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Top 10 Water Softeners and Tankless Water Heaters - December 2024

This comprehensive guide ranks the top water softeners and tankless water heaters based on a thorough analysis of user reviews, expert opinions, and performance metrics. We've considered factors such as efficiency, durability, ease of use, and overall value to provide you with the best options available in December 2024.

Top 10 Water Softeners

Water softeners are essential for homes with hard water, preventing scale buildup, improving appliance efficiency, and enhancing the quality of your water. Here are the top contenders:

1. Fleck 5600SXT Metered Water Softener

Key Features: Programmable digital control panel, metered regeneration, ion exchange technology, suitable for medium to large households.
Pros: Highly reliable, efficient at removing hardness minerals, easy to operate and monitor, customizable settings.
Cons: Requires regular salt replenishment, installation may require professional help.
User Reviews: Consistently praised for reliability and effectiveness in softening water.
Performance: Achieves up to 99% hardness reduction, 12 GPM flow rate.
Sources: Thelen Mechanical, Fleck Systems

2. SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener

Key Features: Salt-free technology using Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), no regeneration or wastewater, lifetime warranty.
Pros: Environmentally friendly, no salt or electricity required, low maintenance, prevents scale buildup.
Cons: May not be as effective in extremely hard water (over 25 grains per gallon), higher upfront cost.
User Reviews: Highly rated for eco-friendliness and low maintenance.
Performance: 80-90%+ hardness reduction, 12 GPM flow rate.
Sources: SpringWell Water, Thelen Mechanical

3. A.O. Smith 35,000 Grain Water Softener with Audible Salt Alerts

Key Features: 35,000 grain capacity, audible salt alerts, suitable for large households.
Pros: High capacity, convenient salt alerts, efficient performance.
Cons: Larger size, higher cost.
User Reviews: Users appreciate the audible alerts and the system's efficiency.
Performance: Efficiently softens water for large households.
Source: Quality Water Lab

4. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener

Key Features: Combines filtration and salt-free softening, dual-tank design, NSF certified, removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Pros: All-in-one solution for water filtration and softening, improves both water softness and overall water quality, no salt or chemicals required.
Cons: Higher initial cost, more complex installation, lower flow rate compared to some competitors.
User Reviews: Praised for its comprehensive water treatment capabilities and improved water taste.
Performance: 85-90% hardness reduction, 7 GPM flow rate, removes 97% of chlorine.
Source: Aquasana, Thelen Mechanical

5. Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener

Key Features: 40,000-grain capacity, NSF-certified, automatic salt-saving technology, compact design.
Pros: Affordable, energy-efficient, easy-to-use digital controls, reduces water wastage during regeneration.
Cons: Limited capacity for larger households, may not handle very high iron levels effectively.
User Reviews: Users highlight its affordability and ease of use.
Performance: 90-95% hardness reduction, 9 GPM flow rate.
Source: Whirlpool Water Solutions

6. Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener

Key Features: Salt-free technology with certified scale prevention, maintenance-free operation.
Pros: Environmentally friendly, no salt or wastewater, low maintenance, prevents scale buildup.
Cons: Limited effectiveness for very hard water.
User Reviews: Rated highly for low maintenance and eco-friendliness.
Performance: Effective in preventing scale buildup, suitable for most households.
Source: Pelican Water, Thelen Mechanical

7. GE Appliances GXSH40V Water Softener

Key Features: Ion exchange system with 40,000-grain capacity, SmartSoft technology for optimized regeneration.
Pros: Affordable and compact, reliable performance.
Cons: Limited to small to medium households.
User Reviews: Rated well for affordability and performance.
Performance: Effective in softening water for smaller households.
Source: Thelen Mechanical

8. WaterBoss 700 Water Softener

Key Features: Compact design, 36,400 grain capacity, built-in filter.
Pros: Space-saving, built-in filter, efficient performance.
Cons: Lower capacity compared to some other models.
User Reviews: Users appreciate the built-in filter and compact design.
Performance: Efficiently softens water in a compact form factor.
Source: Thelen Mechanical

9. Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener

Key Features: High-capacity system for large households, digital control with user-friendly interface.
Pros: Excellent for very hard water, durable.
Cons: Bulky design.
User Reviews: Rated well for durability and capacity.
Performance: Effective in softening very hard water for large households.
Source: Angel Water

10. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler

Key Features: Electronic descaling, no salt or chemicals, easy installation.
Pros: Easy to install, no maintenance required, eco-friendly.
Cons: May not be as effective in very hard water conditions, not a traditional softener.
User Reviews: Users appreciate its ease of installation and maintenance-free operation.
Performance: Prevents scale buildup, suitable for most households.
Source: Thelen Mechanical

Top 10 Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, saving energy and space compared to traditional tank heaters. Here are the top models for December 2024:

1. Rinnai RU199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 96% energy efficiency, 199,000 BTU output, 11 GPM flow rate, Wi-Fi ready, Circ-Logic technology.
Pros: High efficiency, advanced features, reliable performance, supports multiple hot water uses simultaneously.
Cons: Higher initial cost, complex installation.
User Reviews: Highly praised for its efficiency and advanced features.
Performance: 96% energy efficiency, 11 GPM flow rate.
Sources: Rinnai, Water Heaters Now

2. Noritz NRC98-DV-NG Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: Direct vent design for indoor installation, 9.8 GPM flow rate, Energy Star certified.
Pros: High efficiency and performance, suitable for indoor installation, quiet operation.
Cons: Higher initial cost, may require professional installation.
User Reviews: Praised for its efficiency and quiet operation.
Performance: 93% energy efficiency, 9.8 GPM flow rate.
Source: Noritz

3. Navien NPE-240A Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 97% energy efficiency, 11.2 GPM flow rate, Eco Pre-mixed Burner, easy installation.
Pros: High efficiency, easy installation, advanced burner technology.
Cons: Higher cost, larger size.
User Reviews: Users appreciate its high efficiency and easy installation.
Performance: 97% energy efficiency, 11.2 GPM flow rate.
Source: Navien, Water Heaters Now

4. Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 99.8% energy efficiency, 5.9 GPM flow rate, external adjustable digital thermostatic control.
Pros: High efficiency, easy to use, external control.
Cons: Lower capacity, higher cost.
User Reviews: Praised for its high efficiency and ease of use.
Performance: 99.8% energy efficiency, 5.9 GPM flow rate.
Source: Rheem, Water Heaters Now

5. Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 199,000 BTU output, up to 10 GPM flow rate, direct venting, Energy Star certified.
Pros: High efficiency, excellent for large households, durable stainless steel construction, quiet operation.
Cons: Requires professional installation, higher cost compared to non-condensing models.
User Reviews: Users love its performance and durability.
Performance: 95% energy efficiency, 10 GPM flow rate.
Source: Takagi

6. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 99.8% energy efficiency, 6 GPM flow rate, self-modulating, digital temperature control.
Pros: High efficiency, self-modulating technology, easy to use, compact design.
Cons: Lower capacity, higher cost.
User Reviews: Users appreciate its high efficiency and self-modulating technology.
Performance: 99.8% energy efficiency, 6 GPM flow rate.
Source: EcoSmart, Water Heaters Now

7. Rinnai RL75IN Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: 82% efficiency, 7.5 GPM flow rate, durable construction, advanced features.
Pros: Durable, efficient, advanced features.
Cons: Lower capacity compared to some models, higher cost.
User Reviews: Praised for its durability and advanced features.
Performance: 82% energy efficiency, 7.5 GPM flow rate.
Sources: Rinnai, Water Heaters Now

8. Bosch Tronic 6100 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: Electric tankless design, compact design, 2.65 GPM flow rate.
Pros: Compact design, advanced technology, energy-efficient, affordable.
Cons: Lower capacity, may require electrical upgrades.
User Reviews: Users appreciate its compact design and advanced technology.
Performance: 2.65 GPM flow rate, energy efficiency varies based on usage.
Source: Bosch

9. Rinnai V65iN High Efficiency Tankless Water Heater

Key Features: High efficiency non-condensing technology, 6.5 GPM flow rate, suitable for smaller homes.
Pros: Energy efficient and cost-effective, provides endless hot water, compact design.
Cons: Lower flow rate compared to condensing models, may require professional installation.
User Reviews: Praised for its efficiency and performance.
Performance: 84% energy efficiency, 6.5 GPM flow rate.
Rinnai

10. Noritz NRC66DVNG Tankless Water Heater

noritz.com

Noritz

Economic and Performance Benefits of Using Water Softeners with Tankless Water Heaters

Using a water softener with a tankless water heater can significantly reduce operational costs and extend the lifespan of the water heater. Hard water causes scale buildup, which reduces the efficiency and lifespan of tankless water heaters. Softened water prevents this, maintaining the heater's original efficiency and reducing the need for repairs or replacements. Studies show that tankless water heaters operating on softened water can save up to 40% of costs compared to operating on 20 gpg of hard water and up to 57% compared to operating on 30 gpg of hard water. This highlights the importance of integrating a water softener into your water heating system for both economic savings and extended equipment lifespan.