I’ve always been a fan of smart home upgrades that make life easier and more efficient, and the Eemax tankless water heater is one of those game-changers you shouldn’t overlook.
If you’re tired of running out of hot water mid-shower or dealing with bulky tanks that hog space in your basement, this is the product to grab. It’s compact, delivers endless hot water on demand, and saves you money on energy bills in the long run.
Trust me, once you switch, you’ll wonder why you waited so long—head to your local supplier or online retailer and pick one up today.
My Experience With Eemax Tankless Water Heater
My experience with the Eemax tankless water heater started about three years ago when I decided to renovate my old house.
I was fed up with the ancient 50-gallon tank in the garage that constantly leaked and left me with lukewarm showers on busy mornings.
You know that feeling when you’re rushing to get ready for work, and the water turns cold just as you’re rinsing off?
Yeah, that was my daily nightmare.
I did some research, talked to a plumber friend, and landed on the Eemax EEM24018 model—a 18 kW electric unit that promised instant hot water without the wait.
Installing it was straightforward, though I hired a professional to handle the electrical wiring since it needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
The unit is tiny, about the size of a briefcase, so it fit perfectly under the kitchen sink for point-of-use heating, and I added another in the bathroom for whole-house coverage. From day one, it was like magic.
I turn on the faucet, and hot water flows immediately—no more wasting gallons waiting for it to heat up. In winter, when the incoming water is freezing, it still delivers consistent temperatures around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which I adjust easily with the digital controls.
Over the first year, I noticed my electric bill dipped by about 20 percent because it only heats water when I need it, unlike the old tank that kept reheating stored water all day. We have a family of four, and everyone can shower back-to-back without complaints.
I remember one weekend when relatives visited, and we had eight people using the showers, dishwasher, and laundry simultaneously—the Eemax handled it without breaking a sweat. Sure, if you push it too hard with multiple high-flow demands, the temperature might drop a bit, but that’s rare in my setup.
There were a couple of hiccups early on. About six months in, I got some flickering hot water, which turned out to be mineral buildup from our hard water. A quick flush with vinegar solved it, and now I make it a habit every few months.
The unit’s self-diagnostic features helped me spot the issue fast—it beeps and shows error codes on the display. I’ve also appreciated how quiet it is; no rumbling like the old tank. In terms of reliability, it’s been rock-solid. I live in a cold climate, and it performs better than expected, even during power surges, thanks to its built-in safeguards.
What I love most is the space it freed up. My garage is now a workshop instead of a water heater storage area. And environmentally, it feels good knowing I’m not wasting energy. If you’re considering one, think about your household’s needs—calculate your peak usage to size it right.
For me, the 18 kW was perfect for two bathrooms and kitchen. Three years later, it’s still going strong, and I’d install another in a heartbeat. You might hesitate at the upfront cost, but the savings and convenience pay off quickly.
It’s transformed how we use water at home, making everyday routines smoother and more enjoyable.
Pros of Eemax Tankless Water Heaters
You and I both know that switching to a tankless system like Eemax brings a bunch of advantages that make you question why traditional tanks are still around. Let me break it down from my own use and what I’ve seen in real-world scenarios.
- Endless Hot Water Supply
One thing I can’t stop raving about is the never-ending hot water.
With my Eemax, I don’t have to schedule showers or worry about the last person getting a cold blast.
It heats water on demand, so as long as your flow rate matches the unit’s capacity—say, 3 to 5 gallons per minute for most models—you’re golden.
In my house, this means running the dishwasher while someone showers without any drop in temperature.
It’s perfect for larger families or homes with high usage.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
From an analytical standpoint, the energy savings are huge. Traditional tanks lose heat constantly, but Eemax only activates when you turn on the tap, cutting waste by up to 30 percent according to efficiency ratings.
My bills dropped noticeably, and over time, that adds up to hundreds of dollars. Plus, with no standby losses, it’s kinder to the environment. If you’re like me and track your utilities, you’ll see the difference in months.
- Compact Design and Space Savings
I was amazed at how small the Eemax is—it mounted on the wall without eating up floor space. This is ideal if you have a small apartment or want to reclaim your basement.
The sleek design fits anywhere, and installation is flexible, whether point-of-use or whole-house.
- Longevity and Durability
These units are built to last. Mine’s still performing like new after years, and data shows they can go 20-plus years with proper care, outpacing tanks by double. The stainless steel components resist corrosion, and the modular design makes repairs simple if needed.
- Easy Temperature Control
The digital interface lets me set exact temperatures, from 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in one-degree increments. No more guessing or scalding surprises—it’s user-friendly and safe for kids.
Cons of Eemax Tankless Water Heaters
Of course, nothing’s perfect, and I’ve run into a few drawbacks with my Eemax that you should consider before jumping in.
- Higher Initial Investment: The upfront cost stung a bit—my unit was around $400, plus installation fees for wiring and plumbing upgrades. It’s more than a basic tank, but I recouped it through savings. If your budget’s tight, this could be a hurdle.
- Potential for Mineral Buildup: In areas with hard water like mine, scale can accumulate on the heating elements, reducing efficiency. I’ve had to descale it a few times, which isn’t hard but requires attention. Without regular maintenance, performance dips.
- Limited Flow for High-Demand Homes: If you have a big household with simultaneous heavy use, like multiple showers and laundry, the temperature might fluctuate. My 18 kW handles most days, but on peak times, it’s not unlimited. Sizing up helps, but it means higher power needs.
- Electrical Requirements: You need robust wiring—mine required a 75-amp breaker. Older homes might need upgrades, adding to costs. Power outages mean no hot water, unlike gas models.
- Installation Complexity: While mine went smoothly, it’s not a DIY job for everyone. Professional help is key to avoid issues like improper venting or electrical faults.
Maintenance Tips For Eemax Tankless Water Heaters
Keeping your Eemax running smoothly isn’t rocket science, but it does take some effort. I’ve learned through trial and error, and here’s what works for me to extend its life and efficiency.
- Regular Descaling to Prevent Buildup: The biggest enemy is mineral deposits from hard water. I flush my unit every six months using a vinegar solution. Turn off the power, connect hoses to the inlet and outlet, and circulate the mixture for 45 minutes. This clears scale from the elements, keeping heat transfer optimal. If you skip this, efficiency drops, and elements can burn out prematurely.
- Checking and Cleaning Filters: Eemax has inlet filters that catch debris. I inspect mine monthly, removing any sediment with a soft brush. It’s quick—unscrew, rinse, replace—and prevents clogs that could reduce flow and trigger errors.
- Monitoring Electrical Connections: Since it’s electric, I check the wiring and breakers annually. Loose connections can cause overheating or failures. If you’re not comfortable, call an electrician, but I’ve found tightening terminals myself keeps things safe.
- Testing Safety Features: The unit has built-in diagnostics and flow sensors. I test by running water and watching for error codes. If it beeps or shows issues, address them immediately—like replacing a faulty sensor—to avoid bigger problems.
- Annual Professional Inspection: Even though I handle basics, I get a pro in once a year for a full check. They test voltage, inspect elements for wear, and ensure no leaks. This caught a minor issue early for me, saving potential downtime.
All in, these tips have kept my Eemax reliable, and combining them with pros like efficiency makes the effort worthwhile. You’ll find it becomes second nature.
Comparing Eemax With Other Brands
When I was shopping around, I looked at several brands to see how Eemax stacked up. From my analysis and user feedback, here’s a closer look at how it fares against Richmond, Reliance, and American Standard tankless water heaters.
I’ll focus on key aspects like performance, reliability, and value to help you decide.
- Eemax Vs. Richmond Tankless Water Heaters
Richmond, often tied to Rheem’s lineup, offers solid electric and gas tankless options, but I found Eemax edges it out in compactness and efficiency for electric models.
My Eemax EEM24018 provides up to 4 gallons per minute at a 50-degree rise, while a comparable Richmond like the RTE-18 might hit similar flows but feels bulkier in design.
Richmond’s units are durable, with good warranties—up to 12 years on heat exchangers—but they’ve had more reports of element failures in hard water areas than Eemax.
Installation-wise, both need similar electrical setups, but Eemax’s modular components make repairs easier if something goes wrong.
Price-wise, Richmond can be slightly cheaper, around $300 to $500, but Eemax’s digital controls give better precision for temperature, which I prefer for family use. If you’re in a cold climate, Eemax handles lower inlet temperatures better without as much power draw.
Overall, if space and on-demand accuracy matter to you, Eemax wins, though Richmond is a strong pick for budget-conscious buyers wanting basic reliability.
- Eemax Vs. Reliance Tankless Water Heaters
Reliance focuses more on traditional tanks, but their tankless line, like the electric 18 kW models, competes directly with Eemax.
In my experience, Eemax outperforms in energy efficiency—it’s rated at 99 percent, while Reliance hovers around 95 percent, meaning you might see higher bills with Reliance over time.
Flow rates are comparable, but Reliance units I’ve seen reviewed often struggle with consistent heating during peak demands, leading to that annoying temperature dip.
Reliability is mixed; Reliance has a reputation for sturdy builds, but user complaints about circuit board issues pop up more than with Eemax.
Warranty coverage is similar—5 to 10 years—but Eemax’s self-diagnostics make troubleshooting simpler for homeowners like me. Cost is a plus for Reliance, often $100 less than Eemax equivalents, and installation is straightforward if your home’s wiring is up to par.
However, if you value longevity and minimal maintenance, Eemax’s corrosion-resistant elements give it the upper hand. For smaller homes, Reliance might suffice, but in busier households, Eemax’s robust performance makes it the better long-term choice.
- Eemax Vs. American Standard Tankless Water Heaters
American Standard brings a legacy of plumbing reliability to their tankless heaters, with models like the electric ASWH series offering good flow rates around 3.5 gallons per minute.
Compared to my Eemax, though, it feels less innovative—American Standard lacks the precise digital temp controls, sticking to basic dials that can be finicky.
Efficiency is close, but Eemax’s on-demand activation saves more energy in low-use scenarios.
Durability-wise, American Standard holds up well in moderate climates, with fewer rust issues, but in hard water zones, both need descaling; Eemax’s easier access ports make this less of a hassle.
Prices are competitive, with American Standard sometimes undercutting Eemax by $50, and their warranties cover 10 years on parts. Installation can be trickier with American Standard due to venting requirements in some models, whereas Eemax is purely electric and wall-mount friendly.
If you’re after brand familiarity and solid basics, American Standard is fine, but Eemax’s compact size and user-friendly features make it more appealing for modern homes. In the end, Eemax pulls ahead for tech-savvy users like me who want seamless integration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do Eemax water heaters last?
From what I’ve observed and based on manufacturer specs, Eemax tankless water heaters typically last over 20 years, sometimes up to 25, with regular maintenance. That’s double the lifespan of traditional tanks, thanks to no rusting storage and durable components.
What brand of tankless water heater is the most reliable?
In my analysis, Rheem stands out as one of the most reliable, with strong warranties and low failure rates. Other top contenders include Noritz and Navien for consistent performance across various conditions.
Is Eemax owned by Rheem?
Yes, Rheem acquired Eemax back in 2015, integrating their tankless expertise into Rheem’s broader water heating portfolio.
What is the downfall of a tankless water heater?
The main downfall is the higher upfront cost and potential for limited hot water during high simultaneous demands if not properly sized. They also require more maintenance in hard water areas to prevent scale buildup.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, the Eemax tankless water heater has been a reliable upgrade for my home, offering endless hot water and efficiency that pays off daily. If you’re ready for consistent performance without the bulk, I highly recommend buying one—it’s an investment in comfort you’ll appreciate for years.