EcoSmart ECOS 18 Tankless Electric Water Heater: Endless Hot Water, Smart Savings

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes from running out of hot water mid-shower. That icy blast is a rude awakening, a reminder that our trusty old tank water heater has its limitations. For decades, we’ve relied on these bulky, energy-guzzling appliances to keep a reservoir of water perpetually hot, whether we need it or not. But what if there was a smarter, more efficient way? What if you could have endless hot water, on demand, while saving energy and space? That’s the promise of tankless water heaters, and the EcoSmart ECOS 18 is a prime example of this technology in action.

Tank vs. Tankless: The Fundamental Difference

Before we dive into the specifics of the ECOS 18, let’s clarify the key difference between tank and tankless water heaters. Traditional tank heaters, as the name suggests, store a large volume of water (typically 30-50 gallons) in a tank. This water is constantly heated to a set temperature, regardless of whether you’re using it or not. This leads to standby heat loss, where energy is wasted simply maintaining the water temperature.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water only when you need it. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit, and powerful heating elements instantly raise its temperature. When you turn off the tap, the heating stops. No storage, no standby heat loss, and, crucially, no running out of hot water. It is a pretty simple change that offers an enourmous difference.

The Science of Instant Hot Water: Resistance and Heat Exchange

So, how does a tankless electric water heater like the ECOS 18 manage to heat water so quickly? It relies on two fundamental principles: resistance heating and heat exchange.

Resistance heating is the same principle that makes your toaster work. When an electric current passes through a material with high resistance (like the heating elements in the ECOS 18), it generates heat. The higher the resistance and the stronger the current, the more heat is produced.

Heat exchange is the process of transferring that heat from the heating elements to the water. The ECOS 18 uses a specially designed heat exchanger, often made of stainless steel, to maximize this transfer. The cold water flows through a series of channels or coils within the heat exchanger, coming into close contact with the hot heating elements. This allows for rapid and efficient heat transfer, raising the water temperature to your desired setting in a matter of seconds.

Introducing the EcoSmart ECOS 18: Key Features and Specifications

The EcoSmart ECOS 18 is a compact, wall-mounted unit designed for residential use. Here’s a quick rundown of its key specifications:

• Power: 18 kilowatts (kW)
• Voltage: 240 volts (V)
• Amperage: 75 amps (A)
• Flow Rate: 1.8 to 4.3 gallons per minute (GPM), depending on the inlet water temperature.
• Dimensions: 9.25 inches (width) x 19 inches (height) x 4.25 inches (depth)
• Material: Durable plastic exterior
• Maximum Temperature: 140 Degrees Fahrenheit

These numbers tell part of the story, but the real magic lies in the technology inside the unit.

Deep Dive: Self-Modulating Technology – The Brains of the Operation

The standout feature of the EcoSmart ECOS 18 is its patented Self-Modulating Technology. This is what sets it apart from many other tankless water heaters. Instead of simply turning on and off at full power, the ECOS 18 constantly adjusts its energy consumption based on the actual hot water demand. Think of it like cruise control in your car. You set your desired speed (temperature, in this case), and the car’s computer automatically adjusts the engine’s power to maintain that speed, whether you’re going uphill, downhill, or on a flat road.

The ECOS 18 achieves this intelligent control through a combination of sensors and a microcontroller.

• Flow Sensor: This sensor detects when water is flowing through the unit and measures the flow rate – how much water is being used per minute. A higher flow rate (e.g., multiple showers running simultaneously) signals a higher demand for hot water.

• Temperature Sensors: These sensors monitor both the inlet water temperature (the temperature of the cold water entering the unit) and the outlet water temperature (the temperature of the water leaving the unit). The difference between these two temperatures, along with the flow rate, determines how much energy is needed to heat the water to your desired setting.

• Microcontroller: This is the “brain” of the system. It receives data from the flow and temperature sensors and uses a sophisticated algorithm to calculate the precise amount of power needed to heat the water. It then adjusts the output of the heating elements accordingly.

Let’s use an analogy to illustrate this. Imagine you’re making a cup of tea. You wouldn’t keep the kettle boiling at full power the entire time, would you? You’d likely turn it down once the water reaches the desired temperature. The ECOS 18 does something similar, but automatically and continuously. If you’re just washing your hands with a trickle of warm water, it will use a small amount of energy. If you’re filling a large bathtub with very hot water, it will ramp up the power to meet the demand.

This self-modulating technology has several key benefits:

• Maximizes Energy Efficiency: By only using the energy needed, it minimizes waste and lowers your electricity bill.
• Provides Consistent Temperature: It prevents temperature fluctuations, even when the flow rate or inlet water temperature changes.
• Extends Component Life: By avoiding unnecessary stress on the heating elements, it can potentially prolong the lifespan of the unit.

The Efficiency Equation: Energy Savings, Cost Comparisons, and Environmental Impact

One of the biggest selling points of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. The EcoSmart ECOS 18 boasts a thermal efficiency rating of up to 96%. This means that 96% of the electrical energy used by the unit is converted into heat that goes directly into heating the water. Compare this to traditional tank water heaters, which typically have efficiencies in the range of 60-70%. The remaining 30-40% is lost as standby heat loss through the tank walls.

Over time, these efficiency differences can translate into significant cost savings. While the initial cost of a tankless water heater like the ECOS 18 may be higher than a comparable tank model, the lower operating costs can often offset the difference within a few years. The exact savings will depend on your hot water usage, local electricity rates, and the climate you live in.

Beyond the financial benefits, there’s also the environmental impact to consider. By using less energy, the ECOS 18 reduces your carbon footprint. This is especially important in regions where electricity is generated from fossil fuels. Choosing a tankless water heater is a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Space Matters: The Benefits of the Compact Design

Another significant advantage of the ECOS 18 is its compact size. Measuring just 9.25”W x 19”H x 4.25”D, it’s significantly smaller than a traditional tank water heater, which can easily take up several square feet of floor space. This makes the ECOS 18 an ideal choice for smaller homes, apartments, condos, or any situation where space is limited. It can be easily wall-mounted, freeing up valuable floor space for other uses.

Safety First: Dry-Fire Prevention and Other Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern with any water heating appliance. The ECOS 18 incorporates several safety features to protect both the unit and the user. While specific details on the ECOS 18’s dry-fire prevention are limited in the provided documentation, it’s clear the unit is designed to prevent damage from overheating. Generally, tankless electric heaters achieve this with:

• Flow Activation: The heating elements will only activate when water flow is detected. If there’s no water flow, the unit will not heat, preventing dry-fire.
• Overheat Protection: Temperature sensors monitor the water temperature and will shut down the unit if it exceeds a safe limit, preventing damage to the heating elements and the surrounding components.
• Pressure Relief Valve Compatibility: Although not required for most tankless installations, the ECOS 18 is compatible with a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). This valve provides an additional layer of safety by releasing water if the pressure or temperature inside the unit becomes too high. It is highly recommended to consult local plumbing codes to determine if a T&P valve is required in your area.

The ECOS 18 is also ETL Listed and certified to UL 499 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, demonstrating compliance with relevant safety and performance standards.

Installation: Highlighting the Need for Professional Installation and the Electrical Requirements

While the ECOS 18 is designed for ease of use, professional installation by a licensed electrician and plumber is essential. This is not a typical DIY project. There are two main reasons for this:

1. Electrical Requirements: The ECOS 18 requires a 240V electrical supply and draws 75 amps. This typically requires a dedicated circuit with appropriately sized wiring and a double-pole breaker. Most older homes may not have a circuit with this capacity readily available, so an electrical upgrade may be necessary. A qualified electrician can assess your home’s electrical system and ensure that the ECOS 18 is installed safely and correctly.

2. Plumbing Connections: Proper plumbing connections are crucial to prevent leaks and ensure optimal performance. A qualified plumber can ensure that the water lines are correctly sized and connected, and that any necessary shut-off valves and pressure relief valves are installed according to local codes.

Attempting to install the ECOS 18 yourself without the necessary expertise could void the warranty, damage the unit, and even create a safety hazard.

Maintenance: Basic Maintenance Tips

To help ensure the best long term care of your unit, periodic maintenance is important.
The main point of concern would be the build up of minerals inside the unit, or on the filter screen.
This can be solved by flushing the unit with a cleaning solution, as described in the manual.

Lifespan: Realistic Expectations

With proper installation and maintenance, a tankless electric water heater like the ECOS 18 can have a long lifespan, often exceeding 20 years. This is significantly longer than the typical lifespan of a tank water heater, which is around 10-15 years. The longer lifespan is due in part to the lack of a storage tank, which is prone to corrosion and sediment buildup.

Addressing Concerns: Acknowledging Potential Drawbacks (Flow Rate Limitations, Hard Water)

While the ECOS 18 offers many advantages, it’s important to acknowledge potential drawbacks:

• Flow Rate Limitations: The ECOS 18’s flow rate of 1.8 to 4.3 GPM depends on the inlet water temperature. In colder climates, where the incoming water is significantly colder, the flow rate will be lower. This means that the unit may struggle to provide enough hot water for multiple simultaneous uses (e.g., two showers and a dishwasher running at the same time). To mitigate this, EcoSmart offers flow regulators that can be installed on the outlet of the unit.

• Hard Water: Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause scale buildup inside the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency and potentially shortening its lifespan. If you live in an area with hard water, it’s especially important to flush the unit regularly with a descaling solution, as described in the user manual. Consider installing a water softener to address hard water issues throughout your home.
  

Conclusion: Summarizing the Benefits and Positioning the ECOS 18 as a Smart, Long-Term Investment

The EcoSmart ECOS 18 Tankless Electric Water Heater represents a significant advancement in water heating technology. It offers a compelling combination of on-demand hot water, energy efficiency, space savings, and safety features. While it requires professional installation and may have flow rate limitations in colder climates, the long-term benefits often outweigh these considerations. By choosing the ECOS 18, you’re not just buying a water heater; you’re investing in a more convenient, efficient, and sustainable way to enjoy hot water in your home. The advanced technology ensures a seamless and reliable supply of hot water, contributing to both comfort and cost savings over the long haul.