Titan is a US-based electric tankless water heater company and they make some of the most prolific water heaters on the market. The name is instantly recognizable and so too is their quality, and if you’ve been waiting for a chance to ditch your old system and switch to this energy-efficient alternative, now is the time.
So, what do the Titan water heaters have to offer?
Depending on the model you choose, you’ll have an efficient water heater that saves energy, something compact, and an endless supply of hot water for the whole house. Their range suits homes of all sizes and water needs, and they’re one of the most affordable brands as well.
We’ve reviewed the ever-popular N-120 model from Titan to show you what their flagship product has to offer. Check out this in depth review to find out its top features, and the best and worst than the brand brings to the table with this top selling model.
The Titan Brand
Titan has had a firm place in the tankless water heater market for over 30 years, and it all started with a much smaller brand in the mid-eighties.
The Titan brand was first developed in 1985 and they are credited with making some of the very first electric water heaters that have boomed in popularity today.
The Titan range is all-electric and developed for indoor use only. They predominantly make heaters for the average household including apartments, condominiums, and houses, and give customers the option to install for themselves or hire the help of an electrician and plumber to set them up.
Titan is currently ranked as the number one selling tankless hot water system in the US, which should tell you everything you need to know. The brand only makes tankless heaters and they have eight models available, so their specialty is in a smaller range of products done well.
How Titan Compares to the Market
Titan is a popular name when it comes to tankless water heaters and if you speak to anyone who’s used this type of setup at home for some time, they’ll likely be familiar with the name.
The main selling point of the Titan brand is that they’re made in the USA, so you can feel good about supporting local businesses with the quality that American made systems are known for.
Although they have a solid reputation, there are still some areas lacking with the brand currently, and room for growth in the future. As it stands, they have only developed electric water heaters to date, so the gas powered market is missing out. In addition to this, their heaters are better suited to domestic use and smaller households, as they don’t appear interested in the industrial or commercial market.
Unlike other brands that have chosen to develop their tanks with modern features like Wi-Fi connectivity, it’s not something we’ve seen from Titan yet.
However, this takes nothing away from their ability to manufacture a reliable and efficient tankless water heater, without the need for any of the newer bells and whistles.
This aside, Titan has a solid reputation, and it’s a brand that many people trust with their hot water needs, as well as being one of the more affordable options.
They’re American made, have ongoing customer service, and products that last well beyond their standard 10 year warranty, so if you’re feeling hesitant about making the switch to a tankless water heater, you need not to with Titan.
Top Features of the Titan N-120 Electric Tankless Water Heater
When researching the Titan name, you’ll probably find the N-120 as the most talked-about of their range. This heater is their best seller and suits most residential setups, with the added bonus of also being one of their cheapest products.
The N-120 is packed full of features that give it this status, and it’s an 8lbs unit that measures 10 x 7 inches so it won’t take up much room at all. This unit is designed to replace a conventional tank heater while still supplying your home with endless hot water, which it does on the go so there’s nothing wasted.
The Titan N-120 is made with brass casing for durability and features dual Incoloy and nichrome elements. This device fits a standard ½ inch pipe which makes it suitable for most household setups, and it’s a 220V system that can heat enough water for the average household to enjoy.
To see where your N-120 is at, you can check the indicator lights, with red being ready and amber meaning standby. As a point of use system, you’ll only use energy heating up water when it’s needed, and provided you’re not running hot water all day, it’ll never give up on you or let your shower finish off with an icy blast.
The Best Stuff
The goal of the Titan N-120 is to save your energy costs, and it does that by paying for itself in the first year. According to Titan, you’ll cut to 60% of your heating costs just by installing this device. When you consider it only costs a couple of hundred dollars to buy, plus the time and effort to install, it’s a worthy 10-year investment.
The Titan Tankless Water Heater won’t run out of hot water, which is a benefit that many convention tanks can’t offer. Provided you’ve chosen the Titan to suit your household’s water needs, you’ll find a never-ending supply of hot water for your showers, baths, dishes, and whatever else you plan on using it for.
Another great bonus is the ease of installation which people were thrilled about. There’s no need to have in depth knowledge of plumbing or electrical to get the job done and Titan will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide that lets you do it all yourself. This saves even further money and means you can get rid of your old heater tank without having to call in the costly experts.
The Downsides
This isn’t going to be ideal for you if you live in colder climates, so for a model that can cater to these needs, you’ll have to spend double the price. As stated by Titan, the N-120 is only made for people with an incoming water temperature of more than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s not going to work as efficiently everywhere.
Titan isn’t a brand that bothers with high-tech stuff, although they have started making digital versions of some of their favorite models. The N-120 is very basic in this regard and doesn’t come with features like Wi-Fi or digital screens, so it’s not a tankless water heater that allows for a lot of modern customization. If you prefer a bit of tech with your gadgets, you might want to switch to one of their 2021 digital alternatives for a higher price.
One final grievance with the Titan Tankless Water Heaters is with the warranty, and if you end up having to try and claim a replacement, you might be in for a ride.
Some people noted that it was hard to get Titan to replace their system if something went wrong and it’d been in place for more than five years. Others stated that theirs lasted well beyond the company’s 10 years, so it seems to be hit and miss.
Installing a Titan Water Heater at Home
Titan has earned its stellar reputation through making quality and affordable electric tankless water heaters, but they’re also known for something else.
The installation process of their water heaters is easy and doesn’t require any special skills, provided you can read the instruction manual and follow directions.
Before deciding on a Titan, make sure you check the specs and features to see if it suits your household’s needs, especially your electrical output. For the N-120, you’ll need 220V of available voltage, a 60 double pole, 6 AWG wire consisting of 2 hots + ground and a 2-1 type, clamp connectors, and a pressure relief valve, plus a few minor extras.
The inlet/outlet is ½ inch which is standard in some homes, otherwise, you can get a converter if you need a larger size. Most people have been able to successfully install the Titan themselves, but you can have an expert connect it for you if you’re unsure of your abilities. This might also help if you ever have issues with the warranty in the future, so it’s something to keep in mind.
According to the Titan website, they recommend the N-120 for average size homes with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The states that this heater works best in are Oklahoma, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, and other southern parts of the USA known for their higher temperatures as it takes less to heat the incoming water.
Thanks to its versatility, you can install a Titan tankless water heater in a home, condo, or apartment provided you have enough electrical support available, and if you’re not sure that you do, it doesn’t take much to have this evaluated.
For those needing more from a water heater, Titan recommends moving up to the N-180 model as it provides a greater output of water but is still suitable for warmer climates.
Final Thoughts
Tankless water heaters are becoming the new norm, and if you want to hop on the trend, you’re better choosing a brand that’s been doing it for years.
Titan has over 35 years of experience making electric tankless water heaters and their range is proof that they know how to do it efficiently and easily, especially the popular N-120 model. The Titan N-120 is a best seller because of its affordability, practicality, and its ability to cut your water heating energy use by more than half.
There’s no need to stick with an outdated conventional tank any longer when you can use something this compact and efficient to deliver endless hot water system to your entire household.
