The EcoSmart 27 is one of many newly released electric tankless water heaters that let you do just that without the guilt of churning through all that electricity.
What does the EcoSmart 27 have to offer though?
This tankless water heater allows you to control water in increments of one degree, is a compact unit that saves on space, and is self-modulating so you’ll only heat as much water as your household needs.
The heater can save up to 50% of your energy costs traditionally spent heating water, so it’s a smart choice.
If you’ve been considering installing a tankless water heater and want to look at what one of the best can offer, this review has got it all. We’ll walk you through the features and specs, as well as the best and worst that the EcoSmart provides, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
EcoSmart as a Brand
EcoSmart (see also ‘Ecosmart 11 In-Depth Review For 2021‘) is one of the leading names when it comes to energy-efficient tankless water heaters and they’re known around the world for their ingenuity. Choosing one of these devices to heat your home’s water is daunting which is why people prefer a well-regarded brand, and that’s precisely what you’ll get with them.
The EcoSmart brand is a privately owned company dedicated to a greener way of living and their range is designed to help people achieve that at home. Their motto is to allow everyone to “save money, save space, and save energy” so if those are goals you’re looking to achieve when you upgrade your hot water system, they’re a great brand to buy from.
The range from EcoSmart covers more than just electric tankless heaters for the home as they’re also available for commercial applications, industrial use, boats, RVs, and even in domestics spas and pools. As they’ve patented their own technology for modulating temperatures, they can offer a modern and efficient approach to heating, which is known to be one of the biggest chewers of household energy.
The 27 vs Other EcoSmart Models
EcoSmart has a range of over 30 tankless water heaters, some electrical and others gas powered.
The 27 is one of their newest models and gets its name because of its energy use, with 27 kilowatts of power. This tankless heater is designed for homes in areas where usual water temperatures can go as low as 37 degrees and it has the capacity to heat up to three gallons of water per minute, so it’s a great addition to any household.
Other products in the EcoSmart range include their POU models that are designed to deliver hot water in point of use applications. They can be small enough just to power up a bathroom sink so people can get hot water on demand, or larger like this model we’re reviewing for entire households to enjoy.
EcoSmart also makes other products like their Eco Mini which is capable of heating up to 1.6 gallons of water at a time. These are ideal for use in RVs, garages, and outdoor kitchens, and they attach seamlessly to the existing pipes for easy installation.
Looking at their other products, it’s clear that EcoSmart prides itself on making things simple for their customers, while still delivering an energy efficient means of getting hot water. Regardless of the size you choose or where you want your hot water delivered, they seem to be able to cover it all.
Features of the EcoSmart 27
The EcoSmart 27 is a tankless water heater system that can be installed in townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and homes, giving you a greener alternative to traditional heaters.
The EcoSmart 27 provides between 2.7 and 6.5 gallons of hot water per minute, depending on the temperature of the water in your natural surroundings, and is sufficient for most size homes.
The entire unit measures 17 x 17 x 3.62 inches when fully assembled and is one of the more compact and space-saving water heaters on the market. It’s built to last with a lifetime warranty, solid reputation, and is and made with a combination of copper and stainless-steel parts, as well as steel housing that keeps it protected wherever it’s installed in your home.
Once it’s in, you’ll be able to change the temperature of the water in increments of just one degree using the digital control panels, and it maxes out at 140 degrees. However, with the right know-how, there is the ability to change it to the factory maximum of 180 degrees in some cases, but this should only be needed by those in colder climates.
The tankless heater uses self-modulation technology so it will only heat what you need and there’ll be no more wasted water or energy in your home. This technology has been patented by EcoSmart and is used in all of their heaters big and small, with the 27 being their most impressive.
Provided you’ve sized your hot water tank correctly to meet your household needs, you’ll have an endless supply of hot water with this device. With point of use installation and heating only when you need it, you can see how the EcoSmart 27 manages to cut costs and energy use, but without leaving you high and dry when it comes time to take a hot shower.
What’s Good about the EcoSmart 27
The best thing about this water heater is its savings, and you’ll be able to save around 50% of your standard energy costs when you have it installed.
This means the unit will end up paying for itself in no time at all, and you’ll have peace of mind that you’re doing your part to reduce your household’s carbon footprint as well.
Another great feature is its small size and just how effective it can be in such a tiny package. If you’ve been wanting to get rid of your old bulky heating system, you’ll be able to save up to 12 cubic feet of space by having the EcoSmart 27 installed. Everything is neatly stored inside steel housing so it’s not an eyesore either and it mounts onto the wall rather than sitting in a large space taking up room.
The EcoSmart 27 operates just like any other efficient water heating system and you’ll wait only around 10 seconds for the temperature to get where you need it. You can easily run more than one hot water feature at the same time, so you could shower while someone is washing the dishes, and not notice a difference.
Having this type of efficiency means there’s no longer any reason to discount tankless systems, and you can’t deny their power any longer.
Areas for Improvement
Although there’s plenty to brag about, there are still some areas for improvement that EcoSmart could take on board. Firstly, it’s an expensive option when you compare it against other tankless water heaters, but people are usually willing to pay because of brand recognition and a good reputation.
Secondly, the EcoSmart 27 could do with some upgrades in its installation process and the parts of the heater. Although it’s relatively straightforward, parts like the copper wire didn’t seem sufficient for some people’s setups, so you’ll want to make sure you check every last detail before starting the job at home.
This unit is a good size for a household of four or less unless you plan on being conservative. As the 27 is their 27kWh model, which is their largest, you won’t be able to upgrade any further if needed. In the future, it’d be good to see some larger sizes from the brand on a commercial scale, but for now, this should be sufficient for most.
Installing Your EcoSmart 27
The EcoSmart 27 has been designed so that it’s easy enough to install yourself with some careful reading of a manual and a free afternoon. First, you’ll need to verify that it’s the right size and you have the electrical requirements, so spend some time comparing these specs with your household’s.
At the minimum, you’ll need a 100 Amp electrical panel and three 40 Amp double pole breakers as well as pipe fittings that measure ¾ inch NPT (see also ‘The Ultimate Comparison Table: NPT Vs MIP Fitting’). Included with the tankless heater is everything required for installation including but before you get started, do a thorough read-through of the instruction manual and be sure you have everything on hand.
The EcoSmart 27 is covered by a lifetime warranty, as are all of their products, but there is a slight catch that you need to be aware of. To be eligible for this warranty, you need your unit installed by a professional electrician and plumber, and if you can’t prove that you did, you’ll likely void it. As most people have saved money doing it themselves, it can end up coming back to bite you later on.
The Final Say
Tankless water heaters are the way of the future and there’s no point upgrading your home water heating system to anything else.
Shopping from EcoSmart is a smart choice thanks to their reputation, and if you have an average sized household who wants to reduce their energy waste, the 27 is one of our favorites.
Aside from a few hiccups with installation and a heftier price tag of around $500, there’s still plenty to love with this unit. The biggest bonus is reducing your energy use by 50%, but you’ll also get the efficient and instant hot water that makes these systems all worth it.
However, make sure your current water needs will be met by this unit, otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the best of it.
If you want a tankless water heater and would be prepared to spend the extra money to get one from a reputable brand, there’s nothing better than EcoSmart. Their 27 model has it all and is a compact, efficient way to get hot water at home without putting any extra strain on the planet, and cutting your electricity costs while you’re at it.
