EcoSmart ECO 11 vs. 18 Electric Tankless Water Heaters
In this article we’ll be looking at two tankless water heaters that are manufactured by the same brand, EcoSmart, a long respected supplier of water heaters. The models are the ECO 11 and the ECO 18. We’ll compare and contrast–and ultimately you will be able to ascertain which model will best suit your needs.
The ECO 11
The ECO 11 model is able to heat up to 2 gallons of water per minute, and is suitable for climates that have an ‘incoming water temperature’ of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Control of your hot water
The beauty of a tankless water heater is quite simply the lack of a cumbersome tank that often takes up more than 10 cubic feet. The unit is self modulating, and can be adjusted by single degree.
Instead of requiring the tank, the unit simply heats the water as it runs through, and the effect is nearly instant.
A smaller unit
This heater is ideal for smaller homes as well as mobile homes. Certainly there is the option to use multiple units throughout the home as needed, but one is typically enough in the lower States.
This unit, when run in optimal temperatures, can heat two sinks and one shower simultaneously.
Electrical requirements
It’s important to remember that to function optimally, it needs to be sized correctly. This unit requires an electrical panel that supports 125 amps, and a plumbing connection of a half inch.
The ECO 18
This model has a higher heating capacity at 2.5 gallon per minute and is ideal for climates that have an incoming water temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use it anywhere
This is capable of going in your washroom, under your kitchen sink, and other plumbing or sink areas that require hot water. Your hot water is ready nearly instantly and is virtually unlimited.
Specs
This unit requires an electrical panel that supports 150 amps, and the plumbing connection should be ¾ of an inch. It heats 2.5 gallons in about a minute, which is the equivalent of the average shower.
Cold IWT?
If you do happen to live in a higher State with a lower incoming water temperature, never fear. This unit will still work to heat your water, but it will take more time and fewer faucets will be available for your use. So, if dad’s taking a shower–don’t turn on the sink!
Comparing and Contrasting
Similarities
Both units are objectively very similar in capacity, aesthetic, and overall function.
They also share the same energy saving capabilities. Even if you do live in a cooler area where the EcoSmart might take longer to heat, you’ll still reduce the amount of hot water actually used. Firstly, there’s no water tank, and the self modulating unit terminates the conversion of cold water to hot when you’re done using the faucet. This can result in up to 60% of energy savings per household.
This technology also means that your hot water is virtually unlimited. There’s no waiting if you or a family member both need to use a shower, particularly if you reside in a lower State.
Both ECO’s also share a lifetime warranty, provided the unit is installed by a licensed electrician or plumber.
Differences
The primary difference is the amount of water per minute that these two units can heat. The ECO 11 heats up to 2 gallons, and the ECO 18 heats up to 2.5.
The ECO 18 can also handle a cooler incoming water temperature at 62 degrees Fahrenheit (or 16 degrees Celsius) and the ECO 11 brings up the rear with an incoming water temperature of 67 degrees (or around 19 degrees Celsius). This is a pretty big difference and can definitely be a deciding factor if you live in a cooler State.
Lastly, in the ideal climate, the 11 can handle 2 sinks and a shower running simultaneously, while the 18 boasts the ability to heat 2 showers and 2 sinks simultaneously.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that these water heaters are ideal in the mid to lower States, as the incoming water temperature will be lower in the upper States and in Canada.
You may be able to get away with using it in the summertime without much delay in heating further up North, but as the seasons change it may become overloaded.
If you live in a standard sized home or mini home, I would recommend the ECO 18 model. It has everything the 11 has but is just slightly more economical in terms of gallon per minute heating capacity and can run more fixtures at once.
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EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
https://amzn.to/2YZAfo7
Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
https://amzn.to/3dhI4dS