Choosing a water heater for an apartment is different from choosing one for a detached house. Apartments often have limited utility-room space, smaller electrical services, shared plumbing, stricter ventilation requirements, restrictions on gas appliances, and limited options for installing outdoor equipment. Noise, condensate drainage, access for maintenance, and the ability to move a replacement unit through doors and hallways can also matter.
The best apartment water heater therefore depends not only on efficiency and hot-water capacity, but also on the physical size of the unit, available electrical service, existing gas and venting infrastructure, installation location, and the rules of the building.
This guide compares heat pump water heaters, gas tankless water heaters, conventional electric storage water heaters, gas storage water heaters, and solar thermal water heaters for apartment applications in the USA.
Quick Answer: Best Water Heaters for an Apartment
| Technology | Recommended Models | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump Water Heater | A.O. Smith 120V Voltex, Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon, Bradford White AeroTherm 50-Gallon | Apartments with suitable utility-room space and electrical service | High efficiency | Requires sufficient air volume and condensate management |
| Gas Tankless | Rinnai SENSEI RU199iN, Navien NPE-240S2, Rinnai RUR199iN | Apartments already equipped with suitable gas and venting | Compact wall-mounted design and high output | Gas and venting requirements can make installation difficult |
| Conventional Electric Storage | Rheem Gladiator XE50M12CG45U0, Rheem Gladiator XE50T12CG55U0, A.O. Smith E6-50H45D-TTP | Apartments with conventional electric tank infrastructure | Simple installation and familiar technology | Lower efficiency than heat pump technology |
| Gas Storage | Rheem Maximus, Rheem XG50S12DM40UO, Rheem XG50T12DU38U2 | Apartments with existing gas storage systems | Familiar replacement technology | Requires combustion air and approved venting |
| Solar Thermal | Rheem SolPak RS80-40BP, Rheem SolPak RS80-48BP, Rheem SolPak RS120-64BP | Specially designed apartment buildings with shared solar thermal systems | Direct solar water heating | Usually impractical for an individual apartment |
What Makes an Apartment Water Heater Different?
An apartment water heater has to fit into an environment where the homeowner usually has less control over the building infrastructure than a detached-house owner.
- Utility closets may be very small.
- Electrical panels may have limited spare capacity.
- Gas service may not be available.
- Gas venting may be shared or restricted.
- Condensate drainage may not be available.
- Outdoor equipment may be prohibited.
- Noise may be important when the water heater is near living areas or bedrooms.
- Building management may require approval before changing water-heating technology.
- Replacement equipment may have to pass through narrow doors, elevators and hallways.
- Flood protection can be particularly important when the water heater is located above another occupied unit.
How We Selected Water Heaters for Apartments
- Physical size and installation flexibility.
- Electrical requirements.
- Gas and venting requirements.
- Hot-water capacity appropriate for an apartment household.
- Efficiency.
- Noise and operating characteristics.
- Condensate-management requirements.
- Leak detection and automatic shutoff features.
- Maintenance accessibility.
- Suitability for replacement installations.
1. Best Heat Pump Water Heaters for an Apartment
Heat pump water heaters can be an excellent apartment choice when the utility area provides enough air volume and the building’s electrical service can support the selected model. They are much more efficient than conventional electric resistance tanks, which can substantially reduce electricity consumption.
The main apartment-specific issue is installation space. A heat pump water heater moves heat from surrounding air into the water and therefore needs an appropriate air supply or ducting arrangement. It also produces condensate that must be drained properly.
A.O. Smith Voltex 120V Heat Pump Water Heater
A.O. Smith’s 120V Voltex configurations are particularly interesting for apartments because they can reduce the electrical infrastructure requirements compared with many conventional 240V heat pump water heaters. Applicable models are designed to operate from a standard 120V electrical supply while retaining heat-pump technology.
Why We Selected It
A 120V heat pump water heater can be valuable in an apartment where the electrical panel has limited capacity or where installing a new high-amperage 240V circuit is difficult. It combines the efficiency advantages of heat-pump technology with potentially easier electrical installation.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR certified configurations are available.
- Applicable models carry required residential electrical and safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- 120V operation does not eliminate the need to verify the circuit requirements.
- Heat-pump operation still requires adequate surrounding air.
- Condensate drainage must be addressed.
- Exact tank size and performance depend on the selected configuration.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment has limited electrical capacity and you want the efficiency of heat-pump water heating without automatically requiring a large new 240V circuit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the utility closet is too small to provide the required airflow or if condensate cannot be safely drained.
Maintenance Considerations
- Keep the air filter clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inspect the condensate drain.
- Check the anode rod periodically.
- Flush the tank according to the maintenance schedule.
Retailer Link
Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater
The Rheem ProTerra 50-gallon heat pump water heater is a strong choice for an apartment with sufficient utility-room space and appropriate electrical service. Applicable ProTerra models offer high efficiency, Wi-Fi connectivity and leak-detection features.
Why We Selected It
The 50-gallon capacity is a useful middle ground for many apartments. It provides significantly better efficiency than conventional electric storage while avoiding the physical size of the largest 65- or 80-gallon tanks.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified models are available.
- Applicable models meet residential electrical and safety requirements.
- Leak-detection and automatic shutoff features are available on applicable configurations.
Important Limitations
- It requires sufficient surrounding air volume.
- Condensate must be drained.
- The compressor and fan can produce operating noise.
- A 50-gallon tank may be excessive for a single occupant but insufficient for a very high-demand household.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment has a suitable utility area and you want to reduce electricity consumption compared with conventional electric water heating.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the water heater must be installed in a tiny sealed closet with insufficient air volume or no practical condensate drain.
Maintenance Considerations
- Clean the air filter as required.
- Inspect the condensate drain.
- Inspect the anode rod.
- Flush the tank periodically.
Retailer Link
Bradford White AeroTherm G2 50-Gallon
The Bradford White AeroTherm G2 50-gallon heat pump water heater is designed for residential applications where high efficiency and hybrid operation are desired. It is available with multiple operating modes and smart-control features on applicable configurations.
Why We Selected It
The 50-gallon configuration can provide a useful balance between capacity and physical size for apartments. It is particularly attractive when the building permits a heat pump water heater and the installation area meets the required conditions.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified configurations are available.
- Applicable residential electrical and safety certifications apply to the exact model.
Important Limitations
- Requires suitable installation space and airflow.
- Produces condensate.
- Operating noise should be considered when installed close to living spaces.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment building permits a heat pump water heater and you have adequate utility-room space and electrical service.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the installation location cannot provide adequate airflow, condensate drainage or service access.
Maintenance Considerations
- Keep the air filter clean.
- Inspect condensate drainage.
- Maintain the tank and anode.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.
Retailer Link
2. Best Gas Tankless Water Heaters for an Apartment
Gas tankless water heaters can save floor space because they mount on a wall rather than occupying the footprint of a large storage tank. However, they are not automatically apartment-friendly. The building must have suitable gas service, approved venting, combustion-air arrangements and a permitted installation location.
Rinnai SENSEI RU199iN
The Rinnai SENSEI RU199iN is a high-output natural-gas condensing tankless water heater with a published UEF of 0.95 and maximum output of approximately 11 GPM under specified conditions.
Why We Selected It
The wall-mounted form factor can save floor space compared with a large storage tank. Its high output also provides substantial hot-water capacity for apartments with more than one bathroom.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
- Ultra-low-NOx design.
- Applicable residential gas and safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Requires natural gas.
- Requires approved venting.
- Requires condensate drainage.
- Building rules may prohibit individual gas appliances or changes to common venting.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment already has suitable natural-gas service and an approved installation location for a condensing tankless water heater.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the building does not permit new gas appliances or if appropriate venting cannot be installed.
Maintenance Considerations
- Flush and descale the heat exchanger when required.
- Clean the inlet water filter.
- Inspect condensate drainage.
- Maintain the venting system.
Retailer Link
Navien NPE-240S2
The Navien NPE-240S2 is a high-output condensing tankless water heater with a published UEF of up to 0.96 and maximum flow of approximately 11.2 GPM under specified conditions.
Why We Selected It
Its wall-mounted design can be useful where floor space is limited. It can also supply high hot-water demand without requiring a large storage tank.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
- CSA certified.
- NSF Standard 5 and low-lead compliance apply to the product platform.
Important Limitations
- Requires natural gas or appropriate fuel configuration.
- Requires approved venting.
- Requires condensate management.
- Flow capacity decreases as the required temperature rise increases.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment has suitable gas infrastructure and you want high hot-water output from a wall-mounted unit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if building restrictions prevent installation of new gas equipment or dedicated venting.
Maintenance Considerations
- Descale the heat exchanger where water conditions require it.
- Clean the inlet filter.
- Inspect the condensate drain.
- Check venting during scheduled service.
Retailer Link
Rinnai RUR199iN
The Rinnai RUR199iN is a high-output condensing natural-gas tankless water heater with integrated recirculation capability and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Why We Selected It
Its compact wall-mounted architecture and recirculation capability make it particularly interesting for apartments where hot-water delivery distance can otherwise cause long waits.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
- Ultra-low-NOx design.
- Applicable residential gas and safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Requires gas infrastructure.
- Requires appropriate venting.
- Condensate drainage is required.
- Recirculation can increase energy use if operated unnecessarily.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment has suitable gas infrastructure and you want compact installation combined with integrated recirculation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if gas equipment is prohibited or if the apartment cannot accommodate the required venting and condensate system.
Maintenance Considerations
- Flush the heat exchanger periodically.
- Clean the inlet filter.
- Inspect the condensate drain.
- Maintain the recirculation system.
Retailer Link
3. Best Conventional Electric Storage Water Heaters for an Apartment
Conventional electric storage water heaters remain one of the easiest technologies to use in apartments because they do not require combustion air or gas venting. They can often be installed in utility closets where gas appliances would be difficult or prohibited.
Rheem Gladiator XE50M12CG45U0
The Rheem Gladiator XE50M12CG45U0 is a 50-gallon conventional electric storage water heater with a published UEF of approximately 0.92. It includes features such as leak detection, automatic shutoff and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Why We Selected It
It is a practical replacement option for apartments that already use an electric storage tank. Its leak-protection features are particularly valuable where a water-heater failure could damage another apartment below.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- UL certified configurations.
- AHRI listed.
- Applicable residential electrical safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Requires electrical service capable of supporting the selected model.
- Uses resistance heating and therefore consumes more electricity than a heat pump water heater.
- Tank size limits stored hot-water capacity.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if you need a straightforward electric replacement and want strong leak-protection features.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if maximizing energy efficiency is more important than simplicity or if the apartment has inadequate electrical capacity.
Maintenance Considerations
- Flush sediment periodically.
- Inspect the anode rod.
- Test the temperature and pressure relief system.
- Maintain the leak-detection system where applicable.
Retailer Link
Rheem Gladiator XE50T12CG55U0
The Rheem Gladiator XE50T12CG55U0 is another 50-gallon electric storage model with a published UEF of approximately 0.92 and modern monitoring and leak-protection features.
Why We Selected It
It is well suited to an apartment replacement where the existing installation already uses electric storage technology and the homeowner wants to retain a familiar tank configuration while adding modern protection features.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- UL certified configurations.
- AHRI listed.
- Applicable electrical safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Resistance heating is less efficient than heat-pump operation.
- Requires sufficient electrical service.
- A 50-gallon tank requires significant floor and vertical clearance.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment already has a conventional electric tank and you want a straightforward replacement with modern safety features.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the installation area cannot accommodate a conventional tank or if you want the lowest possible electricity consumption.
Maintenance Considerations
- Flush the tank periodically.
- Inspect the anode rod.
- Check the relief valve.
- Maintain leak-detection components where installed.
Retailer Link
A.O. Smith E6-50H45D-TTP
The A.O. Smith E6-50H45D-TTP is a conventional 50-gallon electric storage water heater designed for straightforward residential installation.
Why We Selected It
It is a practical choice when the apartment already has an electric storage water heater and the owner wants to replace it with another conventional tank without changing the basic plumbing and electrical concept.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- Applicable residential electrical and safety certifications.
- Designed for standard residential electric water-heating applications.
Important Limitations
- Uses resistance heating.
- Requires appropriate electrical capacity.
- Does not provide the energy efficiency of a heat pump water heater.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if you want a conventional electric replacement that fits an existing electric-tank installation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if electricity consumption is your primary concern and a suitable heat pump water heater can be installed.
Maintenance Considerations
- Flush the tank periodically.
- Inspect the anode rod.
- Check heating elements during service.
- Maintain the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Retailer Link
4. Best Gas Storage Water Heaters for an Apartment
Gas storage water heaters can be appropriate in apartments that were designed around gas water heating. They are much more difficult to install in a building without existing gas and approved venting, so these recommendations are primarily for replacement situations.
Rheem Maximus
The Rheem Maximus is a high-efficiency gas storage water heater available in natural-gas and propane configurations. Applicable models provide high recovery performance, leak detection and smart monitoring.
Why We Selected It
It can be a strong replacement for an apartment that already has an appropriately designed gas-water-heater installation and needs high recovery performance.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR rated configurations are available.
- Applicable gas-appliance safety and emissions certifications.
- FVIR-compliant configurations are available.
Important Limitations
- Requires gas service.
- Requires approved combustion and venting arrangements.
- Building management may restrict gas-appliance replacement.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if the apartment already has a suitable gas storage water heater installation and replacement with another gas tank is permitted.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the building prohibits gas appliances or if the existing venting system is unsuitable for the replacement.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect the burner and venting.
- Flush sediment from the tank.
- Inspect the anode rod.
- Maintain leak-detection components where equipped.
Retailer Link
Rheem XG50S12DM40UO
The Rheem XG50S12DM40UO is a 50-gallon natural-gas storage water heater with a powered damper. It is intended for conventional residential gas-water-heating applications.
Why We Selected It
Its 50-gallon capacity is suitable for many apartment households, while the powered-damper design can be appropriate for replacement installations specifically designed for this type of venting.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- ENERGY STAR qualified configuration.
- Powered damper and applicable gas-safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Requires natural gas.
- Requires compatible venting and combustion-air arrangements.
- Building approval may be required before replacement.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if you are replacing an existing compatible gas storage water heater in an apartment building.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if the apartment has no approved gas infrastructure or if the building is transitioning away from gas equipment.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect the burner.
- Check venting and powered-damper operation.
- Flush the tank periodically.
- Inspect the anode rod.
Retailer Link
Rheem XG50T12DU38U2
The Rheem XG50T12DU38U2 is a 50-gallon natural-gas storage water heater designed with ultra-low-NOx combustion and a powered damper.
Why We Selected It
It provides a conventional gas storage replacement option for apartments where an appropriate gas-water-heater installation already exists and emissions requirements are important.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- Ultra-low-NOx design.
- Applicable ENERGY STAR configurations.
- Residential gas-appliance safety certifications.
Important Limitations
- Requires gas service and compatible venting.
- Uses substantially more primary heating energy from gas than a heat pump water heater would use from electricity.
- Building restrictions may prevent replacement with a gas model.
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if your apartment already has compatible gas infrastructure and you want a conventional gas storage replacement.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it if gas equipment is prohibited or if you are trying to transition the apartment to electric water heating.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect the burner and combustion system.
- Check the powered damper.
- Inspect venting.
- Flush sediment and inspect the anode rod.
Retailer Link
5. Best Solar Thermal Water Heaters for an Apartment
Solar thermal water heating is usually not a practical individual-apartment purchase. Unlike rooftop PV, solar thermal systems require collectors, hot-water storage, pumps, controls and dedicated plumbing.
They become more interesting in a condominium or apartment building where the solar thermal system is designed as a shared building-level installation.
Rheem SolPak RS80-40BP
The Rheem SolPak RS80-40BP is an active solar thermal water-heating system with an 80-gallon storage tank and electric backup.
Why We Selected It
It represents a smaller solar thermal system that could be considered for a building-level installation where the system is designed around centralized solar hot-water production.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- SRCC OG-100 certified collectors.
- SRCC OG-300 certified system.
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
Important Limitations
- Usually unsuitable as an individually installed system for a typical apartment.
- Requires dedicated solar thermal collectors.
- Requires additional plumbing, pumps and controls.
Who Should Buy It
Consider it when designing a dedicated solar thermal system for an apartment or condominium building with appropriate shared infrastructure.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not buy it for an individual apartment simply because the building has roof space. Building-level engineering and approval are required.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect solar collectors.
- Maintain the circulation pump.
- Check system controls and sensors.
- Inspect the thermal-fluid loop.
Retailer Link
Rheem SolPak RS80-48BP
The Rheem SolPak RS80-48BP is another 80-gallon active solar thermal configuration with electric backup. It is better regarded as a building-level or specially engineered solar thermal solution than as a normal individual-apartment water heater.
Why We Selected It
It provides greater collector capacity than the smaller SolPak configuration and can therefore be considered where the building has substantial solar exposure and hot-water demand.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- SRCC OG-100 certified collectors.
- SRCC OG-300 certified system.
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
Important Limitations
- Requires dedicated thermal collectors.
- Requires pump and control infrastructure.
- Generally impractical as a stand-alone apartment installation.
Who Should Buy It
Consider it for a purpose-designed apartment or condominium solar thermal installation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it for a normal individual apartment without appropriate building infrastructure and approvals.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect collectors.
- Maintain pumps and controls.
- Inspect the thermal-fluid system.
- Maintain the storage tank and mixing valve.
Retailer Link
Rheem SolPak RS120-64BP
The Rheem SolPak RS120-64BP is a large solar thermal system with approximately 119 gallons of storage and substantial collector capacity. It is primarily relevant to centralized or specially engineered installations rather than ordinary individual apartments.
Why We Selected It
The large storage capacity makes it useful as an example of the type of solar thermal system that could serve a larger residential building or shared hot-water system.
Relevant Certification / Standards
- SRCC OG-100 certified collectors.
- SRCC OG-300 certified system.
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
Important Limitations
- Too large for most individual apartments.
- Requires substantial collector area.
- Requires dedicated plumbing, pumps and controls.
- Building-level engineering is normally required.
Who Should Buy It
Consider it only for a purpose-designed multi-unit residential solar thermal installation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Do not choose it as an individual apartment water heater.
Maintenance Considerations
- Inspect collectors and mounting systems.
- Maintain pumps and controls.
- Inspect the thermal-fluid loop.
- Maintain storage and mixing components.
Retailer Link
Apartment Water Heater Decision Guide
| Apartment Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No gas service | Heat Pump or Electric Storage | Avoids combustion and gas venting. |
| Limited electrical capacity | 120V Heat Pump or Existing Gas System | Can reduce the need for a large new electrical circuit. |
| Very small utility closet | Compact Tankless, if permitted | Wall-mounted equipment can reduce floor-space requirements. |
| Existing electric tank | Heat Pump or Electric Storage | Often avoids introducing gas and combustion requirements. |
| Existing gas tank with approved venting | Gas Tankless or Gas Storage | Can reuse appropriate fuel infrastructure. |
| Apartment above another occupied unit | Leak-protected Electric or Heat Pump | Leak detection and automatic shutoff can reduce water-damage risk. |
| Condominium with shared solar thermal system | Central Solar Thermal | Solar thermal is more practical when designed at the building level. |
Heat Pump vs Electric Storage for an Apartment
For an apartment that has electric water heating, the most important decision is often whether to replace the existing resistance tank with another electric tank or move to a heat pump water heater.
| Factor | Heat Pump | Conventional Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Much higher | Lower |
| Installation complexity | Higher | Lower |
| Air requirement | Yes | No special heat-pump airflow requirement |
| Condensate | Yes | Normally no |
| Noise | Fan and compressor noise | Very quiet during normal heating |
| Space requirement | Usually greater | Usually simpler |
| Electricity consumption | Lower | Higher |
Apartment Water Heater Installation Checklist
Before buying any water heater for an apartment, verify the following with the building owner, condominium association, landlord or qualified installer where applicable:
- Is the water heater located inside the apartment or in a shared utility area?
- Is gas service available?
- Is new gas equipment permitted?
- Can existing venting be reused?
- Is a new vent penetration permitted?
- Is the electrical panel large enough for the selected model?
- Is a dedicated circuit required?
- Is there sufficient air volume for a heat pump water heater?
- Is condensate drainage available?
- Is a drain pan required?
- Is automatic leak shutoff required or desirable?
- Can the replacement unit physically reach the installation location?
- Is maintenance access adequate?
- Are there building restrictions on noise?
- Does local code require additional safety equipment?
What Size Water Heater Does an Apartment Need?
Apartment size alone should not determine water-heater capacity. A studio occupied by one person may require much less hot water than a three-bedroom apartment occupied by six people.
For storage water heaters, consider household size, first-hour rating, recovery rate and simultaneous hot-water use. For tankless systems, consider the number of simultaneous fixtures and the required temperature rise.
For heat pump water heaters, a larger tank can sometimes be useful because it provides more stored hot water and allows the system to operate efficiently before periods of high demand.
Should an Apartment Use a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater can be attractive when floor space is extremely limited, but compact physical size does not mean simple installation. A gas tankless system requires appropriate gas supply, combustion air, venting and condensate management. An electric tankless system can require a very large electrical service and is therefore often unsuitable for apartments.
For many apartments, a properly sized storage or heat-pump water heater is easier to install than an electric tankless system.
Best Overall Choice for an Apartment
For an apartment with adequate space and electrical service, a heat pump water heater is generally the strongest overall choice. It provides substantially better efficiency than conventional electric resistance heating and avoids the combustion and venting issues associated with gas appliances.
A conventional electric storage water heater remains the easiest choice when the apartment already has an electric tank, space is restricted, or the building does not permit the installation requirements of a heat pump.
A gas tankless water heater is attractive when the apartment already has suitable gas infrastructure and venting, particularly where floor space is limited and high hot-water output is required.
Gas storage makes the most sense as a straightforward replacement where an existing gas installation is already approved.
Solar thermal generally belongs at the building level rather than inside an individual apartment unless the property was specifically designed for individual solar thermal systems.
Final Verdict
For most individually owned or rented apartments, the best water-heater technology is determined more by existing infrastructure and installation constraints than by the apartment’s floor area.
If the apartment has adequate air volume, condensate drainage and electrical capacity, a heat pump water heater offers the strongest combination of efficiency and long-term operating cost. If those conditions cannot be met, a conventional electric storage water heater is often the simplest alternative.
If the building already provides suitable gas infrastructure and permits the required venting, a gas tankless water heater can provide high output while occupying relatively little floor space.
Related Water Heater Guide
About the Author
ManBearPig is a part-man, part-bear, part-pig creature and a full-time expert on global warming—mostly because he has personally experienced the consequences of being extremely, extremely, super cereal.
When he isn’t roaming the wilderness, terrorizing unsuspecting humans, or demanding that people take climate change seriously, ManBearPig studies rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, carbon emissions, and other inconvenient signs that the planet may not be particularly happy with us.
His research philosophy is simple:
“I’m super cereal.”
ManBearPig believes climate change is too important to discuss without facts—and too ridiculous to discuss without a little humor. Through this website, he explores global warming, climate science, environmental changes, energy, and the strange ways humans respond when their own planet starts sending them warning signals.
He has no university degree, no laboratory, and absolutely no intention of becoming a respectable academic.
But he does have hooves, claws, a snout, and an unusually strong opinion about melting ice.