Typically, homeowners who find themselves in need of a new hot water system will simply replace their existing system with a similar product with the lowest possible price involved. Some homeowners will take advantage of this situation to upgrade to a better system or convert their fuel source, but it is rare. After all, being without a water heater doesnโt make daily life easy, so most homeowners just want the cheapest, easiest fix.
What people might not consider is that replacing a water heater with a better model could mean fewer replacements and repairs in the future. A slightly smaller investment upfront could save hundreds in maintenance costs, energy usage, and more. The average household spends about 20% of their total budget on heating water. This is second only to the cost of heating and cooling, and yet most systems are ignored until something goes wrong and replaced for the lowest possible cost.
If youโre ready to upgrade, or just need to replace a broken system and want something that will offer years of durable use, this guide can help. Below, youโll find a list of the top five hot water system brands for 2019.
Rheem
Rheem is the largest manufacturer in the United States when it comes to water heating products. They also have a large line of cooling products and have received numerous awards for their energy-efficiency and innovation in product design. The company was established in 1928, originally headquartered in California. Today, they belong to Paloma Industries of Japan, offering mid-range products that are affordable for any budget. They offer electric, gas, solar, tankless, and combination water heating systems and newer models offer smart home integration.
A.O. Smith
A.O. Smith was the originator of the glass-lined tank and has been based in Tennessee since its founding over 70 years ago. The company makes a variety of residential and commercial systems, offering value, durability, and energy efficiency. A.O. Smith water heaters are made with state-of-the-art technology and materials, and all of the products are Energy Star rated for efficiency. They are also known for having the largest manufacturing facility in the world and have six other plants around the world in addition to their Tennessee location.
Rinnai
Rinnai hot water systems have been around for almost 100 years. There are products available for residential and commercial use and the company is headquartered in Japan with locations in 13 countries around the globe. Rinnai is currently a leader in tankless water heater systems, offering cutting-edge manufacturing processes for high-quality, durable products. The company also boasts a team of 600 engineers dedicated solely to research and development. Their systems offer between 82% and 90% efficiency, for the most part.
Bosch
Bosch is an international leader in consumer goods, industrial technology, construction, and automotive. The company was founded in 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany, and today is also well-known for its comfort heating and water heater systems. Bosch sells tankless water heaters, heat pump electric models, point-of-use heaters, boilers, FHP geothermal systems, gas-powered heaters, and many other types of water heating and comfort heating systems. Right now, their focus is on green technology and energy efficiency, with a limited lifetime warranty on most products.
Stiebel Eltron
This family company was started in 1924, with an initial focus on immersion heaters. Since then, their interests and products have expanded to include tankless electric heaters, solar thermal heaters, heat pump systems, and more. This company places a huge focus on customer service and energy efficiency, with their primary goal to create systems that produce the hottest water possible with the least amount of energy used. They have some of the best insulation technology in the market, as well.
In Summary…
There are a myriad of brands on the market and while these are only a few of them, they are among the best brands that you can buy when it comes to hot water systems or tankless hot water heaters. From customer-focused brands like Stiebel Eltron to tech-forward energy saving brands like Rinnai hot water systems, there is something for every need. Plus, when you work with industry-leading brands like these, you can trust that you are making a solid investment in your homeโs hot water system.ย
Keep in mind that these brands have a number of models and styles to choose from, which will require you to narrow down the product selection based on your needs. Some brands are better for tankless systems, while others might have the edge on electric heat pump systems. Itโs best to research specific models before you buy, even when choosing from these leading brands.
