced by this gadget every minute.

If you don’t find that admirable, you should observe how quickly it provides hot water to three appliances. Without ever moaning about the cold water, you can run the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower all at once.

Unfortunately, I wish the brand endeavored to have its energy efficiency ratings Energy Star qualified for added peace of mind. While it is straightforward to install, I would recommend hiring a plumber and a gas technician to install the system. It is always best to err on the side of safety and caution.

Pros

• Integrated advanced scale detection system for improved durability
• Twice durable as conventional tank heaters
• Supports up to three appliances simultaneously
• 5 GPM maximum flow rate for uninterrupted hot water supply
• Exceptional value for money

Cons

• Professional installation highly recommended
• Not Energy Star qualified

These issues are minor compared to what the Rinnai V75iP can provide. You will never be in the dark, second-guessing whether you already have limescale in the system or not. Very few products have this feature, making it an excellent choice for households with hard water.

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus Tankless Water Heater

Do not worry that using hard water may kill your water heater! You may bid your limescale formation problems farewell as long as you have Stiebel Eltron’s Tempra 29 Plus. It performs unlike anything else and has an incredible design.

This hard water heater’s impressive ability to avoid limescale accumulation is made possible by its solid copper components. Hardness minerals are less likely than other materials to stick to the copper surface of the heat exchanger.

Because of this, a lot of homes view the appliance’s copper water heater element for hard water as its finest achievement.

This device not only addresses your concerns about hard water. Additionally, it guarantees that you make the most of your heating budget. With a UEF rating of 0.99, this tankless water heater allows you to significantly reduce your energy costs.

I adore the tankless water heater’s fully automatic controls, which include temperature memory settings, smart flow control, and self-modulation.

I was astounded by the appliance’s distinctive user display. This tankless water heater not only gives you precise temperature readings. It also tells you how much money you’ve already saved on energy costs.

Of course, something has to give with all these innovations. It is expensive, so I strongly recommend getting a professional to set the water heater up for you. It is still possible to make it a DIY project, but you do not want to void the warranty.

Pros

• Solid copper heating elements for improved hard water resistance
• High uniform energy factor of 0.99 for enhanced cost savings
• Highly advanced flow controls for effortless operation
• Preset temperature memory buttons for hassle-free control
• Revolutionary display with cost savings information

Cons

• Costs higher than other water heaters for hard water
• Professional installation ideal

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus is one of the most spectacular water heaters you can ever get for your house. It may be expensive, but it can outclass all other brands and models on the market. Its cost savings display is one surefire hit among cost-efficiency-conscious folks.

EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5 Electric Mini Tank Water Heater

Small tank hot water heater for hard water, the EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5, is ideal for point-of-use applications. Installing it under your kitchen sink will ensure that you never again worry about running out of hot water to wash your dishes.

Additionally, you can install this device in your RV, garage, pool house, utility shed, and other locations where you need a consistent supply of hot water. It has the same level of energy efficiency as every other product that has come off the EcoSmart production line. The cost savings you receive are further enhanced by its on-demand functionality.

I appreciate how quickly the water warmed up—by 60°F in about 15 minutes. As a result, you can enjoy warm 100-degree water in a quarter of an hour if the water is 40 degrees chilly when it enters the appliance.

The product’s simple control panel design is fantastic. There aren’t any difficult buttons to press. There is only one dial to adjust the temperature, along with two status lights on either side of it. If you choose to install the unit in your shed, it also has a freeze protection option.

If this appliance is this good, why is it not at the top of our list? First, its flow rate is a bit mediocre, at only 21 to 25 ounces per minute. However, I have seen worse, so it should not be a big deal. Second, you will need additional fittings because the accompanying hardware is either cheaply made or not the correct size.

Pros

• Ideal for point-of-use applications
• 8% energy efficiency grade for improved cost savings
• Faster recovery than conventional heaters
• Straightforward to operate with freeze protection
• Versatile design

Cons

• Lower flow rate than ordinary heaters
• Additional installation hardware required

The EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5 may not be ideal for whole-house applications. However, it is a worthy point-of-use investment. It is robust and efficient, giving you an uninterrupted hot water supply in your kitchen sink or wherever you decide to place the unit.

Titan SCR2 N-120 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Titan has a solution for you if you’re looking for a dependable and reasonably priced tankless water heater for well water. For homes with lots of hardness minerals in their water, the SCR2 N-120 is currently one of the most reliable water heating appliances on the market.

The tankless water appliance is best for small households, but it should also provide medium-sized families with a reasonable supply of hot water. With a 99.5% energy efficiency rating, it compares favorably to the top tankless water heaters in terms of value for money.

Its 10-GPM flow rate will appeal to you as it does to me. The days of having to scratch your head over the meager amount of water that comes out of your showerhead or faucet are long gone. For the next ten years or so, this appliance will provide all of your family’s hot water demands.

This water heater is simple to install. You should be able to set up this device in under an hour if you have a basic understanding of electrical systems.

The device’s minimalistic control arrangement is incredibly popular. Ten progressive LED indication lights on this tankless heater let you know whether your water is hot or cold. The temperature can also be changed using the blue down and red up buttons. There is no simpler control interface than this.

Unfortunately, I find its control panel too uninteresting and outdated. While I appreciate the LED bars, there is no way of telling the actual water temperature in the tankless heater. I also found a few complaints about some electronic components overheating.

Pros

• Recommended for small to medium-sized households
• 5% energy efficiency for enhanced cost savings
• Higher flow rate than others
• Simple control interface for hassle-free operation
• Compact and lightweight design for installation ease

Cons

• No temperature display
• Some parts tend to overheat

While the Titan SCR2 N-120 is not the best tankless heater to address your hard water problems, it does offer excellent energy efficiency. You get to save extra from your water heating while ensuring everyone in your family enjoys a hot shower whenever they like.

GASLAND 10L BS264 Propane Tankless Water Heater

Are you trying to find a hard water system for your RV, cottage, or practically anywhere that is dependable and effective? If so, you might want to consider giving the GASLAND 10L BS264 a shot. Its portable form makes it the perfect option for enjoying hot showers at campers and creating quick outdoor showers.

Hard water won’t ruin the tankless heater, so you don’t have to worry about that either. Its heating elements are made of durable materials that reduce mineral deposition and delay the production of limescale. You can be confident that this appliance will keep providing you with hot water for a very long time.

The variety of protection technologies integrated into one small device astounds me. Advanced overheating and anti-freezing prevention mechanisms provide you with security.

The appliance will immediately turn off if its sensors identify a water temperature of more than 167 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to avoid freezing, it also automatically removes water from the system when the outside temperature becomes too low.

Despite its diminutive size, this hot water heater has a mind-blowing 2.64 GPM flow rate. Up to 68,000 BTUs can be produced by its heating element, which can reduce your energy usage by up to 11.5%. Your regular energy bill of $500 will now be $442.50. The lower energy costs and savings you receive from utilizing this device will please your family.

It is crucial to realize, though, that you cannot use this heater in locations that are higher than 3,300 feet above sea level. Additionally, it performs worse in locations with heavy winds. Although installation is simple, the documentation can be rather perplexing.

Pros

• Higher flow rate than other hot water heater units
• High BTU score for 11.5% energy savings
• Heavy-duty burner and heat exchanger components
• Multiple device protection technologies
• Portable and compact design for installation flexibility

Cons

• Not applicable at high altitudes
• Confusing instruction manual

Nevertheless, I recommend the GASLAND 10L BS264 tankless gas water heater to anyone who wants a portable, flexible, energy-efficient, and high-performance water heater that can resist hard water effects. It is worth every penny you spend.

Chronomite SR-20L/240 HTR Instant-Flow Tankless Water Heater

An electric water heater only intended for point-of-use applications is the Chronomite SR-20L/240 HTR. Since you can have hot water right away, installing this electric tankless heater under your kitchen sink makes complete sense. For easy access to hot water, you can also put it in your utility room, shower, or garage.

I adore its cutting-edge microprocessor, which heats your water in just two seconds. When using other items, it often takes five to six seconds for the water temperature to rise. One of the quickest heating equipment you may have in your house is because to its design.

I also like how it built the heat exchanger. It is sturdy and well-made, guaranteeing many years of optimal performance. Its sturdy design and structure promise significant advantages by lowering the possibility of limescale buildup.

Installing this appliance horizontally is ideal. There are numerous installation choices available because you may also mount it while standing up. It doesn’t necessitate changing your plumbing as it is. The device should function after a fast sectional incision.

Unfortunately, it falls short due to its flow rate. I am aware that a 2 GPM flow rate should be possible with tankless systems. Only one-fourth of the industry average is present in this water heater. You might want to seek elsewhere if you plan to use a lot of hot water. Additionally, the hot water delivery performance is erratic.

Pros

• Recommended for point-of-use applications
• Super-fast heating element for instant hot water availability
• Advanced microprocessor for higher energy efficiency
• Dual installation option for flexibility
• Solid and heavy-duty heating elements

Cons

• Modest flow rate
• Inconsistent water heating

Nevertheless, the Chronomite SR-20L/240 HTR remains an excellent choice for homes with low hot water consumption. It heats the water fast and installs effortlessly, too. Its heavy-duty construction is also worth your consideration, especially if you live in an area with mild to moderately hard water.

What is the Best Water Heater Device for Hard Water/ Who This is for

The ideal electric or natural gas water heater for hard water features a powerful heating element and a heavy-duty heat exchanger component. These elements withstand limescale buildup and mineral deposition caused by hard water.

A separate water softener or water conditioner is not always necessary to reduce hard water because certain water heaters have extra components or technologies that reduce calcium carbonate adhesion.

Families that live in places with mild to moderate amounts of hard water minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, can benefit greatly from these water heaters. It is also appropriate for households on a tight budget that lack the funds to install a gadget that solves the problem of hard water.

Water Heater for Hard Water Buying Guide

If you know what qualities to look for, picking the finest water heater for hard water applications is simple. To assist you in navigating the enormous selection of water heaters that can meet your demands, we created this shopping guide.

Tankless or With a Tank?

When purchasing a water heater, the kind is the first thing you need to think about. Do you require a system with a storage tank or a tankless water heater?

On-demand hot water is provided by tankless water heaters, which allows for greater cost and energy savings. Tankless water heaters are more convenient to install than water heaters with storage tanks and save space as well.

A storage water heater may be preferable to tankless water heaters if you use at least 50 gallons of hot water at once.

Electric or Gas?

Electric water heaters are generally more expensive to run than natural gas water heaters. If you wish to use your tankless water heater outside or in your RV, you can also use propane gas. Unfortunately, you might need to be skilled at making the proper connections for your gas supply line and water line.

For homes with lower electric energy costs, electric tankless water heaters are excellent. Additionally, these water heaters are simple to install and do not require hookups to the propane or natural gas supply lines. Unfortunately, the cost of operation can be higher.

Limescale-reduction or Inhibition Features

You might need to look for sturdy features if you want a tank or tankless water heater that functions even with hard water. For instance, a tankless water heater might use cutting-edge limescale inhibition technology to stop the buildup of hard water minerals in the heating element and heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger in some tankless water heaters could be made of a different substance. For instance, solid copper can be used because it is far more resistant to the production of limescale than other items. Unfortunately, not many tankless or tank water heater manufacturers disclose in their marketing brochures if their products are designed to prevent or reduce limescale. You might need to go farther into the available literature because of this.

Energy Efficiency

Every time you heat something, including water, you use energy. You can use electricity, propane, or natural gas as your heat source. These sources of energy are not cost-free. For this reason, you should get a water heater with a high energy efficiency rating. Simply put, you want to quickly heat your water without using more energy than is necessary. Additionally, you must reduce heat loss.

A tankless or tanked water heater with an energy efficiency rating of at least 95% should be selected wherever possible. The Uniform Energy Factor, or UEF, grade of the product may also be something to consider. The ideal water heater should have a higher UEF score.

Other Water Heating Parameters

Any water heater must take into consideration the first-hour rating, recovery rating, and water flow rate. It is important to note that because tankless water heaters lack storage tanks, the first two criteria do not apply to them. One will want a model with a good first-hour and recovery rating if they choose for a storage tank water heater.

If one desires a constant supply of hot water, they should always select a tankless or tanked water heater with a high number for the water flow rate. The fact that tankless water heaters have a lower water flow rate than traditional tank water heaters must be understood, though.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted water heater for hard water brands?

Two of the most reliable brands of water heaters for hard water are Bosch and Stiebel Eltron. Bosch, a leading provider of engineering and technology solutions, was founded in 1886. Its water heaters will undoubtedly be of the highest caliber.

Another German business with almost a century of expertise producing cutting-edge heating devices is Stiebel Eltron. Rinnai, EcoSmart, Titan, Chronomite, and GASLAND are a few other well-known manufacturers of water heaters.

Reading consumer reviews can offer you an idea of a brand’s performance in the real world if you wish to use several water heater brands.

Do I really need a special water system for hard water?

Depending on how “hard” the liquid traveling through your plumbing system is, you may need a particular water system. For instance, the US Geological Survey classifies a fluid as “soft” if it contains no more than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate. You can consider the CaCO3 to be “moderately hard” if it is between 61 and 120 mg/L.

Any CaCO3 value over 180 mg/L is considered “extremely hard.” The likelihood of limescale production increases with the amount of CaCO3 in your water. This chalky plaque can cause chaos in your water heaters by making the heat exchanger work harder than necessary and utilizing more energy than is necessary, which raises your gas or electric cost.

Since CaCO3 can create limescale in your plumbing system and water appliances like a tanked or tankless water heater, it is always a good idea to have a water softener or any other technology that can prevent this from happening.

Can you use tankless water heater with hard water?

Ideally? No, you shouldn’t use a tankless water heater with hard water. Limescale can develop in the pipes and heat exchanger of a tankless device when fluids are present that have at least 180 mg/L of CaCO3. Limescale can lower the heating efficiency of the tankless hot water heater element, needing more energy to heat your water than usual. Your gas or electric bill can go up as a result.

Our best recommendation is to opt for a hot water heater with a high-quality heat exchanger and heating elements if you must use a gas or electric tankless hot water heater with hard water. These components are more resistant to the production of limescale the more robust they are.

Installing a water softener in your plumbing system before the water passes through the hot water heater is another option. Additionally, you can install water conditioners such an electromagnetic unit or a scale inhibitor system.

How to care & clean?

Depending on the device type, different amounts of maintenance must be performed on your hot water heater. Because there are no storage tanks to worry about, tankless water heaters are fairly simple to maintain. However, it is best to keep dust and grime away from the tankless water heater. A certified electrician must do regular inspections.

Checking the burners and gas pipes on a gas water heater system is essential for assuring safety and optimal performance.

A tank-style hot water heater needs to be periodically flushed and cleaned, possibly as often as once every three to four months. The tank must be cleared of sediments and other debris to remain in top operational condition.

Where to buy?

Nowadays, the vast majority of shoppers opt for Amazon when making practically any purchase, even a hot water heater for hard water. Not only does Amazon have the largest selection of heaters. Additionally, it offers excellent delivery, warranty, and customer service.

Sears, Lowe’s, and Home Depot are a few additional reputable retailers where you can get a tanked or tankless water heater. You might also want to look into domestic heating options at your neighborhood appliance store. Affiliations can also be beneficial.

Conclusion

With one difference, purchasing any household heating system is analogous to selecting the best water heater for hard water. It is crucial to seek for distinctive characteristics that increase the device’s resistance to the creation of limescale.

You can wish to upgrade your domestic plumbing system with a water softener or conditioner if you want to increase the ability of these elements to prevent limescale accumulation. The impact of hard water on your heater, pipes, and other water appliances can best be remedied by doing this.

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API