In today’s age, tankless is the way to go, and if you’ve been weighing up the pros and cons of considering installing one yourself, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the EcoSmart name.
EcoSmart is the brand behind some of the most innovative electric and gas-powered tankless water heaters, and the Eco 11 is a fan favorite. This small but mighty tankless heater can replace your outdated tank, and bring you a range of benefits, but there’s so much more to consider.
So, what does the EcoSmart 11 tankless water heater offer?
This heater is a 13-kilowatt system that provides enough water for one area, like a kitchen or bathroom, or a tiny house. It’s an energy efficient option that heats water as you need it, so there’s minimal waste and minimal electricity use.
EcoSmart has a huge selection of water heaters available, but if your needs are only basic, the Eco 11 is the way to go. We’re going to dive deeper to see what this system brings to the table so you can figure out if it’s the solution to your recent water heating woes.
The Eco-Smart Brand
Even if you’ve never owned a tankless water heater before, there’s still a good chance you know the EcoSmart name.
This brand has built itself up from nothing to become the go-to in home, commercial, and industrial tankless water heating systems, and their range is impressive with sizes from minute to massive.
EcoSmart (see also ‘Ecosmart 27 In-Depth Review For 2021′) prides itself on making it easier for you to get cheaper and more energy efficient hot water at home, whatever that looks like for you. Their range covers all sizes and includes both gas and electrical, with all of their models having a modern touch including digital touchscreens and online connectivity in some cases.
EcoSmart creates all of its tankless heaters with a lifetime guarantee, which further solidifies the brand’s status as a durable and trustworthy.
They promise that you’ll never run out of hot water again, provided you shop for your household’s needs, and that you’ll see a drastic decrease in energy costs as well.
How the 11 Model Compares to the EcoSmart Range
The Eco 11 is just one in many when it comes to the EcoSmart range, but it also happens to be their most popular.
The 11 is a 13-kilowatt system designed specifically for smaller applications and point of use, which makes it an ideal fit for a bathroom or kitchen sink that only has minimal hot water needs.
The EcoSmart 11 might be small but it’s still powerful, however, it can’t supply your entire home with water like some of their other models. This is designed just for smaller rooms, although some homes might be able to do more than that, depending on their water output.
As an electric device, it’s got all of the bells and whistles that the rest of their range does, and it still offers the guarantee that you’ll never run out of hot water as long as this is installed. You’ll control everything with a digital screen and be able to read statistics and updates as needed, giving you a clear picture of how your home is running.
Although the Eco 11 is a smaller model, it still stacks up nicely with their most expensive options but seems costlier when compared to larger models. You’ll get a tankless heater that is 99.8% energy efficient, which is an easy way to reduce your home or office’s carbon footprint without even trying.
Top Features of the EcoSmart11
Choosing the right hot water system is a simple matter of matching one up with the needs of your household, so that’s the best place to start.
If you feel that you only require a small amount of heated water for something like an office bathroom or a kitchen sink, you’ll want an efficient powerhouse like the 13-kilowatt tankless heater that is Eco 11.
The Eco 11 by EcoSmart can provide between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons of hot water each minute which is more than enough to power up these smaller fixtures. Not only will it provide fast and consistent hot water, but it does so with a guaranteed reduction in energy of around 60%, which is staying on trend with the rest of their line.
This tankless water heater operates like the rest of their range and uses the patented self-modulating technology, meaning it only creates hot water as it’s needed. It doesn’t have to store anything and no hot water goes to waste if it’s not going to be used, which is one reason why it’s able to be so energy efficient.
The entire system weighs just 6.5lbs and measures 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches. When you compare this to a standard tank, you’ll see a huge difference, but not in the efficiency of hot water delivery. The Eco 11 has a max amperage of 57 and for it to be installed in your home or office, you’ll need it attached to a ½ inch CF water connection, commonly found underneath sinks and for faucets.
The Best Parts
Those who have chosen the EcoSmart Eco 11 to heat their home’s water are surprised with how well it handles greater loads, even when advertised not to.
Although designed to provide just enough for a standalone fixture or room, people have found it went above and beyond, with some even using it to shower as well.
Another great feature of this tankless water heater is how much energy it saves, which equates to saved money. People have noted a drastic difference in their energy bills which is impressive considering the smaller size of this system.
If you want to do your part for the planet and cut your electricity use without giving up your creature comforts, the Eco 11 is the way to go.
The Worst Parts
There are a few drawbacks worth nothing if you’re considering getting this tankless water heater, with the major one being the price.
When you compare it to other top brands like Titan, it’s an expensive option, with many people buying it purely due to brand recognition, even if it seems to have a lot of other benefits.
Another thing to note is you’ll have to spend some time cleaning it, and likely more than other tankless heaters. The elements especially need to be wiped down every few months to keep it running in good condition, but it’s a small price to pay considering the benefits it offers.
Installation Tips for EcoSmart 11
To install the Eco 11 by EcoSmart, you’ll first need to establish that it’s a good fit for your home. EcoSmart offers a guide so you can figure out what size of tankless water heater you need depending on your water output.
For electrical needs, this system requires a minimum 125-amp electrical panel to be installed, as well as a 60-amp double pole breaker and a set of #6 AWG wire connected to it.
As far as plumbing needs go, the Eco 11 uses a ½ inch compression fitting and has the option to adapt to a ½ inch NPT (see also ‘ NPT Vs MIP Fitting’ ), and they’ve included this part for you as well. To install the system isn’t that hard, but it can be time-consuming if you’ve never done it before, however, EcoSmart offers full time customer support via phone and email to help you out.
Although it can be installed by a competent home handyman, you have to note that this can void the warranty, which a few people have been disappointed to discover.
Considering it has a lifetime warranty that can be worth its weight in gold, you might want to consider having it professionally installed if you plan on keeping it around forever.
The Verdict
When your hot water requirements are minimal but you still want all of the benefits of a tankless heater, you’ll be hard-pressed finding something better than the EcoSmart Eco 11.
Not only is the brand one of the most trusted and favored in the industry, but this model specifically is always a top choice for those needing something smaller.
The EcoSmart Eco 11 is the perfect fit for underneath sinks especially, and whether you’re heating the water of your office bathroom faucet or a standalone kitchen, it’ll do so quickly and efficiently.
It’s priced a little more than most at around $200 but when you consider the quality, long-term savings, and a lifetime guarantee, it’s an investment worth making for your home.
