Best Water Heater For Radiant Floor | Buying Guide 2021

A tankless system aids in the maintenance of the proper temperature by utilizing only the amount of energy required to keep the heat in the system maintained. It is even more energy-efficient than utilizing a hot water heater system since numerous tankless systems can be used simultaneously, with each system just using the amount of energy necessary for the job at hand. To do it properly, you need the best water heater for the radiant floor. 

For your usability, we have prepared a list to the best water heater for radiant floors considering the power consumption, energy efficiency, flow rate, and price. 

Top 5 Best Water Heater For Radiant Floor 

Finding the best water heater for the radiant floor is pretty hard but if you consider some factors, that can lead you towards a perfect purchase. These factors include electrical power source, energy efficiency, heat, flow rate, and whatnot! Considering these factors, we have shortlisted our top 5 best water heaters for the radiant floors. So, let us move towards them! 

1. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Best Water Heater For Radiant Floor

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Plus electric water heater radiant floor heat unit is that it can deliver nonstop space heating to any modern home. It is equipped with a powerful heating element that eliminates the need to be concerned about high energy expenses.

Despite the fact that this machine consumes 19.2 kilowatts when connected to a 240-volt system, it has an energy factor of 0.99, which is higher than that of traditional tankless water heaters. This device assures that you will save the most money possible while heating the floor of your house. Everyone in your home will be feeling comfortable and toasty.

It automatically shifts to the lowest temperature setting that delivers the best heating performance. The unit’s smart digital display makes adjusting the unit’s many settings a snap thanks to its intuitive interface.

Heat your floor at a comfortable 86 degrees Fahrenheit or at a warm 140 degrees Fahrenheit by programming a button. All you have to do the next time you want to keep your unit at the temperature you choose is push a button on the control panel. That is how simple it is to do it.

2. Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Radiant Heat Boiler

If you are looking for a tankless water heater that is dependable and high-performing for domestic hot water and radiant heat, I propose the EcoSmart ECO 18 tankless water heater. Given that space and water heating account for 62 percent of total household energy usage in the United States, having this product on hand is always a good idea. The 18000-watt element at the heart of this appliance’s exceptional heating performance is responsible for providing modern households with an infinite supply of hot water for their floors, bathrooms, and kitchens. While having an 18-kW system can result in higher energy bills, you can rest assured knowing that it can save your energy costs by up to 50%.

Because of its high power rating, it is an obvious choice for heating floors, walls, and ceilings in a home. It has the potential to offer your family the warm comfort they require while eliminating the need for any other space heating system in the process. It also serves as a space saver.

Depending on the temperature of the water entering the system where you live, this system can give up to 4.3 gallons per minute to your home. No need to be concerned if the temperature is not particularly high because this water heater can still deliver a solid 1.8 GPM flow rate even at low temperatures.

3. Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best Water Heater For Radiant Floor Heat 

The Rheem RTEX-18 electric water heater is an excellent choice for homeowners that prefer electric water heaters for radiant floor heating systems. It has the ability to provide the heating power required to keep hot water moving beneath your flooring, keeping the temperature inside your home warm and comfortable.

As well as that, there are a couple of unique aspects to this device. First and foremost, while it does not have the same capacity as the Rinnai or Takagi units, it still produces a respectable 6 gallons per minute (GPM) and operates at 18000 Watts (18 kW). It contains a digital LED display that makes temperature control and uses simple and straightforward. Overall, it has a 99.8 percent energy efficiency rating, making it one of the most energy-efficient products on the market.

With an 18-kilowatt rating, you can heat multiple rooms at the same time without having to worry about a significant increase in your power bill. Its self-modulating technology ensures that you only use the appropriate quantity of electricity to heat your water or area at the temperature you desire.

4. Rinnai RU199iN Water Heater – Hot Water Radiant Floor Heating Systems 

The Rinnai RU199iN tankless water heater is a high-capacity unit that runs on natural gas and provides excellent performance. Because it is tankless, it heats water on demand to circulate beneath your flooring.

Like a tank-style type, it does not waste energy preheating and reheating significant amounts of water. When operating at full capacity, it can produce 11 gallons per minute (GPM), which ensures that there is always enough hot water circulating in your radiant floor heating system.

Moreover, after the water has been heated to the appropriate temperature, it loses so little heat that the tankless water heater is barely required to operate in order to keep it warm.

 This is due to the 199,000 BTUs that this model’s burner is capable of producing while yet maintaining an energy efficiency of 93 percent to 96 percent, according to the manufacturer.

In terms of price, it is a little more expensive than some other units on the market, but it is well worth the money at approximately $1,500. The bundled 10-year warranty is one of the most comprehensive available. Overall, it is the greatest water heater for radiant floor heating systems, and it is the most popular choice.

5. Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heater – Electric Water Heater For Radiant Heat 

Tankless water heaters have been extremely popular in recent years, and Takagi has earned quite a name for itself in this field. Another Takagi product is featured as our fourth entry, and this time it’s a high-efficiency condensing type that can treat up to 10 gallons of water per minute. Isn’t it quite impressive?

Takagi engineers intended to do one more thing with this specific water heater, despite the fact that its efficiency and particularly high flow rate are the primary focus of this model. 

In particular, they’ve set out to create a water-heating device that is small enough to be put virtually anywhere. Of course, not just anyplace, but the point is that this tiny bugger is ridiculously small!

In order to provide the best possible user experience, there is even a computer onboard that will ensure that everything functions as smoothly as possible.

 Furthermore, because the majority of the functions and processes are totally automated, the user will not have to be concerned with maintaining constant control over the device.

A Buying Guide To The Best Water Heater for Radiant Floor 

Because one of the most significant advantages of a radiant floor heating water heater over a boiler is its energy efficiency, you should understand how to select the most appropriate device for your home. A number of suggestions are provided below.

A Source Of Electrical Power

You have two options: electric or natural gas. If you already have a natural gas line running through your property, it would be excellent to use a gas-powered water heater instead of an electric one. If it is not possible, an electric version is always an option. 

It’s important to realize that the power source you choose for your water heater will have an impact on the cost and ease of installation of the unit.

Rating for Energy Efficiency

A high-efficiency appliance that can deliver the greatest amount of cost savings is desired by all consumers. If you believe yourself to be one of these individuals, you should purchase a product that has an energy efficiency rating of at least 0.90. The higher the rating, the greater the amount of money you can save with your unit.

Heating Performance 

It is critical to understand that different types of water heaters have varying degrees of heating performance. Electric water heaters are classified according to their heating output, which is measured in watts. 

Gas units, on the other hand, are measured in BTUs per hour. Idealistically, the higher the wattage or BTU/hour rating of a water heater, the more powerful the heater will be. You’ll be able to heat your floor far more quickly and consistently as well.

Maximum Flow Rate 

Those who reside in colder climates will find that a hydronic floor heating water heater with a higher flow rate will be more beneficial. To guarantee that you have enough hot water moving throughout your under-the-floor pipe network, choose a product with a flow rate of at least 4 GPM.

Costs

When selecting a water heater for your space-heating requirements, there are two types of prices to consider: the initial purchase price and the ongoing operational costs. In general, electric water heaters are less expensive to purchase upfront than gas water heaters are.

 Electric water heaters, on the other hand, have greater operational expenses than gas water heaters since electricity is more expensive per unit than natural gas or propane gas.

The cost of installation is also a factor to take into account. Hydronic floor heating systems are always best installed by a qualified technician. 

Many experts charge a flat rate for each square foot of space they occupy. Because of the complexity of the ducting, installing an electric water heater is also less complicated than installing a gas water heater system.

Conclusion

The best water heater for radiant floor saves your family more energy than any other type of space-heating technology, allowing you to spend less money on energy bills. It is energy-efficient, very silent, and adaptable enough to supply hot water to your shower, kitchen, and washroom simultaneously. Our in-depth evaluation and buying guide will assist you in selecting the most efficient and cost-effective system to heat your floor efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it possible to use a water heater to provide radiant floor heat?

Instead of a boiler, a water heater can be used to generate radiant floor heat. Many individuals choose to use a water heater instead of a boiler to heat their radiant floors since it is less expensive. When used in this manner, a hot water heater can help you save money.

 A high-quality water heater is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than a low-quality water heater.

What size tankless water heater do I require?

Answer: You’ll need to elevate the temperature of the incoming water from 40 degrees to 105 degrees. The ability to heat a minimum of 5.2 gallons of water will be necessary.

 As a result, you’ll need a tankless water heater that can provide at least a 60-degree increase in temperature while also dispensing 5.2 gallons per minute of water.

Is Radiant Heat an expensive system to operate?

Radiant panels, like any other sort of electric heat, can be expensive to operate, but they can be used to offer supplemental warmth in some rooms or to heat addition to a home when it is impracticable to expand the existing heating system to accommodate the addition.

Do I need a number of Btus for heating radiant floors?

In most situations, a domestic hydronic radiant heating system has 25-35 BTU per square foot, with 40 BTU being unusual in older buildings and structures that are inadequately insulated. The power density of 12W per square foot is approximately 41 BTU per square foot (optimal heat output with enough backup power).

How big should I invest in radiant heaters?

As a general guideline, for each square foot of the floor space, you need about 10 watts of heating power. In other words, a heater of 1500 watts can be utilized as the major source of heat for up to 150 square feet of space.

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