EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater: In-Depth Review

The EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater is a popular solution for homeowners and businesses looking to enjoy endless hot water without the need for a bulky, traditional tank. The unit promises on-demand heating, energy efficiency, and a compact design that can fit into tight spaces. In this detailed review, we will explore its features, performance, customer feedback, and the pros and cons, helping you determine whether this tankless water heater is the right choice for your needs.

Key Features and Specifications

EcoSmart’s ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater comes packed with several notable features that set it apart from traditional tank water heaters. Below are some of the key specifications:

Feature	Specification
Brand	EcoSmart
Product Dimensions	8″W x 11.5″H x 3.75″D
Weight	6.5 lbs
Color	White
Power	13,000 watts (13 kW)
Voltage	240 Volts
Amperage Draw	54 A
Capacity	2 gallons (for point-of-use)
Material	Plastic
LED Display	Yes
Energy Efficiency	99% thermal energy efficient
Temperature Range	Consistent within 1°F of set point
Flow Rate	1.3 – 3.1 GPM depending on inlet water temperature
Self-Modulating Technology	Yes (only heats water as needed)

Performance

The EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater is designed to offer endless hot water while maintaining energy efficiency. Here’s a closer look at its performance:

1. Endless Hot Water: The EcoSmart ECO 11 does not store hot water like traditional water heaters. Instead, it heats water as it flows through the unit, ensuring that you never run out of hot water. The on-demand heating system provides a consistent flow of hot water, and the temperature is maintained within one degree of the selected setting.
2. Energy Efficiency: One of the standout features of this tankless water heater is its advanced self-modulating technology. The heater only uses the energy required to heat the water at the moment, rather than keeping an entire tank of water hot at all times. This significantly reduces energy consumption, making the ECO 11 more energy-efficient than traditional tank heaters. According to the manufacturer, the unit is 99% thermally efficient.
3. Flow Rate and Temperature Control: The EcoSmart ECO 11 is designed for low-flow applications, ideal for bathrooms, small sinks, or office break rooms. It provides between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons per minute (GPM), depending on the inlet water temperature. While this flow rate is sufficient for small applications, it may not be enough for larger households or high-demand situations.
4. Space-Saving Design: The compact design of the EcoSmart ECO 11 is another advantage. It is 90% smaller than traditional tank water heaters, making it perfect for installations where space is limited. Its sleek, wall-mounted design frees up floor space, providing more room for storage.
5. Ease of Installation: The installation process is relatively simple for a professional plumber or electrician. The unit can be installed in a variety of spaces, and because it is point-of-use, it eliminates the need for long water runs, making hot water available more quickly.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews for the EcoSmart ECO 11 are generally positive, with many users praising its compact design and energy efficiency. However, there are some mixed opinions regarding its performance in certain conditions. Here’s an overview of customer feedback:

Positive Feedback:

• Compact Size: Many customers appreciate how small and sleek the unit is. The fact that it saves space in their homes or offices is one of the most commonly mentioned benefits.
• Endless Hot Water: Several users report that the EcoSmart ECO 11 consistently provides hot water without running out, even during prolonged use. This feature is especially appreciated in small households or for point-of-use applications.
• Energy Savings: Customers love the energy efficiency of this unit, particularly how it only heats water when needed. Many reviewers mention a noticeable reduction in their electricity bills after installing the unit.
• Temperature Control: The water temperature is reported to be stable and consistent, with some users noting that it stays within a 1°F range of the selected temperature.

Negative Feedback:

• Inconsistent Temperature: Some users mention that the water does not always reach the desired temperature, especially when the inlet water temperature is very cold. This issue appears to occur more frequently in colder climates or during winter months.
• Flow Rate Issues: A few customers find that the flow rate is too low for their needs, especially in larger households or multi-bathroom homes. As the flow rate is dependent on the inlet water temperature, users in areas with very cold incoming water may find the performance lacking.
• Reliability Concerns: While many users report that the heater works well for an extended period, some have experienced issues with the unit failing after about a year. These problems seem to be related to the unit’s longevity, and there are a few reports of complete failure after a year of use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Endless Hot Water: Provides on-demand hot water, eliminating the need to wait for the water heater to refill or heat up.
• Space-Saving Design: The compact, wall-mounted design frees up valuable space, making it ideal for small homes or offices.
• Energy Efficient: Only heats water as needed, which can reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills.
• Environmentally Friendly: The unit’s self-modulating technology ensures that energy is used efficiently, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• Easy Installation: The unit is relatively easy to install by a professional plumber or electrician and is perfect for point-of-use applications.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Performance in Cold Climates: In areas with cold inlet water, the unit may struggle to maintain the desired water temperature, especially during peak demand times.
• Low Flow Rate: While the flow rate is sufficient for smaller applications, it may not be adequate for larger homes or multi-bathroom households.
• Potential Reliability Issues: Some customers report the unit fails after about a year of use, raising concerns about its long-term durability.

Final Verdict

The EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater is an excellent choice for those looking to save space, energy, and money while enjoying endless hot water. Its compact size, energy efficiency, and on-demand heating make it ideal for smaller applications like bathrooms, small sinks, and office break rooms. The self-modulating technology ensures that it only uses energy when needed, contributing to reduced energy costs and making it an environmentally friendly option.

However, the unit may not be suitable for larger homes or high-demand applications, as the flow rate can be insufficient for multi-bathroom households. Additionally, some customers have experienced reliability issues after a year of use, which could be a concern for those seeking long-term durability.

Check out our reviews of the best tankless water heaters below:

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