Best High Efficiency Water Heaters of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2026

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High Efficiency Water Heaters are an excellent way to save money on energy bills while still enjoying all the benefits of a hot shower or bath. These innovative appliances use advanced technology to heat water more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your monthly bills. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any household, and can be easily installed by a professional plumber. With High Efficiency Water Heaters, homeowners can enjoy hot water on demand without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rheem RTG-84XLN-3 Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater Cover #TOP 1
Rheem RTG-84XLN-3 Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater Cover #TOP 2
Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 Tankless Water Heater Cover #TOP 3
Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 Tankless Water Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 High Efficiency Water Heaters

#TOP 1

Rheem RTG-84XLN-3 Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater

RTG-84XLN-3
Gray
8.4 GPM (No WiFi)
Rheem RTG-84XLN-3 Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTG-84XLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Outdoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 8.4 GPM, 180,000 BTUs

The Rheem Tankless Gas Heater is a high-efficiency unit designed to provide up to 8.4 gallons per minute, making it great for homes with 2 to 3 bathrooms where you need reliable hot water for showers and laundry. It runs on natural gas with a powerful 180,000 BTU output, ensuring you get fast and consistent hot water, even when multiple taps are in use. Built for outdoor use, its sturdy metal cabinet protects the unit from the elements and allows for easy wall mounting by a professional. Plus, the hot-start feature prevents cold water bursts, so you can enjoy back-to-back showers without any uncomfortable surprises.

What We Like
High flow rate
Powerful natural gas heating
Durable outdoor design
Hot-start technology
#TOP 2

Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater

HS180A0G-LP
Gray
APOLO-180K
Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater Cover
Westinghouse Tankless Water Heater Propane Outdoor Installation Max 8.1 GPM 180,000 BTU, Temp Self Modulating Non Condensing High Efficiency Water Heater for House or Commercial, APOLO Performance

The Westinghouse APOLO Tankless Heater offers on-demand hot water, so you only use energy when you need it, helping you save on utility bills. Its remote control panel lets you adjust the temperature easily from indoors, giving you precise control and steady water temperature without sudden changes. With a powerful 180,000 BTU output and up to 8.1 gallons per minute flow, this heater can supply multiple showers or faucets at once, perfect for busy homes or businesses. Plus, it’s safety certified with features like a variable-speed fan and freeze protection, ensuring reliable and worry-free operation.

What We Like
Energy-saving on-demand heating
Remote temperature control
High flow rate (8.1 GPM)
Safety certifications and freeze protection

Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 Tankless Water Heater

RTG-70DVLN-3
Gray
7.0 GPM (Standard)
Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 Tankless Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs

The Rheem Tankless Water Heater ensures you have a continuous supply of hot water for your entire household, even when multiple fixtures are in use, like showers and dishwashers. You’ll appreciate the energy savings since this high-efficiency heater operates only when hot water is needed. Additionally, with a water-saving feature, it can help you save up to 1,100 gallons of water annually. The smart hot-start programming prevents any sudden cold-water bursts, ensuring a comfortable experience every time you turn on the tap.

What We Like
Continuous hot water supply
Energy-efficient operation
Water-saving feature
Prevents cold-water bursts
#TOP 4

Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

HS180A0G-NG
Gray
APOLO-180K
Westinghouse APOLO Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Cover
Westinghouse Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Outdoor Installation Max 8.1 GPM 180,000 BTU, Temp Self Modulating Non Condensing High Efficiency Water Heater for House or Commercial, APOLO Performance

The Westinghouse APOLO Water Heater offers on-demand heating that only runs when you need hot water, helping you save energy and reduce costs. You can easily control the temperature from indoors with a remote panel, which keeps your water temperature steady within one degree, so you won’t experience sudden changes. With a strong 180,000 BTU power and up to 8.1 gallons per minute flow, this heater can supply hot water to multiple showers or faucets at once, perfect for busy homes or small businesses. Plus, it’s CSA certified and comes with safety features like a variable-speed fan and freeze protection, giving you peace of mind for reliable operation.

What We Like
Energy-efficient on-demand heating
Remote temperature control
High power output (180,000 BTU)
Reliable safety certifications
Freeze protection system
#TOP 5

Rheem RTG-70DVLP-3 Tankless Propane Water Heater

RTG-70DVLP-3
Gray
7.0 GPM (No WiFi)
Rheem RTG-70DVLP-3 Tankless Propane Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTG-70DVLP-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs

The Rheem Tankless Propane Heater provides up to 7.0 gallons per minute, making it a great fit for homes with two to three bathrooms where multiple hot water needs occur, such as showers and laundry. Running on liquid propane with 160,000 BTUs, it delivers fast and dependable hot water even during busy times. Designed for indoor use, its compact metal cabinet allows for easy wall mounting by professionals, saving space in your home. Plus, the hot-start programming helps avoid cold water bursts, so you can enjoy smooth, continuous hot showers without interruptions. This unit offers efficient and reliable performance for your household.

What We Like
High flow rate (7.0 GPM)
Liquid propane fuel
Compact indoor design
Hot-start programming
#TOP 6

Rheem RTG-84DVLN-3 Tankless Gas Water Heater

RTG-84DVLN-3
Gray
8.4 GPM (Standard)
Rheem RTG-84DVLN-3 Tankless Gas Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTG-84DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 8.4 GPM, 180,000 BTUs

The Rheem Tankless Gas Heater is a high-efficiency unit designed to deliver up to 8.4 gallons per minute, making it a great choice for homes with 2 to 3 bathrooms where multiple hot water needs happen at once. Powered by natural gas and boasting 180,000 BTUs, it provides fast and dependable hot water even during busy times. This model is meant for indoor use and comes in a compact metal cabinet that can be easily wall-mounted by a professional. Its smart hot-start programming helps prevent cold water bursts, so you can enjoy back-to-back showers without discomfort or waiting.

What We Like
High flow rate
Natural gas powered
Compact indoor design
Hot-start technology
#TOP 7

ThermoMate CZ422NG Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

CZ422NG
Silver
ThermoMate CZ422NG Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Cover
ThermoMate CZ422NG Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Up to 5 GPM 113,000 BTU, High Efficiency Instant On-Demand Hot Water for Whole House Use, Indoor Residential Water Heater with Multi-Point Heating

The ThermoMate Tankless Water Heater delivers up to 5 gallons per minute of hot water, enough to run two showers at once without any cold water surprises. It keeps your water temperature steady for a comfortable shower every time. Safety is a priority with eight built-in protections, including freeze and overheat prevention, so you can trust it to work reliably. Its energy-efficient copper heat exchanger saves you money by using less fuel while providing quick, on-demand hot water. Plus, the easy-to-use LED touchscreen lets you adjust the temperature and monitor the system’s status, making it simple to keep everything running smoothly.

What We Like
High flow rate
Multiple safety protections
Energy-efficient copper heat exchanger
LED touchscreen display

Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 Tankless Water Heater

RTG-70XLP-3
Gray
7.0 GPM (Non-WiFi)
Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 Tankless Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Outdoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs

The Rheem Tankless Water Heater ensures you always have hot water when you need it, making it perfect for households with multiple users, such as during showers and dishwashing. It operates efficiently, only using energy when you're actually drawing hot water, which helps you save on utility bills. With its water-saving feature, you can reduce your consumption by up to 1,100 gallons a year, contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the hot-start programming eliminates the frustration of cold-water bursts, keeping your water consistently warm and ready for use.

What We Like
Continuous hot water supply
Energy-efficient operation
Water-saving technology
Eliminates cold-water bursts
Compact and lightweight design
#TOP 9

Rinnai RX130iN Tankless Water Heater

RX130iN
Silver
7.1 GPM
Rinnai RX130iN Tankless Water Heater Cover
NEW Rinnai RX130iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 7.1 GPM, 130,000 BTU

The Rinnai RX130iN Heater offers flexible installation options, allowing you to set it up indoors or outdoors with the right vent cap, and it works with both propane and natural gas. This versatility means you can place it wherever it fits your home best. Its compact size is perfect if you want to save space while still enjoying plenty of hot water—up to 7.1 gallons per minute, enough for multiple fixtures at once. The heater features a user-friendly interface and a Quick Flush system that makes maintenance easier, helping you keep it running efficiently. Plus, it boasts a high energy efficiency rating, saving you money on utility bills.

What We Like
Indoor/outdoor installation
Propane and natural gas compatible
Compact size, high flow rate
Easy maintenance with Quick Flush
High energy efficiency (UEF .97)
#TOP 10

Rheem RTGH-95DVELP-3 Tankless Water Heater

RTGH-95DVELP-3
Gray
9.5 GPM (With WiFi)
Rheem RTGH-95DVELP-3 Tankless Water Heater Cover
Rheem RTGH-95DVELP-3 Super High Efficiency Condensing Indoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater, 9.5 GPM with WiFi

The Rheem Tankless Water Heater ensures you have hot water whenever you need it, even with multiple appliances running simultaneously. This efficient unit operates only when required, helping you save on energy bills. With built-in EcoNet Wi-Fi technology, you can easily manage settings, monitor usage, and receive maintenance alerts directly from your smartphone. Additionally, its hot-start programming prevents unexpected cold bursts, providing consistent comfort for your family. Say goodbye to cold showers and enjoy the convenience of reliable hot water at your fingertips.

What We Like
Continuous hot water supply
Energy-efficient operation
Wi-Fi control and monitoring
Prevents cold water bursts
Leak detection system
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are high efficiency hot water heaters worth it?

Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home's energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills.

2. What water heater is the most efficient?

Long-term efficiency: Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient alternatives to fuel, oil, and electric water heating systems. For those in the market for a water heater that is both energy-efficient and cost-efficient, heat pump water heaters show great promise.

3. Is there a high efficiency water heater?

A. O. Smith's line of high-efficiency condensing gas tank water heaters are the high performance answer for your hot water needs. These models are built to save energy with a helical heat exchanger to maximize efficiency and distribute heat more evenly than standard gas water heaters.

4. Is a tankless water heater more efficient?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

Editor's Notes

During our high efficiency water heater research, we found 24 high efficiency water heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,126 customer reviews through our big data system to write the high efficiency water heaters list. We found that most customers choose high efficiency water heaters with an average price of $973.37.

The high efficiency water heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of high efficiency water heaters, including Rheem, Westinghouse, thermomate, Rinnai. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.