There are many benefits that come with having one or two, or several window fans in your home. But the primary benefit is that window fans can be used to pull in cool, fresh air from the outside or can be used to push out warm and stale air from the room, providing relief from hot weather at a very small fraction of the cost of an air conditioning system both in terms of initial and operating costs.

Installing and operating a window fan in your home can be easy, but the first and foremost thing you need to do is choosing the right window fan that can effectively cool your home. In this article, we’ve listed and reviewed some of the best-rated household window fans available on the market that we think are worth your money.

Best Window Fans Your Can Buy

	Product	Number of Blades	Fits Windows	Reversible Airflow	Remote Control	Price
	Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan	2	25" to 38"			Check Price
	Bionaire Twin Window Fan	2	24" to 37"			Check Price
	Holmes HAWF-2021 Twin Window Fan	2	22" to 29"			Check Price
	Lasko W16900 Window Fan	1	26.5" to 34.5"			Check Price
	Air King 9166F Whole House Window Fan	1	27" to 38"			Check Price
	Avalon High-Velocity Twin Window Fan	2	24" to 37"			Check Price

Our Pick: Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan with Comfort Control Thermostat

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The Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan is our pick as the best window fan for most people. This fan has great quality with a 3-year warranty at a very good price and it comes with most the needed features to keep you comfortable in hot summer days. The only missing thing is that this window fan doesn’t have a remote control.

The Holmes Holmes HAWF-2041 twin window fan features dual blade operation with independent electronically reversible motors (3 speeds), allowing for air intake, exhaust or air exchange. The motor is waterproof so it is safe to use during rainy weather. The integrated comfort control thermostat helps to maintain your personal comfort level by cycling on and off to your desired setting.

This window fan can cool a room up to 500 sq.ft. It is designed for use in most double hung and slider windows from 24in to 37in width with adjustable extender screen and extender panel.

How Does A Window Fan Work?

A window fan is a cooling appliance that is mounted on a window frame. They usually have expandable side panels that cover the window completely to facilitate the airflow from it.

Window fans cool your home by pulling cool, outside air in or pushing hot air out, depending on which way the fans are facing. Window fans work best in windows that face the prevailing wind or are directly opposite. They are designed to fit into any type of window, double-hung, slider and casement windows.

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Most window fans have one, two or three blades with two or three speeds. The standard size is 20 inches window fan, although smaller window fans are also sold. One of the most popular options is the twin window fan. These can also work as reversible window fans.

A reversible window fan let you adjust to changes in the wind direction without having to turn the fan around. By placing two window fans — one blowing in, one blowing out — in windows on opposite sides of a room, you can create cross-ventilation that moves air and makes you feel cooler.

Most of today’s window fans are made of plastic. Many older window fans, however, are made of metal and are more solid. The more powerful window fans can be used to circulate air throughout a house, acting as a whole-house window fan – such as the Air King 9166F 20″ Whole House Window Fan.

The more advanced window fans come with thermostats, LED indicators, and smart features such as timer and automation. But the ideal window fan for most people is the one that doesn’t vibrate and create noise during operation.

Are Window Fans Good for Cooling Your Home?

Window fans have an advantage over other room fans when it comes to cooling the home – they not only circulate the air within the room, but they can also replace the stale air inside the room by continually replacing it with fresh air from outside.

On some window fans, such as the Holmes Dual Blade Twin Window Fan with Water-resistant Motors, they can achieve both at the same time.

Many people don’t know the difference between air intake, exhaust or exchange, when they’re actually just what they sound like. When a window fan’s intake setting is in place, the fan pulls air from the outside into the house. When the switch is placed on the exhaust setting, the fan is pulling hot air from the room and pushing it outdoors. The air exchange occurs when one fan is exhausting hot air outdoors while the other is bringing cool air inside.

Thus, window fans are the perfect choice for home air cooling and purifying. They are perfect for small rooms that tend to get stuffy, but they can also be mounted in windows of large rooms that require a greater amount of air circulation and ceiling fans aren’t enough.

Pros and Cons of Window Fans

Pros:

• Window fans are budget-friendly and much more energy efficient than evaporative coolers or air conditioners, thus, making them a great choice for cooling your home.
• When working as an exhaust fan, not only drive the hot and stale air from inside to outside, window fans also eliminate any unwanted odors from your house. So, your home always smells fresh!
• Window fans are light and portable. So, you can shift them from one place to another at your with the convenience, as long as there is a window.
• Window fans are very easy to install in any kind of window frame, don’t require having holes on the wall like the ductless mini-split air conditioner.
• Window fans are generally quiet, making them ideal for bedrooms and night-time use. With a quiet window fan installed in the bedroom, you will feel cooler and therefore sleep better.
• Many window fans also include thermostats, remote controls, and temperature displays. These are great for providing optimal comfort as you have the ability to customize settings according to your schedule and room temperature preferences. For example, the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan with Remote Control includes Electronic control with LCD screen, remote control, and Programmable Thermostat.

Cons:

• A window fan is mounted on a window frame. So you have to let the window open.
• Window fans require multiple units to cool an entire house.
• One of the things that makes heat less tolerable is humidity. If you live in a high humidity area and need a system that removes humidity from the air, a window fan may not be for you.

Air Conditioning + Window Fan = A Perfect Match

A window fan is perfect for those who air using an AC.

An AC just circulates the cool air within the room. It cannot bring in fresh air from outside. Using a window fan to complement the air conditioning unit ensures that there is a continuous supply of fresh air in your room. Thus, even while maintaining your AC at a high temperature, you can enjoy great cooling throughout the room.

Another way is to use your air conditioner part of the time and use window fans the rest of the time. Using a window fan as an air conditioner alternative can significantly cut your energy costs.

Best Window Fans Reviews

1. Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan with Comfort Control Thermostat

Best Window Fan Overall

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The Holmes HAWF-2041 Twin Window Fan is our pick as the best window fan for most people. This fan has great quality with a 3-year warranty at a very good price and it comes with most the needed features to keep you comfortable in hot summer days. The only missing thing is that this window fan doesn’t have a remote control.

The Holmes Holmes HAWF-2041 twin window fan features dual blade operation with independent electronically reversible motors (3 speeds), allowing for air intake, exhaust or air exchange. The motor is waterproof so it is safe to use during rainy weather. The integrated comfort control thermostat helps to maintain your personal comfort level by cycling on and off to your desired setting.

This window fan can cool a room up to 500 sq.ft. It is designed for use in most double hung and slider windows from 24in to 37in width with adjustable extender screen and extender panel.

2. Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan

Best Twin Window Fan with Remote Control & LCD Screen

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Not only one of the best-rated window fans available, the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan is also one of the easiest to control twin window fans we’ve tested.

With a straightforward LCD screen and an individual button corresponding to the fan’s every feature, including speed, room temperature, and electronic reversibility—that means, like many good window fans, you can push a button (rather than physically flipping it) to change from drawing in fresh outdoor air to venting stale or smelly indoor air. You can also use a remote control to adjust the speed, airflow direction, and temperature from up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) away.

Additionally, the Bionaire Twin Reversible Airflow Window Fan has a programmable thermostat. This is a smart feature that we really like as it allows you to set your desired temperature level to the degree from 60-80 degrees and the fan will automatically turn off and on in response to the ambient room temperature.

3. Holmes HAWF2021 Twin Window Fan

Best Small Window Fan for Small Window

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Not only one of the cheapest window exhaust fans you can buy, the Holmes HAWF2021 Twin Window Fan is also one of the best selling window fans on the market. This small window fan features 6-inch reversible airflow blades and is ideal for smaller rooms or for rooms that are using air conditioning. It is designed to fit a window from 22″ to 29″ inches.

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4. Lasko Electric Reverse Window Fan W16900

Best Window Fan for Cooling Large Room

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The Lasko Electric Reverse Window Fan W16900 is one of the most powerful window fans you can buy. This fan produces up to 2470 CFM at the highest speed, making it ideal for a large room like the living room or whole house.

The Lasko W16900 is designed with slide panels on each side to custom fit a window that is 26.5-34.5 wide and no less than 22″ high. The ability to simply turn a knob to control the intake or exhaust flow of air provides you with the power to conveniently control your own comfort with three quiet speeds. This window fan comes equipped with a Storm Guard feature. This feature allows the window to close behind it; protecting your home and belongings.

The Lasko Electric Reverse Window Fan W16900 is the best choice for those who don’t have air conditioning or who looking to save a lot on their energy bill in the summer. We’ve tried various window fans and we were really impressed with the power of this fan.

5. Air King 9166F 20″ Whole House Window Fan

Best Whole House Window Fan

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The Air King 9166F Whole House Window Fan includes a three-speed motor with air flow ranging from 2510 to 3560 CFM. This powerful window fan can be used to circulate air in any room whether in a residential or work setting.

The 9166F Window Fan is built tough. It features impact resistant housing and a powder coated steel front grille and blades. The fan also features Air King’s Storm Guard System, which allows you to close the window behind the fan during inclement weather or when securing the home.

If leaving your cooling system on does not fit into your household budget, or if your home doesn’t include a central air system, the Air King 9166F provides a quick, easy, and money-saving solution.

6. Avalon High-Velocity Twin Reversible AirFlow Window Fan

Quiet Window Fan for Bedroom

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One of the best window fans for the bedroom you can buy is the Avalon Twin Window Fan. This fan is extremely quiet yet powerful. While Avalon doesn’t advertise the actual decibels this fan outputs, hundreds of positive reviews confirm this is on of the quietest window fans on the market.

This window fan comes with three speed settings of low, medium, and high. It also has a digital inbuilt thermostat with a range from 60 to 80 degrees and the temperature can be tracked with a little help from the LED lights panel. The two fans also have their own individual durable copper motors, ensuring that they last through any kind of weather condition.

The side panels of this window fan can be extended an additional 6.5 inches on either side, meaning that you can fit it in even a larger window.

• Best quiet portable air conditioners you can buy

The post The Best Window Fans To Keep Your Room Cool appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Searching for the best pedestal fan can be overwhelming. There are a seemingly multitude of different variations of pedestal fans on the market. To help you narrow down your choices, we review, discuss and recommend some of the best rated pedestal fans that we feel are worth your money.

• The best window fans to cool your home down naturally

Best Pedestal Fans & Standing Fans To Buy

	Product	Indoor/Outdoor	Fan Speeds	Remote Control	Price
	Lasko 1843 18″ Cyclone Pedestal Fan	Indoor	3		Check Price
	Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan	Indoor	4		Check Price
	Lasko 1646 16″ Remote Control Pedestal Fan	Indoor	3		Check Price
	Designer Aire Outdoor Pedestal Fan	Indoor/Outdoor	3		Check Price
	Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage Pedestal Fan	Indoor	3		Check Price
	Vornado 6803DC Energy Smart Pedestal Fan	Indoor	99		Check Price
	Lasko 2535 Space-Saving Pedestal Fan	Indoor	3		Check Price

What is A Pedestal Fan?

Pedestal fans provide comfortable cooling and continuous air circulation both indoors and out. These fans feature heavy-duty pedestals or stands that are often adjustable in height to offer cooling at different positions to suit your preference with height can be set anywhere from 2 to 5 feet off the ground.

Many pedestal fan heads are also adjustable to allow for air circulation at different angles. That means you can position a stand fan to circulate the air around you while you relax in your favorite chair, work at your desk, or rest for the night. Popular features of pedestal fans include multiple fan speeds, remote control operation, programmable timers, and oscillating controls.

Pedestal fans are ideal for all applications from personal use (such as cooling around the house, including your bedroom, living room, office, or patio) to commercial use (such as cooling garages, shops, or manufacturing factories). Misting pedestal fans disperse water while they cool and are best suited for an outdoor environment.

Pedestal Fans VS. Tower Fans

Pedestal fans are generally more powerful than the tower fan. You’re still able to get a very powerful tower fan but it would be loud. With pedestal fans, you can adjust the height. While most tower fans offer no control over height, you can only direct air side to side.

Tower fans are a bit more versatile than pedestal fans in terms of design. While pedestal fans have large blades and a heavy stand, tower fan’s slender design allows them to fit in tight corners, while still providing ample air flow.

Both the pedestal fan and tower fan don’t chill the air as good as a window AC or a portable AC, but they’ll still cool you down at a tiny fraction of the running cost. Most pedestal fans could be run 24/7 for an entire summer and you’d only pay about $30 or less for the electricity used.

Is a Pedestal Fan quiet?

Because they require moving parts and motors, pedestal fans will add some noise to any environment. However, most of today’s standing fans are relatively quiet, manufacturers have tried to minimize intense noise production to facilitate easier integration of the fan into any setting.

If noise level is of particular concern to you, try to buy a quiet pedestal fan, such as the Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan – has a decibel rating of only 40 dB, is quieter than a whisper conversation. However, most pedestal fans tend to run a little quieter than air conditioners, and much quieter than evaporative coolers.

Best Pedestal Standing Fans Reviews

1. Lasko 1843 18″ Cyclone Pedestal Fan

Best Pedestal Fan with Remote Control – Our Pick

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Our pick for overall best pedestal fan is the 18″ Lasko 1843 Remote Control Cyclone Pedestal Fan. This fan is affordable, powerful and capable of covering a significant portion of your room. It operates quietly, which is the thing you want in a bedroom or living room fan. It delivers consistent high wind speeds and circulates air better than the most other pedestal fans in its price point.

The Lasko Cyclone Pedestal Fan features three speeds offer an array of cooling options and the programmable, electronic timer can be set for energy-efficient, nighttime cooling. Widespread oscillation helps cool large home spaces and the remote control and unit are easy to interface with and the fan is easy to adjust.

In addition to height adjust-ability, this pedestal standing fan also tilts back to give you more flexibility when it comes to directing air flow. With the press of a button, you can turn on the fan’s widespread oscillation which allows the head of the fan to move from side to side, distributing air flow to a wide area.

We also find that the Lasko Cyclone has a very modern, high-tech look. It’s pretty sturdy, well built, and quite heavy in contrast with other similar price fans. Because of the wide base, it will take a bit more space than usual, but this in combination with how heavy it is will actually assist in not being tipped over too easily.

Video: How to Install Lasko Cyclone Pedestal Fan

2. Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan VU5551

Quiet Pedestal Fan for Bedroom

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If you’re looking for a pedestal fan for the bedroom, look no further than the Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan, this is the best pedestal fan to buy. With noise level ranks from 40 to 57 dB – which equals noise levels recorded in a library or a whisper conversation – the Rowenta Turbo Silence is one of the quietest pedestal fans. This fan also outperforms most competitive products in terms of features.

Featuring four speeds and a 5-blade propeller, the Rowenta Turbo Silence provides a powerful airflow up to 1695 CFM. These 5 blades are uniquely engineered for utmost quietness. The oscillating fan head pivots up to 90 degrees left, right, up and down, and can be used for personal or medium-room cooling. The control panel can be regulated remotely or manually, has three mid-to-high speed settings and an additional turbo-boost function exclusive to Rowenta.

The Rowenta Turbo Silence pedestal fan features a convenient and contemporary design that won’t distract from your interior decor. It definitely works well, and with the juxtaposition of highly modern design, yet simple in how it operates – it seems to be the perfect balance. If you’re willing to spend a little more than average for a quiet pedestal fan – or if you’re shopping for the bedroom to get the best sleep possible, this standing fan will definitely fulfill your needs.

Video: How to Install Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan

3. Lasko 1646 16″ Remote Control Pedestal Fan

Best Cheap Pedestal Fan

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One of the best affordable pedestal fans available is the Lasko 1646 16″ Remote Control Pedestal Fan. This fan has all the standard features, including 3-speed setting, adjustable height & tilt-back head, oscillating movement, built-in timer, and remote control.

Although this fan is low priced, it seems a quite powerful pedestal fan. In fact, its lowest speed seems to be as powerful as some pedestal fan’s medium speed and its medium seems to be higher than some pedestal fan’s high speeds. This fan has a low, medium and high speed. Even at high speed, it’s not loud, it does make white noise – which is good for sleeping. So you can enjoy the white noise and cooler temperature while falling asleep.

4. Designer Aire Oscillating Outdoor Standing Pedestal Fan

Best Outdoor Pedestal Fan

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Looking for the best pedestal fan to stay cool outside? The Designer Aire Oscillating Outdoor Standing Pedestal Fan will add comfort and ambiance to your porch, patio or outdoor living space. It’s perfect for defining your space with something that’s beautifully made and uniquely designed.

This decorative outdoor pedestal fan is constructed of high-quality brushed stainless steel, and finished with weatherproof U/V-resistant automotive paint. The weighted base provides stability for windy conditions. This pedestal fan is adjustable in height using the telescoping neck piece that allows you to adjust it between 40-51 inches. It features a three-speed 45 watt outdoor rated motor.

Available in 7 different colors and styles, the Designer Aire Outdoor Pedestal Fan is sure to suit the needs of your space and complement any home decor.

5. Vornado VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator Fan

Best Vintage Indoor Pedestal Fan

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Not only looks beautiful with classic lines and a light green or white semi-gloss finish, the VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator Fan from Vornado provides powerful airflow for whole-room cooling via the innovative Signature Vortex Action technology – the air is moved in all directions at once allowing for an even airflow distribution.

The VFAN Sr. pedestal fan is one of the most expensive pedestal fans on the market, but it’s made with a quality built to last and circulates air better than most other pedestal fans.

This fan has one of the widest vertical tilt ranges of the pedestal fans we reviewed. It can tilt 180 degrees in either direction; the only thing that stops it from tilting 360 degrees is the cord. It doesn’t oscillate, but it doesn’t need to. The twin air cones, deep-pitched propeller blades and vortex action mean that air moves outward in a spiral, so it travels further.

The VFAN Sr. pedestal fan can be easily adjusted between 42 and 55 inches so that you can set it to set to your needs. With 3 speed options, you’ll be dialing in your precise speed up to 613 CFM in no time at all. A long 6-foot power cord means that it’s almost never out of reach of an electrical outlet. When it’s time to clean, simply vacuum the inlets with any traditional household vacuum. The unit’s grill can be easily removed for washing with mild dish washing soap and a rag.

This standing fan, with the mix of modern technology and classic charm, is one of the best pedestal fans for any room in your home, especially for a living room with a mid-century modern style. Despite a high wind velocity, it is one of the most quiet pedestal fans available. And with a warranty of up to 5 years, you can’t go wrong.

6. Vornado 6803DC Energy Smart Pedestal Fan

Best Energy-Efficient Pedestal Fan

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In addition to Vornado’s unique design, the Vornado 6803DC Energy Smart Pedestal Fan also features incredible energy smart electronic functions that are designed to help you lower or raise your thermostat while lowering your energy bill.

Although this pedestal fan uses only 59 watts of power, it creates an incredibly powerful airflow up to 485 CFM, pushing air 85 feet across any room. You can be seated anywhere in the room and still feel the fan. Combining a more-powerful, brushless DC motor with legendary Vornado engineering, this fan uses up to 80% less energy than you would with a comparable AC motor product. That’s really impressive.

Another key feature that makes the Vornado 6803DC standout other best pedestal fans is its 99 variable speeds that allow you to tailor your cool setting easily. Precise touch-sensitive controls plus user-friendly remote control allow you to customize the airflow to fit your needs. This pedestal fan comes with a 10 years warranty.

7. Lasko 2535 Space-Saving Pedestal Fan

Best Small Pedestal Fan

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Combine a tower fan with a pedestal fan and you get the Lasko 2535 Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan. This fan features everything you’d need in a fan including height adjust-ability, widespread oscillation, directional louvers, built-in timer and remote control. Being to be a tall and slim pedestal fan, with an adjustable height from 41 to 52 in., the Lasko 2535 is ideal for any room where space is limited.

If you own a Lasko 2535 Pedestal tower fan, you might be interested in adding an air filter on the back of the fan to help protect you from allergens like dust and pollen. Honeywell HEPA/Activated charcoal filter for fan is a very good option.

• Best air purifiers for dust

The post The Best Pedestal Fans For Cooling Your Room appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Tower fans offer a superior amount of airflow in an incredibly compact unit. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a portable cooling solution or are looking for a fan ideal for living areas where floor space is limited. If you’re searching for a new tower fan then this guide will tell you which is the best tower fan to buy.

There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider before you commit to a purchase. In this guide, we’ll also explain everything you need to know about the tower fan, helping you figure out which fan best suits your needs while staying within your budget.

• The best window fans to cool you home down naturally

The Best Tower Fans To Buy: Our Picks

	Product	Height	CFM	Features	Price
	Lasko 42″ Wind Curve Tower Fan	42.5"	262	Ionizing, Remote Control, Timer	Check Price
	Honeywell HYF290B Quietset Tower Fan	32.8"	110	Quiet, 8 speeds, Remote Control, Timer, Touch QuietSet Controls, Dimming	Check Price
	Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier Tower Fan	39.6"	132	Bladeless Design, Timer, Remote Control	Check Price
	Ozeri Ultra 42” Oscillating, Bluetooth Tower Fan	42"	-	Bluetooth, Adjustable Height, Remote Control, Thermostat, Timer	Check Price
	Seville Classics UltraSlimline Tower Fan	40"	275	4 Speeds, Push-Button Controls, Remote Control, Timer, Wide Oscillation	Check Price
	Lasko 4930 Oscillating High-Velocity Tower Fan	35"	369	High Velocity, Remote Control, Timer	Check Price
	Ozeri 3x Tower Fan	44"	-	Adjustable Height, Thin Body, Noise Reduction Technology	Check Price
	Lasko 4910 Desktop Wind Tower Fan	14"	81	Small	Check Price

Our Top Pick

Lasko 42″ Wind Curve Tower Fan

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After many hours of researching, we’ve decided that the Lasko 42″ Wind Curve Tower Fan is the best tower fan for most people. This fan has all the features you might want from a tower fan, including space-saving design, oscillating fan movement, remote control, and a built-in ionizer – which adds millions of negative ions to the air, creating a fresh air feeling like the great outdoors. This is also a super quiet tower fan. While not completely silent, it’s one of the quietest tower fans you can buy.

On top of all, this Lasko tower fan has a very affordable price. So if you’re looking for an affordable tower fan that works well, this fan will work on you.

How Do Tower Fans Work

A typical fan propels the air forward with blades that spin in one direction. The air flow is narrow and focused.

A tower fan is built to pull air and push it out in a wider span. The tower fan’s impeller blades in the cylinder housing move the air through the column and out of the vents. It runs the length of the slim tower that is designed with long vents that run the height of the fan allows for more air circulation coverage and dispersal. The fan distributes air in a vertical wave at a 90-degree angle, oscillating on a stationary base. This combination of design creates an incredibly efficient and effective product. And although tower fans have a tall and slimmer build, they actually can cover a wide area.

This tower design allows tower fans to have a small footprint that can easily fit into snug spaces and the tall, thin frame makes it easy to tuck them behind a large potted plant for a more pleasing room aesthetic. Most of today’s tower fans come with a handy timer to shut off and save power in certain situations, such as when dusk falls and temperatures are naturally cooler. Some of the best tower fans available today even come with ionizers and filters for allergen issues.

Is A Tower Fan Worth Your Money?

Tower Fans Vs. Air Conditioners

Tower fans cost far less to operate than air conditioners and are also far less expensive to buy and maintain. Tower fans are more portable than air conditioners and can be used in multiple locations in the home, office or apartment. Many tower fans can work like an evaporative cooler which provide cooling through a misting action.

An air conditioner can cool a large room much quicker than a tower fan. Even multiple tower fans cannot do as effective a job. This is especially true if temperatures run into 90-degree and it is humid outside. At that point, a tower fan will only blow hot air around. However, an air conditioning unit can cost up to 10 times more to operate than a tower fan. Plus, most today’s window and portable air conditioners are relatively noisy.

If you’re looking for a quiet window AC unit, this list of the quietest window ACs might be very helpful. And this if you’re looking for a quiet portable AC.

Tower Fans Vs. Pedestal Fans

Tower fans are a bit more versatile in terms of design. Tower fan’s slender design allows them to fit in tight corners, while still providing ample air flow. Because pedestal fans have large blades, they are typically capable of cooling larger rooms. If you have abundant space available, a pedestal fan might be a better option. Pedestal fans are often used in larger homes and living areas.

Pedestal fans are generally more powerful than the comparable tower fan. You’re still able to get a very powerful tower fan but it would be loud. With pedestal fans, you can adjust the height. While tower fans offer no control over height, you can only direct air side to side.

However, if would like to purify the air of dust or pet dander, a tower fan with built-in air purifier will be the more desirable option. With ionizers and other advanced features, many tower fans can help alleviate allergies and increase the air quality in your home.

Tower Fan Vs. Ceiling Fans

When it comes to appearance, ceiling fans are the clear winner. They provide a more permanent and intentional look than a tower fan does. A ceiling fan doesn’t take up any floor space, which makes it less clunky than a tower fan.

Additionally, ceiling fans also come in a lot of varieties, so you can find one that fits your preferences. You can choose a fan with wooden blades or metal blades. Many of today’s ceiling fans include a light fixture to provide light to the whole room while also cooling it down.

• The best ceiling fans that you will love!

However, the most difficult aspect of ceiling fans is that they require installation. It’s also much harder to clean a ceiling fan than a tower fan. If your home has low ceilings, then a ceiling fan could quickly become annoying.

Tower fans don’t require for installation, this makes tower fans a good option for renters. Because it is easy to move around, you can put a tower fan right next to where you are sitting or sleeping. This will cool you down much more than a ceiling fan would. And as being said, some of the best tower fans available have the built-in air filter, while most ceiling fans don’t offer this kind of feature.

Is A Tower Fan Quiet?

Generally speaking, tower fans are designed to be as quiet as possible. Tower fans are specifically designed to eliminate any unnecessary noise while still distributing the maximum amount of air. Their sleek tower design allows air to be more efficiently distributed to multiple levels of the room, unlike its floor fan counterpart. Many of today’s tower fans can complement noise-free environments.

The Benefits of a Tower Fan

Before checking out our reviews for some of the best tower fans on the market today, here’s a quick overview of the benefits of a tower fan.

• Space-saving: Perhaps the number one reason that people purchase tower fans for their home is because of their design. Tower fans are tall yet slim, and easily hidden in almost any room. Taking up less room than all other types of fans, tower fans are great when you’re working with a limited amount of space. These slender fans can be conveniently tucked between couches, placed next to a desk or even next to a toilet in your bathroom.
• Quiet and Cost Efficient: Designed for quiet and efficient operation in your home-environment or workplace, you’ll barely hear a tower fan while it’s hard at work using wide angle oscillation to keep you cool and comfortable. Tower fans also help you save your electric bills by using a very small amount of electricity compared to air conditioners.
• Easy to use: Tower fans are very easy to use. Timers, remote controls, breeze settings and more are now common features of tower fans, making them even more attractive for your home.
• Safe for Children: Tower fans were designed with safety in mind. If you have children or pets that will inevitably be around the fan when it’s in use, you can be confident in the safety measures that have been taken into consideration. Unlike other fan models, tower fan blades operate in a vertical manner and are concealed. The air is blown vertically through the unit, exiting through the small opening on the front of the fan. This design, unique to tower fans, offers a new level of safety.

Best Tower Fans Reviews

1. Lasko 42″ Wind Curve Tower Fan

Our Top Pick

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If you’re looking for a tower fan that has all the features you might want from a tower fan, such as space-saving design, oscillating fan movement, quiet operation, remote control, and fresh air ionizer, the Lasko 42″ Wind Curve Tower Fan is a perfect choice. Not only is this one of the best oscillating tower fans you can buy, but it’s by far one of the most popular tower fan models in the US. market.

This Lasko tower fan is a portable stand-alone fan with slip-resistant feet. It is 42 in. tall for excellent air circulation and features 3 quiet speed settings. The fan can be set for 1/2 – 7-1/2 hours of use with an electronic timer and includes a multi-function remote control for convenience.

The built-in ionizer of this tower fan helps combat air pollution in your home by emitting millions of negative ions that trap fine air contaminants such as pollen, mold, and dust. This feature is ideal for those with allergies, asthma, or breathing sensitivities and creates a fresh, outdoor feel.

2. Honeywell HYF290B Quietset 8-Speed Whole-Room Tower Fan

Best Quiet Tower Fan

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Powerful, precise, whole room cooling, and more importantly super quiet, the Honeywell HYF290B Quietset is one of the best tower fans for your bedroom or office. This tower fan has eight variable speed settings and it runs quietly – even on its highest setting, you can barely hear the noise.

The eight variable fan speed considerably more than the usual three variable speeds that are commonly found on most tower fans. This lets you choose just the right speed for your needs at any given time. These speeds range from sleep to power cool (8 levels of quiet).

These speeds can be accessed via Easy-Touch Controls on a control panel that automatically dims after 15 seconds of use (5 lighting selections in total that adjust the indicator light’s brightness from no light at all to full power). The sum of these two features allows for seamless nighttime operation.

There is also an auto shut-off timer, which can be set for one, two, four or eight hours. You can control this fan via remote control if you do not want to get up to switch fan speeds or settings.

3. Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier Tower Fan

Best Bladeless Tower Fan

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If you’re looking for a bladeless tower fan that is quiet and powerful while being safe for your children, the Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier Tower Fan is one of the best choices.

The Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier combines improved airflow with the safety of bladeless fan technology to keep you cool and comfortable. It’s one of the most feature-rich tower fans in our lineup – and by far the most expensive. If you have funds to splurge, this is a great fan, but given the other valid choices at more economical prices, it might be hard to justify the cost.

Using air multiplier technology, this Dyson fan propels air out of a loop amplifier–pushing cool air directly into your space. This innovative cooling method results in uninterrupted airflow around your kitchen, bedroom, or office.

The bladeless design makes this tower fan very easy to clean and avoid collecting dust or allergens. Thanks to this engineering technique, the Dyson AM07 Bladeless Tower Fan ventilates your room without releasing allergens into your space, making it an excellent fan for allergy- and asthma-sufferers (or anyone concerned with general air quality).

Overall, although the Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier Tower Fan costs considerably more than other tower fans, its unique, safe design and powerful airflow make it one of the best tower fans available.

4. Ozeri Ultra 42” Oscillating, Bluetooth Tower Fan

Best Bluetooth Tower Fan

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The Ozeri Ultra 42” Oscillating Tower Fan features Bluetooth technology that allows you to control your tower fan from your smartphone. This fan has 3 preprogrammed airflow patterns, 3 whisper-quiet speed settings with 90-degree oscillation, a 12-hour timer that can be programmed in 1-hour increments with push-button ease, and a LED screen with a light dimming night mode.

All of the tower fan’s features, including the room temperature display, are illuminated on the fan’s multi-colored bright LED screen and can be activated via the included enhanced-range remote or via the built-in control panel. The LED screen features a light-dimming night mode that dims the screen for light-sensitive sleepers.

5. Seville Classics UltraSlimline 40 in. Oscillating Tower Fan

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The stylish Seville Classics UltraSlimline 40 in. Oscillating Tower Fan has a wide oscillation and powerful airflow, making it one of the best tower fans for large spaces such as the living room or office. This fan has all the power most people need in a tower fan. It’s equipped with four quiet speed settings (high, medium, low and “eco”) and oscillates 75 degrees for whole-room cooling.

This is not the quietest fan we tested, especially at the higher settings, though the lowest two settings are extremely quiet. It is about in the middle of the pack in terms of noise, but a powerful fan at its maximum setting is bound to make some background noise. Still, it’s quiet enough that you can have a regular conversation without raising your voice even if you’re sitting right next to it.

The Seville Classics UltraSlimline offers a sophisticated slim profile in a satin black finish with an attractive silver steel intake grill. Designed to be lightweight and compact, this portable tower fan can easily fit into any workstation such as an office, desk, dorm, cubicle, kitchen or garage.

6. Lasko 4930 Oscillating High-Velocity Tower Fan

Best High-Velocity Tower Fan

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As one of the most powerful tower fans on the market, the Lasko 4930 Oscillating High-Velocity Tower Fan is ideal for garages, home gyms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens. It offers a high-powered motor for maximum performance in a streamlined body to save space. Widespread oscillation and louvered airflow control provide broad room coverage.

The Lasko 4930 has a small footprint with the power of a 20-inch floor fan. The slim design will allow you the space you need without compromising your work area. It features 3 speed settings, a multi-function remote control with onboard storage and an electronic auto-off timer.

7. Ozeri 3x Tower Fan with Passive Noise Reduction Technology

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At less than 3 in. thick, the Ozeri 3x Tower Fan is one of the world’s thinnest fans, boasting passive noise cancellation technology for remarkable airflow velocity at less than 50 dB. This noise reduction technology utilizes the physics of blade curvature to generate mitigating sound waves that reduce blade noise and help isolate the soothing sounds of the airflow itself.

Without noise reduction technology, the Ozeri 3x offers no innovative features compared to other tower fan options. It has all the standard features, such as a 3-speed setting, on-off timer, remote control, and touch-sensitive LED control panel. The LED lights are very bright on this fan, but you can dim them for sleeping. You can also adjust the height of the base, moving the tower fan from 44 inches to 32 inches if you want cool air closer to the ground.

The Ozeri OZF3 comes with a unique design and is not bad to look at. While its price tag is a bit more expensive than other best tower fans in the list, it’s relatively powerful and its unique look is worth your consideration.

8. Lasko 4910 Desktop Wind Tower Fan

Best Small Tower Fan

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The Lasko 4910 Desktop Wind Tower Fan is a space-saving desktop fan that has a slim 6-inch diameter. Its top module oscillates 45 degrees or can be locked in a fixed position. For precision air delivery, you can pivot and lock the top module so this unit can move the air in two different stationary positions at once.

This fan’s features include three speeds, front-mounted electronic controls, integrated carry handle, and a 120-volt permanently lubricated motor. Its unique look, amazing performance and portability are perfect anywhere you want to keep cool.

This mini tower fan is ideal for tabletops, desktops, workshops, stores, classrooms, offices, and other areas where there is limited space.

Choosing The Best Tower Fan

Tower Fan Features

• On-Off Timers: Oscillating tower fans can help keep you feeling considerably cooler than usual, but temperatures can drop through the night. If you want a tower fan that runs while you are falling asleep, but do not want it to run all night long in case it becomes too chilly, a tower fan with a timer is an excellent choice. Set the fan to turn on an hour or so before bed, and set the time to turn off after you have drifted to dreamland.
• Remote Control: Remote controls are a really popular feature for bedroom fans. When you’re snuggled in bed reading, surfing the web, or watching your favorite late-night show, the last thing you want to do is get up to turn on a fan just out of reach. When the room reaches its optimal temperature, and you’re ready to fall asleep, it’s equally annoying to climb out of bed to turn off the fan. With a remote-controlled fan, it’s easy to switch your tower fan on and off from the comfort of your bed.
• Fan Modes: Some tower fans have a mode (usually called ‘natural’ or ‘sleep’ mode) which varies the fan speed to simulate a natural breeze. Some also have a reduction mode, which switches the tower fan to the next lowest speed after 30 minutes. This is handy if you use a tower fan at night in your bedroom.
• Noise: The quieter the better, especially if you’re using the tower fan on a low speed at night while you sleep. Althought most tower fans are designed to be quiet, it’s better to look for the quietest tower fan possible if you’re shopping for the bedroom.

Other Features to Consider

• Tower fans are available in different heights to suit rooms of all sizes. The best tower fan for a larger room should be at least 40 inches.
• If you are shopping for a tower fan that you can use throughout your home or place of work, consider a model with an integrated carry handle as this will make your life easier when you come to move it.

The post The Best Tower Fans For Your Home appeared first on Green Living Blog.

The most significant benefit of evaporative air cooling is that the running cost is far lower than the air conditioning options. The best evaporative cooler can save you up to 80% on energy bills compared to an air conditioner.

However, the fact that there are still many questions surrounds swamp coolers. Many folks even don’t know what exactly an evaporative cooler is. This article walks you through everything you need to know before purchasing an evaporative cooler – what evaporative cooling is, how it works, what its advantages are, and how it can impact your budget.

In this article, we will also discuss some of the best evaporative coolers, best portable evaporative coolers on the market today that we think are worth your consideration.

• Top 8 best tower fans that are space-saving and extremely quiet

The Best Evaporative Coolers to Buy

	Product	Max. Airflow (CFM)	Coverage Area (sq.ft.)	Max. Wattage	Price
	Honeywell CO30XE Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler	525	320	150W	Check Price
	Luma Comfort EC110S Portable Evaporative Cooler	500	250	110W	Check Price
	Honeywell CS071AE Evaporative Air Cooler	176	100	32W	Check Price
	Honeywell CO60PM Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler	1540	850	220W	Check Price
	Hessaire MC18M Mobile Evaporative Cooler	1300	500	82W	Check Price
	Keystone 30 Liter Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler	418	600	200W	Check Price
	Evapolar evaLIGHT Personal Evaporative Air Cooler	-	45	10W	Check Price
	MasterCool MMBT14 Portable Evaporative Cooler	1600	800	-	Check Price
	Portacool PAC2K482S Portable Evaporative Cooler	20000	4000	1500W	Check Price

What’s an Evaporative Air Cooler?

Remember the chill after swimming on a hot, dry day, then getting out of the water and feeling the wind hitting your wet skin? Or simply try dipping your finger in a glass of water, then blowing air across your finger and feeling the cool sensation as the water evaporates. That’s what you get when using an evaporative cooler.

The early evaporative coolers were referred to as “swamp coolers” because of the high moisture content released into the air from the primitive technology. While today’s generation of evaporative coolers is engineered to achieve maximum cooling in exchange for minimal moisture content in the air, the term “swamp coolers” is still commonly used to describe any kind of evaporative cooler.

In the first half of the last century when signs advertising “refrigerated air” at hotels and restaurants heralded the arrival of traditional air conditioners, evaporative coolers had already been in use for many years.

How Do Evaporative Coolers Work?

Air coolers, or evaporative coolers, reduce temperatures in a different way. They pull in dry air and move it over water-moistened cooling pads or rigid cooling media where water is evaporated into the air.

During this process, the air is cooled up to 20 degrees. Then, the cool, rejuvenated air is circulated throughout your environment. Since the cool air is continually circulating and creating a breeze, your ambient temperature can feel four to six degrees lower than the actual temperature.

In an evaporative cooling unit, a control system operates the water pump and the fan distributes the cool air. The relative humidity is lowest in the afternoon when the temperature is at its highest. And the lower the humidity, the better the evaporative cooling effect. In other words, the cooling effect is best when you need it the most.

Video: How does an evaporative cooler work

Best Climates for Evaporative Coolers

The key to effectively cooling your home with an evaporative cooler is hot, dry air.

In fact, evaporative coolers are most effective during the hottest times of the day and when humidity levels are below 60 percent. However, evaporative coolers can work in humid conditions when they are used in outdoor conditions. Because of the potential for moisture build-up indoors, an open window or door is required for use and not recommended for indoor use in humid climates.

• Area A – Less than 30% Humidity: Optimum for all applications – both indoor and outdoor
• Area B – 31-60% Humidity: Portable evaporative coolers recommended for outdoor and indoor use.
• Area C – Greater than 60% Humidity: Evaporative coolers not recommended for indoor residential use, but very effective for all outdoor use and indoor commercial areas such as jobsites, warehouses, barns, and manufacturing facilities.

If you’re living in humid areas, consider these quiet portable air conditioners or quiet window air conditioners. If you’re looking for an air conditioner that is virtually silent, consider ductless mini-split air conditioners.

Evaporative Coolers VS. Air Conditioners

Evaporative coolers and air conditioners both serve the same important purpose: keeping us cool. But these two types of air conditioning operate very differently. Understanding the difference can help get the most out of any system and minimize energy.

Air conditioners work by taking humidity out of the air. These systems produce cold, dry air and work best in an airtight environment. Air conditioners are easy to move and great for spot cooling in single rooms like bedrooms. They need to be vented to get rid of warm air created during the cooling process.

Evaporative coolers, on the other hand, cools air through the evaporation of water. They work best in warm, dry areas with a small amount of outside air circulates into space. They don’t need to be vented outside.

The major advantage of an evaporative cooler is that its operating costs are typically much less than those of an air conditioner. As being said, the best evaporative coolers can save you up to 80% on energy bills. Along with lower unit costs and lower operating, evaporative cooling can also be a perfect, ozone-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning. However, traditional air conditioners tend to have more features (like heat modes, digital thermostats, and programmable timers) and will circulate cold air continuously irrespective of the outdoor temperature and humidity level.

Air conditioning is unaffected by outdoor conditions, while many evaporative coolers can be used indoors or outdoors. For example, the Honeywell 525 CFM Indoor Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler (this is also our pick as the best portable evaporative cooler for most people.)

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Bottom line:

Air conditioners are best suited to cooling small to medium sealed spaces; because it works by continually recirculating and cooling the air inside the room, doors and windows must be kept closed.

Evaporative coolers are best suited to medium to large open space areas with good ventilation and air movement. It can be used in small rooms and offices but adequate ventilation must be provided, either by opening doors and windows, or fitting mechanical supply fans.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Evaporative Coolers

Advantages of Evaporative Coolers

• Cheaper price and more energy efficiency: A typical evaporative cooler costs up to 50% less to purchase than an equivalent window air conditioner and up to 70% -90% less to run.
• Constant supply of fresh moist air: Evaporative cooling does not dry out the air like refrigerated air conditioning. Maintaining natural humidity levels prevents flowers, furniture, fabrics, and foodstuffs from drying out. Static electricity from building up. Complaints from workers about sore throats, dry eyes and running noses.
• Cheaper installation and maintenance costs: The simplicity of an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler when compared to an air conditioner also translates to cheaper installation and maintenance costs. It does not have a compressor and operation revolves chiefly around a fan and a water pump. There are also no special working fluids, especially refrigerants.
• Environment-friendly: swamp coolers are an ideal solution for keeping cool without harming the environment. Unlike air conditioners that use refrigerants to cool your home, swamp coolers use a natural process that cools the air using motion and water. This process won’t add ozone-harming pollutants or other chemicals to the environment.

Disadvantages of Evaporative Coolers

• Need to open windows or vents to outside: The single biggest disadvantage of evaporative coolers is their dependence on a constant supply of fresh air. Without it, the air in the room will become damp, the cooling effect will be reduced and eventually stop completely, and condensation will form.
• Unsuitable for high humidity: Typical evaporative coolers can create too much humidification. The result is increasing thermal discomfort. That’s why an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler for indoor uses should come with the humidifier feature.
• Requires more maintenance than an air conditioner: The filter and water curtains of the portable evaporative cooler should be cleaned once every 2 weeks with lukewarm water and a mild detergent to avoid dust, dirt, mold, and mildew build-up, especially if the device has been used for long periods of time.
• Another drawback to evaporative coolers is they use a substantial amount of water to provide their cooling effect. In dry areas, this consumption can put a real strain on water supplies.

In spite of the fact that evaporative coolers may not be the best cooling option for all of us, there is no doubt that they do provide energy savings and reduce the risk of damage to the environment. So even if we all can’t use an evaporative cooler, we all do benefit from the energy conservation and environmental protection they provide

Best Evaporative Coolers Reviews

1. Honeywell CO30XE Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Evaporative Cooler All-Round

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Enjoy a cool and refreshing space indoors or out with the Honeywell CO30XE Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler! This portable swamp cooler is ideal for cooling small to medium-sized areas up to 320 square feet.

With features such as a high-capacity 8-gallon water tank, powerful yet efficient motor, ice compartment for refreshingly cool air, adjustable humidity control, and an all-weather design, the Honeywell CO30XE  is the best evaporative cooler for the bedroom, living area, den, porch, or patio. This is also one of the most popular indoor swamp coolers on the market.

Designed with user-friendly features, the Honeywell CO30XE has a powerful airflow at 525 CFM. A user-friendly LED control panel with angled viewing as well as a full-featured remote control makes operating the CO30XE a breeze.

You can easily set the fan speed to one of 3 desired speeds – high, medium or low by pressing the Speed button on the remote or the control panel. The Swing button controls the movement of the vertical louvers for optimum air circulation across a wider radius. Plus, a side handle and locking casters make it easy to move the cooler from spot to spot. There is also an adjustable humidification knob & ice compartment for faster cooling.

2. Luma Comfort EC110S Portable Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler

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The Luma Comfort EC110S Portable Evaporative Cooler is a great alternative to using a portable air conditioner. This indoor portable swamp cooler is light, easy to use, easy to move around, and does a very good job at cooling smaller spaces up to 250 sq.ft.

Much like a standalone fan, but it seems to be much more efficient than a regular fan. Using the water and ice packs adds an even cooler punch that is very noticeable. This evaporative cooler can lower the indoor temperature by as much as 30 degrees F.

Using as much electricity as a standard ceiling fan, the Luma Comfort EC110S adds a refreshing breeze wherever you need it while also helping to control peak-season energy costs. If you run it eight hours a day for three months a year, you can expect to pay only about $10 annually for the electricity it uses – that’s even less than it costs to run a smallest window air conditioner available.

This model comes with a 1.76 gallons water tank, which isn’t particularly large. However, its size makes it easy to carry when you refill it. We like that the cooler has a water level detector that senses when the tank is low and alerts you when it’s time to refill the reservoir. The cooler automatically turns itself off if the water dips below the minimum level so the unit doesn’t malfunction.

3. Honeywell CS071AE Evaporative Air Cooler Review

Most Energy-Efficient Evaporative Cooler

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If you’re looking for a portable model that has super low energy consumption, then look no further, this is the best evaporative cooler for you. The Honeywell CS071AE Evaporative Air Cooler consumes only 32-watts of power at highest speed (uses about 1/10th the energy of a 5000 BTU window air conditioner) and offers an automatic shutoff timer for additional energy savings.

With Patented Brushless motor technology that offers 5 speeds with Low Energy-Quiet Mode that minimizes energy consumption, with energy consumption ranging between 7.4W and 32W from its lowest to highest setting, the Honeywell CS071AE is one of the most efficient evaporative coolers money can buy.

The Honeywell CS071AE Evaporative Air Cooler features a 3-in-1 design that provides cooling, humidification, fan. It delivers 176 CFM maximum airflow which is ideal for cooling small indoor spaces up to 100 square feet with a 1.85-gallon tank. Designed for simplicity and quick cooling, this evaporative cooler features easy to use controls and modes, including sleep timer, shut-off timer, adjustable swing, three-fan speed setting. You can make changes from across the room using its included remote.

4. Honeywell CO60PM Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Outdoor Evaporative Cooler

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The Honeywell CO60PM Portable Evaporative Cooler is ideal for cooling large semi-outdoor or outdoor spaces. With a powerful motor that produces 1540 CFM airflow plus a large 15.9-gallon tank, and a weather-resistant coating, this is one of the best evaporative coolers for cooling a variety of large outdoor spaces (up to 850 square feet) such as patios, decks, outdoor BBQ areas, and backyards or large indoor space such as restaurants, warehouses, and large dining rooms.

With a powerful fan, this unit can blow cool air up to 12 yards away. The CO60PM’s 16-inch automatic oscillating louvers distribute that powerful airflow evenly. These louvers can be set to swing left and right automatically for even distribution of cool air.

Not just a fan – this swamp cooler reduces temperature through water evaporation provided by a large 15.9-gallon water tank. You may also choose to use a continuous water supply connection. This connection has a built-in overflow protection system, so you can connect any standard water hose and feel comfortable with unattended operation. This feature is perfect for more demanding commercial and outdoor applications because operation requires less maintenance.

While this swamp outdoor air cooler has a waterproof and weather resistant exterior, it also comes equipped with wheels to easily move it indoors or outdoors. It will hold up during extreme outdoor conditions like heavy rain or strong sunlight—so wheel it wherever you need it! Also, there is a control panel on the front you can use to adjust the fan speed and the direction of the airflow.

Note: This swamp cooler requires 220 watts of power to run.

5. Hessaire MC18M Mobile Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Evaporative Cooler for Large Rooms

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Alabama-based Hessaire provides some of the best portable evaporative coolers on the market that are known for durability. The Hessaire’s MC18M Evaporative Cooler is compact in size, pleasing in aesthetics and the performance exceeds coolers of a much larger size. This product is made in the USA  and it is an excellent, surprisingly energy efficient option for cooling large indoor rooms and covered areas.

As the smallest swamp cooler from Hessaire, the MC18M Evaporative Cooler can efficiently cool off any area up to 500 square feet. Despite it has a high airflow rating of 1,300 CFM, it’s surprisingly energy efficient, using only 82 watts of power. For comparison, the Luma Comfort EC110S can only cool half as much space as the MC18M and uses 110 watts.

This performance is achieved through expanding air-intake areas to the hi-density XeL50 rigid media. The hi-density XeL50 media provides 80% more evaporation surface compared to regular density media. This means higher evaporation efficiency and cooler temperatures. Patented axial prop is energy efficient and throws cool air farther.

The Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Cooler is easy to use with a manual water fill compartment or continuous fill with hose hookup. With 2 different water filling options, you’ll enjoy your evaporative cooler just got easier. Manually fill the swamp cooler for indoor use by accessing the water reservoir through the front spring-loaded water fill door. Fill until you reached your desired level or until full using the water level display. Get refreshing air up to 3 – 4 hours.

Automatically pump water through a direct water source or a standard hose by attaching the hose to the back of the unit. Secure the included hose adaptor to any standard household hose and fasten to the protruding float valve on the back of the cooler, and you’re ready for hours of continuous use.

6. Keystone 30 Liter Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler w/ Wifi Review

Best Small Evaporative Cooler

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Looks exactly like one of Keystone’s small portable air conditioning units, this Keystone 30 Liter Evaporative Cooler is actually a compact portable evaporative cooler that is designed for space up to 600 square feet indoors and outdoors. This is perfect for those who are looking for a strong evaporative air cooler without taking up too much space.

This indoor evaporative cooler offers ideal cooling through 4 different fan speeds and 3 wind modes for personalized comfort. As this air cooler is WiFi capable, you can control all functions and modes of the cooler via your phone, or multiple phones with a shared password. You can set the timer to shut-off the cooler up to 7.5 hours in advance, or set the preprogrammed breezes – natural, normal, or sleep.

This small swamp cooler features dual water fill options. Designed with a rear garden hose hook-up, this cooler features an internal water float to regulate the flow of water into the 7.9-gallon water tank. If used indoors, the side opening door allows you to use a watering can or cup to fill the water tank. Other features include low water protection indicator, clean filter indicator, prefilter, and wheels.

7. Evapolar evaLIGHT Personal Evaporative Air Cooler Review

Best Mini Evaporative Cooler

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The Evapolar evaLIGHT Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is one of the smallest evaporative coolers you can get, making it the best evaporative cooler option for the office or small workspace. With modest power requirements and an impressive cooling ability, it helps keep you comfortable without costing as much as larger portable air coolers. But the Evapolar is designed for personal use only, so if you want to climate control an entire room, you’ll want to look into other bigger models

Measuring 6.7 by 6.7 by 6.9 inches (HWD) and weighing 2.9 pounds, the Evapolar evaLIGHT no bigger than a desk fan. It is truly portable and can be powered by a power bank or a laptop, consumes only 10W of electricity. It has a 750mL water tank and colorful LED lighting. Using the display and the control wheel, you can choose between different shades of blue, green, red, and white.

With noise level varies between 28 to 40dB, this mini evaporative cooler is extremely quiet – actually the quietest evaporative cooler we’ve ever seen. So if you want to add an evaporative cooler into your small bedroom or home office, this is an ideal choice.

8. MasterCool MMBT14 Portable Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Evaporative Cooler for Garages & Shops

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If you’re looking for a portable air cooling solution for heavy-duty jobs such as cooling garages, workshops, and other large spaces, try an American-made MasterCool MMBT14 Portable Evaporative Cooler. Durable and superbly engineered, this Champion air cooler is effective even in the most rugged conditions.

This powerful evaporative cooler comes with a 1/2 HP motor and cools areas up to 800 square feet at 1600 CFM. It works both indoors and outdoors and even functions as a fan by adjusting a simple control. In fan mode, it has a high setting and a low setting. It also has a 2-speed fan with a 4-way directional air grille, giving you more control over airflow direction for wider coverage.

9. Portacool PAC2K482S Portable Evaporative Cooler Review

Best Industrial Evaporative Cooler

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Keep temperatures comfortable in commercial, industrial, and outdoor settings with the Portacool PAC2K482S Portable Evaporative Cooler. Designed to withstand extreme and rugged environments, this industrial air cooler is designed with powerful airflow, large tanks, and dual fill options while keeping spaces such as outdoor events, job sites, warehouses, workshops, kennels, and stables cool.

Delivers 20000 CFM of cooling comfort, the Portacool PAC2K482S can easily cool up to 4000 square feet – enough for job sites with up to 30 workers. This unit has a 40-gallon capacity with a convenient garden hose connection. Heavy-duty casters make it portable and easy to move.

How to Choose The Best Evaporative Cooler

Types of Evaporative Coolers

When buying an evaporative cooler, it’s important to note that there are two main types of evaporative coolers. They are as follows:

Portable Evaporative Coolers (Outdoor & Indoor):

Portable evaporative coolers are better designed for smaller rooms or spaces in a home, and can effectively cool up to 1000 square feet of living space. Portable evaporative coolers are typically equipped with casters that make moving from space to space simple and easy. If you need something with more mobility, this is the best evaporative cooler type to get.

Window Evaporative Coolers:

Commonly referred to as “Through-The-Wall” units, these are designed to cool either single rooms, whole houses, or even garages. They are permanently installed into the window or mounted onto the roof, are hooked up to the home’s water supply, and essentially become a complete alternative to central air.

Most window-mounted evaporative swamp coolers come ready to install and include the necessary installation hardware. Many models can be easily installed in horizontal or vertical slider windows. If you’re looking for a window evaporative cooler, Champion offers some of the best window evaporative coolers on the market that are known for quality and durability, such as the Essick Air RN50W Window Evaporative Cooler.

How to Choose the Right Size

An evaporative cooler will be rated based on the amount of airflow that it’s able to provide over a given space. And the measurements are done in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A high CFM is best for large spaces. The chart below matches CFM with room size.

Manufacturers recommend that a properly sized unit should be able to change the air in a house 20 to 40 times in an hour. You can determine the proper size unit for your home by calculating the cubic feet in your home (i.e., 1500 square foot house with 8-foot ceilings is 12,000 cubic feet) and dividing that number by 2. So in this case, the 12,000 cubic foot house will require a 6000 CFM evaporative cooler.

Manufacturers such as Honeywell have a wide selection of portable evaporative coolers that are feature-rich, with models in a range of CFM to satisfy a full range of room sizes.

The post Best Evaporative Coolers, Swamp Air Coolers To Buy appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Compared to window air conditioners and portable air conditioners, ceiling fans are downright cheap. The average cost of running a ceiling fan is about one cent per hour—a fraction of the cost to run an air conditioner. Using ceiling fans throughout the home greatly reduces energy costs, while also providing comfort year-round.

In the summer, ceiling fans help in air circulation, removing the hot air and making room for cold air in your home. In the winter, ceiling fans improve air circulation for uniform heat distribution. They can run in reverse (clockwise) to draw the cold air up towards the ceiling and push the warm air down.

There are other benefits to incorporating ceiling fans into your home’s design that go beyond providing comfort and lowering electric bill. Ceiling fans can serve as a style driven accessory of a room. Some come with beautiful lighting allow you to contribute to the layered lighting design of your room.

However, like many other seemingly simple household appliances, ceiling fans actually come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and finishes – choosing the best electric ceiling fan for your home can be a daunting task. This ceiling fan review and buying guide is designed to help make your choice easier.

1. Best Ceiling Fan Overall:

Hunter 53091 Builder Deluxe Ceiling Fan

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Great functionality and an unbeatable price combine with unmatched quality, style, and whisper-quiet performance, the Hunter 53091 Builder Deluxe Ceiling Fan is our pick as the best indoor ceiling fan for most people.

A mainstay in the Hunter product line, the Hunter 53091 features reversible (clockwise) three-speed WhisperWind motor technology to deliver quiet and ultra-powerful performance. Reversible motor allows you to change the direction of your fan from downdraft mode during the summer to updraft mode during the winter.

The fan has a new bronze finish with five reversible blades in Brazilian cherry and stained oak finishes, giving you a versatile look that can suit a number of decor styles. Two 60-Watt candelabra bulbs are housed in a glass bowl shade with a white finish for a look of casual elegance, enhancing the ambiance of your room.

You can install this Hunter indoor ceiling fan with a standard, flush or angle mounted position. It’s included 3” and 2” downrods to ensure proper distance from the ceiling and optimize air movement. You can use it with light or without light kit. However, this fan does not come with a remote, but it works perfectly with a universal ceiling fan remote control, such as Fnado F2-U Universal Ceiling Fan Lamp Remote Controller or Lutron Fan Control and Dimmer Kit.

Video: How To Install a Hunter 5xxxx Series Model Ceiling Fan

2. Best Budget Ceiling Fan with Light:

Hampton Bay AL383-BN 52-Inch Ceiling Fan

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The Hampton Bay AL383-BN 52-Inch Ceiling Fan has an affordable price, but it can accommodate most interior rooms, even rooms up to 15 ft. x 15 ft., as it has five reversible blades that produce 4670 CFM maximum airflow with 3 speeds. On its highest speed, this fan is relatively quiet. The middle speed is much quieter, and the low speed is practically silent. So if you’re looking for a quiet ceiling fan for the bedroom, this budget-friendly ceiling fan is a good choice.

The Hampton Bay AL383-BN is designed for flush-mount installations when ceiling height is of concern. Its contemporary brushed nickel finish is complemented by both the walnut blade finish and the maple blade finish for a beautiful aesthetic in your space. The opal frosted dome light fixture includes a 9-watt LED bulb that provides dim illumination.

3. Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light:

Hunter Key Biscayne Outdoor Fan with Light

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Outfitted with a blade finish reminiscent of aged beachwood, rustic weathered finishes, and a lantern-style light kit, the Key Biscayne from Hunter Fan brings a touch of the Maritimes to your space. This is a perfect outdoor ceiling fan for any indoor room or covered outdoor space exposed to moisture and humidity.

The Key Biscayne is damp-rated, not wet-rated, which means you can use it as an indoor or outdoor ceiling fan in spaces exposed to moisture and humidity such as porches, patios, sunrooms, and bathrooms, not for where rain could reach it.

This outdoor ceiling fan features stainless steel hardware to resist rust. It includes 5 reversible 54-inch blades powered by a three-speed WhisperWind motor to provide strong air movement with quiet performance. The fan also includes an integrated light kit with painted cased white glass, two 14-Watt standard medium base CFL bulbs included.

One thing to note: Outdoor ceiling fans (like this one) may be used indoors, but indoor ceiling fans won’t survive outside.

4. Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan without Light:

Casa Delta-Wing Bronze Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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If you are looking for an outdoor ceiling fan without a light kit, this nice looking ceiling fan from Casa Vieja is a no-brainer. Even though it is more expensive than others, its real wood blades look awesome. These wood blades are finished in walnut are paired with an oil-rubbed bronze finish motor. They look simple but elegant, no fussy ornamentation and will fit nicely in any of your unique exterior styles. This fan is UL listed for damp locations such as covered outdoor patios.

More importantly, the Casa Delta-Wing Bronze is super quiet and powerful. With 52″ blade span and the CFM/airflow rating is 6225, it provides plenty of air movement.

Plus, the design of the Casa Delta-Wing Bronze makes it one of the best ceiling fans for windy areas. The blade arm is very sturdy and the wood blades themselves are thick and durable and not easily broken in high wind. If you live in a windy area, we’d highly recommend this fan or other outdoor ceiling fans with blades that are durable enough to handle high wind, otherwise you are most likely going to replace blades every time the winds blow by.

Finally, install the Casa Delta-Wing Bronze is easy and straightforward. The only addition to this that is a little different from a normal outdoor ceiling fan is adding the remote control unit in the middle of the wiring but the directions guide you through this process and it is not a big deal.

5. Best Wet-Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fan:

Hunter Rainsford Premier Bronze Ceiling Fan 52-Inch

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Regarded as one of the best outdoor ceiling fans from Hunter, the Rainsford’s casual design and universal appeal will fit with almost any decor style. Made with stainless steel hardware, this wet-rated ceiling fan is perfect for uncovered areas or spaces exposed directly to weather like patios and pergolas. It’s designed to withstand direct rain contact and other extreme elements of outdoor environments.

The Hunter Rainsford features 5 premier bronze plastic blades powered by a reversible, three-speed Direct Drive motor – which is known for durability, reliability and quiet operation. Reversible motor allows you to change the direction of your fan from downdraft mode during the summer to updraft mode during the winter.

The Rainsford is not manufactured with a light kit as well as a remote control, however, the fan will be compatible with Hunter accessory light kits and control that can be easily found online. Remember that if you are installing the fan outdoors, you would need to use an outdoor light kit.

6. Quietest Ceiling Fan for Bedrooms:

Matthews Irene Hugger Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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If there’s extra room in the budget, or if you’re shopping for the bedroom, the Matthews Irene Outdoor Ceiling Fan one of the best ceiling fans to buy.

This fan is well known for its smooth and super quiet performance. It has 3 blades that run on 6 different speeds. The fan is virtually silent on low speeds, and even on the highest speed setting, you can barely hear the noise. We would say this is one of the quietest ceiling fans on the market. So if what you want is a quiet ceiling fan that not only provides you with maximum comfort but won’t bother you when you’re sleeping, this is just may be what you’re looking for.

The Matthews Irene hugger outdoor ceiling fan features three solid wood, walnut-stained machine-cut blades in 42″, 52″ or 60″ diameter. It comes with both a remote and a wall control that is permanently installed.

Overall, even though this fan is much more expensive than others, it has a luxury beautiful looking and offers many great features that make it worth your investment. It is also extremely smooth and quiet.

7. Best Bedroom Ceiling Fan with Dimmable Lights:

Fanimation Beckwith FP7964BN Ceiling Fan

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This is another great quiet ceiling fan for your bedroom. But unlike traditional ceiling fans, the Fanimation Beckwith combines a decorative drum pendant with a 3-blade fan, giving your bedroom a retro vibe with a sleek, contemporary edge. And the fan comes with four dimmable Candelabra Halogen (B10) Frosted Bulbs 43 watts that are not very bright but suitable for a bedroom.

The fan is controllable from two-way switches: remote control and wall control (included), while the lights use the included remote control. The remote allows both on and off the lights as well as dimming functions. The dimming range goes from very low to full lighting.

8. Best Ceiling Fan for Living Rooms:

Minka-Aire F844-DK LightWave Ceiling Fan

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One of the nicest looking ceiling fans we’ve ever seen is the Minka-Aire F844-DK LightWave Ceiling Fan. This fan has a fresh innovative look with a truly unique design that draws inspiration from the ocean’s graceful and tubular wave formations. The distressed koa finish blades and the integrated energy efficient LED light source flow flawlessly in with the design. This ceiling fan adds a flare and style to your living space that will have your guests asking where they can find one.

The LightWave is made of wood painted plastic, not real wood. The wood painted plastic construction makes the fan super lightweight and extremely quiet. This fan is built for indoor use only. It uses a uses 17 watts dimmable LED light.

The handy handheld remote control offers independent light and speed controls. If you’re tired of using the remote control and you want to include your traditional ceiling fan in your automated home system, the Bond Smart Wi-Fi Fan Remote Hub is the simplest and quickest way to do so.

Bond Smart Wi-Fi Fan Remote Hub, it enables you to control your ceiling fan, along with the lighting that goes with it. Bond is compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home when used. Bond works with Alexa and other compatible smart home products.

9. Best Ceiling Fan with Bright Light:

Hunter 59307 Mill Valley Ceiling Fan 52″

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If you’re looking for a ceiling fan with light that is bright enough to lighten up a room, the Hunter 59307 Mill Valley Ceiling Fan might be your best bet. This fan uses a vintage-style energy-efficient LED Edison bulb put in a white hood reflector that helps to maximize light. You can even sit under this ceiling fan in your reading chair while enjoying your favorite books.

This ceiling fan features an industrial and rustic design with details including the vintage-looking rivets securing the blades, coin-edge thumbscrews, and barn-style open hood light. It features 5 walnut stripe/medium finish reversible blades powered by Hunter’s WhisperWind motor.

The Mill Valley is available in a variety of finishes and mounting options to customize the look of your room while maintaining a consistent style throughout your home. The fan itself is damp-rated so it can be used for areas exposed to high-level moisture and humidity. You can use it for indoor rooms or covered outdoor spaces.

10. Best Ceiling Fan for Small Rooms:

Harbor Breeze Mazon 44-in Indoor Ceiling Fan

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The Harbor Breeze Mazon 44-in Indoor Ceiling Fan comes light kit and a remote and it’s our picks as the best ceiling fan for a small room. With its sleek mid-body layout, this fan has a contemporary take on the traditional ceiling fan. The design is coherent, compact, and able to fit perfectly in a small space, small bedroom, or home office.

This compact flush mount ceiling fan is ideal for rooms with low ceilings. It has 3 blades powered by a 3-speed reversible motor. The motor is smooth and really quiet with no vibration at all. The fan comes with both remote and wall control. It features matte opal glass light kit includes one 18-watt LED bulb to provide ample illumination.

However, the light is very dim and it’s not good for reading or for the family room or living room. Since this ceiling fan is compact and very quiet, it’s a very good choice for the bedroom.

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11. Best Ceiling Fan for Mid-Sized Rooms:

Westinghouse Harmony 48-Inch Indoor Ceiling Fan

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This unique ceiling fan is ideal for rooms up to 225 square feet (15 feet by 15 feet) with standard 8-foot ceilings. Thanks to its powerful silicon steel motor with triple capacitor, this 48-inch two blades ceiling fan pushes more air than many 52-inch ceiling fans on the market.

The fan provides airflow of up to 4,881 cubic feet per minute (cfm). It is rated to operate at 53 watts at high speed (without the lights), which gives it an airflow efficiency rating of 92 cfm per watt. As a comparison, many 52-inch ceiling fans have airflow ranging from approximately 4,000 to 4,500 cfm (65 to 72 cfm per watt) at high speed.

You’re also going to be impressed with how quiet this ceiling fan is on low and medium speed. It’s virtually silent, even with your ear an inch away. Even at high speed, it only makes a gentle hum and some wind noise. But most of the time we tend to run our ceiling fans at low and medium speed.

The Westinghouse Harmony ceiling fan is remote control adaptable (sold separately) and comes with everything you need for installation, including a 6 in. downrod, a 78 in. lead wire, and two 40-Watt light bulbs. The fan is backed by a lifetime motor warranty and a 2-year warranty on all other parts.

12. Best Ceiling Fan for Large Rooms:

Hunter 55042 Stockbridge Ceiling Fan 70″

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The Hunter Stockbridge traditional ceiling fan is designed in a New Bronze finish and includes reversible walnut and Medium Oak blades. With its 70-inch blade span, this fan is perfect for large rooms like your great room, office, workshop, or any room over 20 by 20 feet.

This stylish ceiling fan fits well with nearly any decor, and with its reversible blades, you can change its look easily. The motor creates strong air circulation while operating quietly. It can be installed simply, either with or without its light kit. The Stockbridge is not manufactured with a remote, however, any universal nine series Hunter remote will be compatible with this fan.

The Stockbridge ceiling fan includes Bowl light kit with Snowflake Scavo glass. It uses 3 60W incandescent bulbs to give you control of the ambiance in your space. You can control dimming with a handheld remote or wall control. The fan’s Installer’s Choice three-position mounting system allows for hanging the fan in a standard, flush, or angled position.

13. Best Commercial/Industrial Ceiling Fan:

Big Ass Fans 3025 Silver and Yellow Shop Ceiling Fan

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The name might be funny, but the Big Ass Fans 3025 Silver and Yellow Shop Ceiling Fan is actually an impressive, economical and energy efficient ceiling fan for workshops, small manufacturing facilities and industrial spaces. This big ceiling fan can provide cooling air over the same area as 42 standard ceiling fans at a fraction of the operating cost. It’s considered as one of the best ceiling fans on the market today for any large indoor space up to 55 x 55 ft. = 3025 ft. and ceilings ranging from 13 to 25 ft.

The Big Ass Fans ceiling fan is designed for shops in need of some serious air movement. It features gearless, direct drive motor offers efficient, reliable and quiet operation. Its patented airfoil system includes six airfoils and cuffed winglets that maximize performance and efficiency. The fan includes a wall-mountable variable speed controller which offers fully-adjustable airflow in 1% increments to 100%.

We are sure that when it comes to industrial ceiling fans, there is no better choice than Big Ass Fan’s ceiling fans. Easy installation, superb performance, and year-round energy savings. Don’t let the name fool you –  if you got the space for one, you won’t be disappointed.

14. Best Low Profile Ceiling Fan for Very Low Ceilings:

Emerson Prima Snugger Low Profile Ceiling Fan 52″

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The Prima Snugger ceiling fan is a beautiful compliment to the traditional “downrod” version of the Prima Ceiling Fan (CF901). This “snugger” version is a direct-to-ceiling mount fan and provides an updated and thoughtful solution for rooms with lower ceiling clearance where flush-mounting is desirable. This low profile ceiling fan is designed to fit close to the ceiling – just 8 inches from ceiling to the blade, making it ideal for rooms with very low ceilings, such as the basement, garage, or attic.

The Prima Snugger features 52″ blade span and it’s suitable for medium-sized rooms. It has 5 oil-rubbed bronze blades powered by a high-efficiency reversible motor. The fan comes with a convenient wall control with four fan speeds. For an additional control point for your fan, you can purchase a four-speed remote control (SR400).

You can install this ceiling fan with or without light. It’s compatible with any of the LKGLO Series LED Light Fixtures – Emerson’s most energy efficient and longer-lasting light fixtures.

15. Best Ceiling Fan for High Ceilings:

Emerson Aira Eco Modern Ceiling Fan

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The Emerson Aira Eco is a high-quality indoor/outdoor ceiling fan that is made of reflective metallic housing and weather-resistant Walnut finished blades. With its expansive 8-blade design and 72” blade span powered by Emerson’s EcoMotor, this fan is designed to move a lot of air efficiently in large rooms or rooms with higher ceilings. Beneath the blades is an integrated Halogen light kit that is diffused by an opal matte glass shade for warm, ambient lighting.

The blades of this ceiling fan are made of a very strong fiberglass composite to keep them from bending down over time, as these blades are very long. These blades have a really nice, great quality mounting bracket system wherein the blades mount to the housing flat but the blades have a crease that bends the blades down to collect and then push the air down. Because of this, this ceiling fan pushes a huge amount of cooling air down, making it the best ceiling fan for spacious rooms, great rooms, large living rooms, open areas, patios, or rooms with high ceiling rooms.

The Emerson Aira Eco includes a 6-speed LED remote wall control that allows you to easily select fan speed, light intensity, and airflow direction. The wall control works off the receiver and is not hard-wired. It sets up like a remote.

16. Best Smart WiFi Ceiling Fan:

Haiku Home L Series 52″ Smart WiFi Ceiling Fan

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If you’re looking for a ceiling fan model that allows you to control your fan through your phone or Amazon Alexa commands, there is no better choice than the Haiku Home L Series 52″ Smart WiFi Ceiling Fan by Big Ass Fan. With this ceiling fan, you can set and adjust the fan speed, turn the light on or off, by using the Haiku Home mobile app, or by saying “Alexa, turn on my fan”, or simply using an included handheld remote.

This smart ceiling fan is also compatible with Nest thermostat when used with the Wall Control (sold separately). The Wall Control with SenseMe technology adds more functionality to the fan. It detects when you enter or exit a room and turns the fan on and off automatically. The device also monitors the room’s temperature and automatically adjusts the fan’s speed when there’s a change in temperature and humidity.

The Haiku L Series Smart ceiling fan is available in matte black, glossy white, caramel and cocoa finishes adding a touch of modern sophistication to any space. With an integrated LED and 16 brightness setting, you can adjust the light output to fit every occasion. Ten unique control settings allow you to choose the fan speed, timer, sleep mode, and Whoosh mode.

The Sleep Mode automatically adjusts your fan’s speed to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the night while the Gradually Awake Mode offers a pleasant wake-up call with a combination of air, light, and sound. The Whoosh Mode mimics a natural breeze to make you feel cooler. The motor design offers an energy-efficient and noise-free performance.

You’ll love this fan, it is the best smart WiFi ceiling fan money can buy today. It’s a fantastic ceiling fan with many great features that will make your home unique. We love the Alexa option for this fan, even though it may take some time to set up, but the Big Ass Fan company also offers wonderful customer support if you get stuck. This fan is also extremely quiet and we’re sure well worth the extra money.

17. Best Ceiling Fan for Kitchens:

28″ Hana Bay Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan

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Keep your cool air while cooking with the 28″ Hana Bay Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan from Casa Vieja. While it’s small, it’s very powerful without making any noise. Plus, its integrated light kit is really bright and it would be bright enough for a small kitchen.

This fan features a 3-speed motor with pull-chain operation. It includes a 5″ downrod, but it’s also dual mountable. The dual mount feature provides you the option of mounting the fan with a down rod or low profile (without downrod) where the fan sits semi-flush against the ceiling.

• Read More: The best faucets for the kitchen that you’ll love

18. Best Ceiling Fan for Bathrooms:

Monte Carlo Micro White Ceiling Fan 24”

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The Micro 24″ ceiling fan by Monte Carlo is a petite fan that is ideal for very small rooms or tiny areas. Its dual mount system allows for a flush mount on low ceilings. The damp rating allows it to be installed in rooms with high humidity. All of these things make this fan the best choice for bathrooms or laundry rooms or even outdoors.

The Monte Carlo Micro 24 fan features three-speed pull chain operation with a manual reverse switch and is also compatible with the NEO remote control (either handheld or wall mount) sold separately. This fan includes 3 white blades and comes light fixture adaptable.

19. Best Ceiling Fan for Kids Room:

Westinghouse Roundabout Ceiling Fan

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For kids rooms, nothing beats the Westinghouse Roundabout 30 in. Ceiling Fan. Featuring 5 reversible blades, one side a fun mix of colors, this ceiling fan will add lively and joyful to your child bedroom. It’s ideal for rooms up to 100 square feet (10 by 10 feet) with standard or sloped ceilings.

The Roundabout features a brushed nickel finish and an integrated opal frosted glass fixture that beguiles with ambient, easy light. As effective as it is stylish, this fan relies on a silicon steel motor with dual capacitor to provide powerful, quiet circulation. Three fan speeds and a reversible switch help keep your kids comfortable year-round.

20. Best Ceiling Fan for Garage:

Air King 9718 18-Inch Industrial Grade Ceiling Mount Fan

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The Air King 9718 is the perfect air circulation solution for areas with limited floor and ceiling space, like your garage, workshop, or warehouse. This fan is an industrial grade 18-inch ceiling mounted fan that includes a 3-speed motor with the ability to circulate air up to 3190 CFM. With a pivoting head, it can disperse airflow throughout a garage in any direction of your choosing.

Air King 9718 is built tough. It features durable powder-coated steel grilles, blades, and mounts for long lasting durability. The rotary switches located on the back allow you to turn the fan on or off and change between 3 speeds. The fully enclosed, permanently lubricated motor with a split capacitor provides a quiet performance and produces a lot of air flow.

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21. Best Chandelier Ceiling Fan:

Parrot Uncle Retractable Chandelier Ceiling Fan

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If you’re searching for a fancy ceiling fan with lights resembling diamonds, the Parrot Uncle Retractable Chandelier Ceiling Fan is for you. This chandelier ceiling fan combines elegant lighting design with cooling ventilation to create a fan that is both eye-catching and functional in any room indoors or outdoors.

It provides the perfect solution to homeowners who struggle with the question of whether to install an overhead fan or a modern crystal lighting fixture in their house. Do not confuse these ornate overhead accessories as being a simple hanging lamp. This chandelier ceiling fan is lavishly detailed with fancy metal flourishes, draping crystals and tier lighting.

The Parrot Uncle Retractable Chandelier ceiling fan features 4 retractable acrylic blades, which stretch out and retract automatically when the fan is on and off. When switched off, these blades automatically retract and conceal, and visually the unit transforms into a slim, modern chandelier.

As for a LED crystal chandelier, it has a 32 watt LED light kit, including 9 bulbs in total, 4000 Kelvin, replaceable but not dimmable. This chandelier fan is controlled by remote control, ceiling fan speed and LED light can be controlled separately by a single remote control.

22. Best Modern Ceiling Fan:

Monte Carlo Maverick Modern Ceiling Fan

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For an ultra-sleek and modern addition to your living room, bedrooms, and beyond, look for Monte Carlo’s Maverick Ceiling Fan designed with three blades. With a seamless blend of metallic and natural wood tones, hand-carved balsa wood blades, this modern ceiling fan offers a distinct silhouette with a minimalistic housing body and softly rounded blade edges, enhancing your space’s contemporary ambiance.

The Maverick has a 60″ blade span and a 3-blade design that delivers a distinct profile and incredible airflow for large spaces. Compared to four- or five-blade fans, this 3-blade ceiling fan provides the same peak performance, air movement, and whisper-quiet, wobble-free performance. It includes a hand-held remote with six speeds and reverses.

Additionally, Maverick is an ENERGY STAR certified ceiling fan. Meant it is up to 40% more efficient than conventional ceiling fans. Powered with an energy-saving DC motor (as opposed to the older AC motors), it alternates among six speeds, uses only 27 watts of energy. Not only is this one of the best ceiling fans with an attractive modern design, but also one of the most energy efficient ceiling fans money can buy.

Additionally, ceiling fans that have earned the ENERGY STAR also meet strict quality, and performance criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, tested by accredited labs, and certified by a third party.

23. Most Energy Efficient Ceiling Fan:

Brightwatts Energy Efficient 52 Inch Ceiling Fan

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If saving electric bills is something that drives you, consider opting for an energy efficient ceiling fan like Brightwatts’s Energy Efficient 52 Inch Ceiling Fan. This fan is designed to cool rooms up to 400 sq.ft. but it uses a meager 17 watts of energy (while most other 52-inch ceiling fans typically use more than 60 watts), and will run you $3.5 in energy cost a year. So little that Energy Star rated it one of the most efficient ceiling fans.

24. Best Double Ceiling Fan:

Minka Aire Vintage Gyro Ceiling Fan 42-inch

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Double ceiling fans, or twin ceiling fans, use dual motors installed on each end of the fan’s body give these fans a bold look, creating the extra airflow needed in larger living areas, especially those spaces with high ceilings.

If you’re looking for a double ceiling fan, the Minka Aire Vintage Gyro is an ideal choice. This fan is designed by connecting traditional caged fan heads together using its sturdy spinning arms. Its fan heads can be adjusted to turn the blades vertical, at an angle, and sometimes even parallel with the floor. Not only does this create a unique and interesting look, but it also allows for many multiple airflow patterns to be thrown into the room, making this ceiling fan more functional than a traditionally designed one.

The Minka Aire Vintage Gyro ceiling fan is designed for use indoors or outdoors in damp locations. The twin turbofans reach an amazing 1000-1500 R.P.M.s for maximum air movement. The fan includes a wet rated 100W Halogen light fixture and a cap for non-light installations as well as a full function wall control system for added convenience. This fan is also compatible with the optional RCS212 remote control.

If the cages are parallel to the floor, the height of this fan from ceiling to the bottom of the cages is 15.25″. If you have the cages in the extreme vertical position, then the height is 19″ from ceiling to bottom of the cages. The fan heads can be adjusted up or down to affect the airflow direction for summer or winter operation.

25. Best Small Ceiling Fan:

Monte Carlo 4MC20WH Mini Ceiling Fan

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This mini ceiling fan is ideal for very small rooms or tiny areas such as walk-in closets, nooks, bathrooms, hallways, stairwells and laundry rooms. It features 4 blades in white finish with a 20″ blade span.

It offers three speeds with pull-chain operation delivering 1764 CFM maximum airflow. This sleek fixture is equipped with a premium power 153 mm x 10 mm torque-induction reversible motor for whisper-quiet operation. Light kits and remote controls are available from the manufacturer to enhance its operability.

26. Best Tropical Ceiling Fan:

Honeywell Sabal Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan

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Have you been searching for the perfect ceiling fan to match your coastal-style room? Look no further than tropical ceiling fans like this Honeywell Sabal Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan.

This fan lends a warm, exotic touch to any residence whether it is located in a tropical area or not. It provides comfort, light, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor rooms, including hot tub and sauna areas, while bringing the natural beach and bamboo scene you love into your home.

The Honeywell Sabal Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan features a bronze finish with a beautiful, Tuscan sand glass bowl light. It has 5 palm leaf blades in which each blade is a custom, hand-carved, artisan blades made from basswood. These blades are powered by a quiet 3-speed reversible motor. With a 52-inch fan span, this ceiling fan is ideal for medium to large rooms. Perfect for a tropical theme makeover or Tuscan bedroom or living room.

27. Best Farmhouse/Rustic Ceiling Fan:

Westinghouse Brentford 52-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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The Westinghouse Brentford is the best ceiling fan for those want to bring rustic, lodge-like charm to their home and outside living spaces. Not only will it keep your air fresh and cool, but will also create a warm, cozy, and relaxing environment in your bedrooms, living room, or any other space.

The Westinghouse Brentford rustic ceiling fan has a distinctive clear seeded glass lantern style light fixture. It features five reversible dark cherry with shaded edge/walnut blades which allows you to match your decor. Designed especially for patios, verandahs and gazebos, the Brentford is rugged enough to withstand nature’s elements so you can enjoy comfort outdoors.

This fan is ideal for rooms up to 360 square feet with standard 8 ft. ceilings. It features a 153 mm x 17 mm silicon steel motor with a triple capacitor for powerful, quiet air circulation. Three fan speeds and a reversible switch help keep you comfortable all year-round.

Brentford uses 3 Torpedo 40-Watt incandescent light bulbs. This fan has pull chains and it doesn’t come with a remote control, but it is remote control adaptable. You can purchase this one – Westinghouse 7787000 Ceiling Fan and Light Remote Control.

28. Best Windmill Ceiling Fan:

Quorum Windmill Ceiling Fan

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The Windmill ceiling fan from Quorum is truly a first in the ceiling fan industry. Although there have been a few windmill ceiling fans custom made, none have been available to the retail market until this one. Not only is this a high-quality product, it is certainly one that will showcase the style in your home. Its design will add an airy touch to your decor, while its weathered oak finish blades will bring rustic flair to any space you put it in.

The Quorum Windmill Ceiling Fan is available in dry rated indoor models and damp rated outdoor models in 44″, 52″, 60″ and 72″ blade spans. This fan features a super efficient motor that is operated by a 6-speed wall control. It doesn’t come with a light kit but it’s light kit adaptable. You should ask the manufacturer for more information.

Ceiling Fans Buying Guide:

How to Buy The Best Ceiling Fan for Your Home?

Ceiling fans are available in various types, sizes and styles to suit your personal needs. However, if you’re buying an indoor or outdoor ceiling fan for the first time, the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you avoid making mistakes and buy the best ceiling fan for your home.

What Size Ceiling Fan Should I Buy?

Many people make the mistake of choosing a ceiling fan that is too small for their room.

Ceiling fan sizes are determined by the diameter of the fan blades. You can find fans ranging in diameter from 24 inches up to 72 inches, with several sizes in between. The most common and readily available fan sizes are 36 inches and 52 inches. A larger ceiling fan will be able to move more air than a smaller ceiling fan and thus would be suitable for larger rooms. To determine which size ceiling fan you need, use the guideline below:

If you want a centrally located fan to help keep you cool in a large family or living room with standard ceiling heights (8 feet), then the best ceiling fan size for you should be a 52-inch fan. If you only have a small bedroom (10 x 10 ft.), then a 36-­inch fan will work the best.

Remember that the larger fan will move more air than the smaller one. Therefore, it is more efficient to run a larger fan on a slower speed than a smaller fan on high speed. A lower operating speed also reduces both the operating cost and the noise level.

If the room is abnormally warm, choose a fan that is one size larger than that recommended for space. And for rooms with higher ceilings, choose the one that can be used with a longer drop rod than provided. Use the below chart to calculate the ideal down rod length.

Choosing The Right Mounting System

Ceiling fans should be installed or mounted, in the middle of the room and at least 7 feet above the floor and 18 inches from the walls. Many ceiling fans have multiple mounting options, allowing them to work almost anywhere in the home.

• Hugger ceiling fans: This type of flush mount ceiling fans is ideal for rooms that have ceilings under 8 feet in height. There is no space between the ceiling fan’s motor housing and the ceiling, making it an ideal choice for smaller urban spaces, including apartments and condos. Hugger fans will not move as much air as a regular fan because the blades are closer to the ceiling.
• Close-to-Ceiling Fans: A down rod of 3 to 5 inches is installed between the ceiling canopy and fan. The added space between the low profile ceiling fan and ceiling allows for more air circulation and fan efficiency, while remaining relatively close to the ceiling and out of the way. This mounting option is good for any room where the ceiling-to-floor height is roughly 9 feet.
• Sloped-Mount ceiling fans: are used for angled or vaulted ceilings. Not all fans are sloped ceiling adaptable, you’ll need to check the product details to verify the fan is compatible with an sloped ceiling.
• Ceiling fans with Downrods: these are the best ceiling fans for rooms with higher ceilings. Many ceiling fans, including large and small fans, include a downrod as a mounting option. You should check the packaging to see if the downrod is included and the size.

Other Features To Look For

• Blades: The look of a ceiling fan’s blades is actually more of a design feature than a matter of efficiency or utility. The fan’s ability to move air is determined by the pitch of the blades, so pick the one you like the look of best.
• Motor specification: To ensure long life a quiet operation, purchase fans with motor housings constructed of heavier materials such as die­-cast metal. These models tend to have less vibration and provide better stability for down rods.
• Ceiling fan controls: Although pull­ chain switches are standard with ceiling fans, they wear out quickly. Consider installing a wall­mounted switch, or two switches for a combination fan/light to control the fan and light separately. For greater convenience, some manufacturers offer remote controls
• Damp, dry and wet-rated: If you’re installing your ceiling fan in a humid location, such as bathrooms or covered outdoor areas, make sure it is damp rated. If you’re installing your ceiling fan where it will come into direct contact with water or rain, such as a porch or patio – be sure it is wet rated.

The post The 28 Best Ceiling Fans To Buy appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Tankless gas water heaters save energy because they only heat water when you need it without storing hot water in a tank, they also heat water much faster and are capable of higher flow rates than their electric counterparts. And not only that, tankless gas water heaters provide endless hot water when sized appropriately for your home’s needs.

To get the most out of your money, try to buy the best tankless gas water heater you can afford that meets your family’s needs. It may cost more initially but will save money in the long run. If you don’t know how to choose the right model, read on to find out.

This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know about tankless gas water heaters that will help you make the right purchase decision. If you already have an idea of what you’re after, then you can scroll straight past and read our unbiased reviews of the best tankless gas water heaters you can buy right now.

Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters: Natural Gas & Propane

Image	Product	Max Flow Rate (GPM)	Energy Factor (EF)	Gas Type	Indoor/Outdoor
	Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Tankless Water Heater	9.8 GPM	0.96	Natural Gas	Indoor
	Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 Tankless Gas Water Heater	9.5 GPM	0.94	Natural Gas/Propane	Indoor/Outdoor
	Takagi T-H3-DV Condensing Tankless Water Heater	10 GPM	0.93	Natural Gas/Propane	Indoor
	Takagi T-KJr2 Series Tankless Gas Water Heater	6.6 GPM	0.83	Natural Gas/Propane	Indoor/Outdoor
	Rheem RTG-84XL Series Tankless Water Heater	8.4 GPM	0.82	Natural Gas/Propane	Outdoor
	Eccotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater	2.6 GPM	-	Propane	Outdoor

Our Top Picks

#1. Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

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After many hours of researching and reading many buyer’s reviews, plus getting advice from local plumbers, we’ve decided that the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is our pick as the best whole house tankless gas water heater. It can keep up with three showers plus a sink in the chilliest climates. And at nearly 10 GPM, it approaches the upper limits of tankless power.

Its CONDENSING technology makes this unit incredibly energy efficient, as it ensures every drop of heat is squeezed out of emitted gases rather than allowing it to dissipate as vapor. Compared to a non-condensing tankless gas water heater, a condensing unit achieves greater fuel efficiency, a significant source of long-term savings.

You can scroll down to the bottom to read more about the difference between a Condensing and Non-Condensing model. But for the most part, we think that a condensing unit is always a better choice when it comes to tankless gas water heaters.

The fact that the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is one of the most efficient tankless gas water heater in the industry with an Energy-Factor of up to 0.96.

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#2. Takagi T-KJr2 Tankless Gas Water Heater

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If you don’t use too much hot water at the same time, the Takagi T-KJr2 might be the best tankless gas water heater for you. This small unit is designed for small American homes or apartments and it can supply hot water to as much as two showers operating continuously in warmer climates. In colder climates it can supply hot water to one shower and a sink. The number of showers it can handle depends on groundwater temperature.

The Takagi T-KJr2 tankless gas water heater is available in 2 types: indoor and outdoor. You can choose the model that meets your requirement. It also offers safety features that keep water temperature within safe levels, like anti-freeze protection and a hi-limit switch, which turns off the unit if a malfunction leads to overly hot water. Together these prevent sudden temperature changes common in other tankless gas water heaters.

Additionally, the indoor model T-KJr2-IN can be converted into a direct-vent unit by using the optional TV10 conversion kit for installation in a garage, a utility closet or any confined space in which makeup air may be limited.

On top of all this, Takagi T-KJr2’s price is quite reasonable, while it offers a warranty of up to 15 YEARS for the heat exchanger and 5 years limited warranty on other parts. So if you’re looking to buy a small tankless gas water heater, we’d highly recommend this model.

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Those are two of the best tankless gas water heaters available that we think you should buy. Below you’ll find basic information about tankless gas water heaters, how they work, the differences between them and other types of water heaters, and what criteria need to be considered when selecting.

How Does a Tankless Gas Water Heater Work?

Tankless gas water heaters, also known as on-demand gas water heaters, heat the water directly without the use of a storage tank. Instead, they are equipped with gas burners powerful enough to heat water almost instantaneously as it flows through the unit. As a result, tankless gas water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don’t need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

To provide hot water efficiently, many tankless gas water heaters today use various design enhancements that regulate temperature and water flow to help save money on monthly hot water bills.

A tankless gas water heater has a flow sensing device that is activated when a hot water tap is opened and the necessary flow rate to activate the unit is achieved. Once activated, the cold water flowing through the appliance is heated to deliver a constant supply of hot water. The heating element in a tankless gas water heater is a gas-fired burner using natural gas or propane.

When the hot water tap is closed, the tankless gas water heater senses that the flow of the water has stopped and it shuts down the gas burner. To reduce energy usage, the best tankless gas water heaters now incorporate electronic ignition of the gas-fired burner to eliminate standby losses from the pilot.

The gas burners in early tankless water heaters had only two settings — on and off — so the temperature of the output water varied with the flow. Most of today’s best tankless gas water heaters, by contrast, are modulating: If the flow increases, the gas burner puts out more heat. Water comes out at a consistent temperature that can be set on the machine or with a remote wall-mounted controller.

The heat exchanger is the heart of the tankless gas water heater. It has now to be of higher quality and non-corrosive material to withstand the corrosiveness, usually made of Solid Copper.

Some high-efficient condensing models, such as the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series or Rheem RTGH-95DVLN, have two heat exchangers: a primary heat exchanger and a secondary condensing heat exchanger, in which the secondary heat exchanger is made from stainless-steel to be highly resistant to the acidity of combustion exhaust gases.

Only Navien’s condensing tankless gas water heaters use stainless steel for both heat exchangers, not just second exchangers. This ensures the best corrosion resistance. That’s one of the reasons Navien is comfortable offering an industry-best 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger, a length matched by Takagi.

Storage Water Heaters VS. Tankless Gas Water Heaters

There are two primary types of gas water heaters: Storage and Tankless. In this section, we’ll try to explain the differences between these two types. Providing a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of tankless gas water heaters relative to conventional gas tank water heaters. These are important basic information you should know in order to choose the best tankless gas water heater for your home.

1) How They Work?

Tank gas water heaters – A tank gas water heater is built around a tank containing 40 to 100 gallons of water. The most common size is 50 gallons. When someone turns on the hot water in your home, the heated water from the storage tank is delivered to the faucet, shower, etc. The tank is then refilled, and the water reheated.

Tankless gas water heaters – A tankless gas water heater is smaller as it has no tank and doesn’t store any water. Since the water is heated when it’s needed, you never have to worry about running out of hot water or waiting for the tank to recover.

2) Efficiency and Cost to Operate

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that gas tank water heaters are among the highest energy-consuming appliances in the home, accounts for about 14 percent of an average household’s annual energy expenditures, second only to the energy consumed by the home’s heating and cooling system.

Because tankless gas water heaters only activate when hot water is being used, no standby energy losses are incurred, they use much less energy than tank units, therefore cutting water heating costs. Some of the best tankless gas water heaters can save you up to 40 percent of your current water heating bill.

How much can I save?

Water-heater efficiency is rated by energy factor or EF. This number is calculated by dividing the energy delivered as hot water by the amount of energy consumed to produce the hot water. If no energy was lost and it all came out as hot water, the heater would have an EF of 1. Most gas tank water heaters have an EF of around 0.61.

Mid-efficiency tankless gas water heaters, such as the Takagi T-KJr2 Gas Tankless Water Heater, are typically rated between 0.81 and 0.85. These models can save about 25% on natural gas costs for water heating compared to a conventional tank water heater. For example, the average American household spends about $160 per year on gas for water heating, and could expect to save about $40 per year (at $0.80 per therm).

High-efficiency units, such as the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN Indoor Tankless Water Heater, are typically rated between 0.93 and 0.98, making them on average about 40 to 50 percent more efficient than conventional tank models.

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3) Cost to Install

Tankless gas water heaters are more expensive than their tank counterparts. The average residential model usually costs anywhere from $700 to $1,500. Installation is also more expensive because it is complex. Many tankless gas water heaters require stainless steel vent pipes that are 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter. In addition, the required gas line size is usually larger for a tankless water heater because of the higher BTU input capacities.

Having to replace natural gas line adds cost, but installing a new tankless gas water heater in new construction is similar to installing a storage tank water heater. Budget about $500 for that work, which brings the total cost to about $1,200 to $2,000. The installation cost could be cheaper if you use Amazon’s Water Heater Installation Service.

Most conventional gas tank water heaters cost $300 to $600 – less than half the cost of tankless varieties. Installation is also cheaper, usually about $300 to $400, bringing the total cost in the range of $600 to $1,000. However, heat pump tank water heaters can be pricey, running up to $1,500.

4) Durability & Service Life

Purchasing a tankless gas water heater will cost you more than a conventional storage water heater, but tankless gas water heaters will typically last longer. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years.

They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. Some of the best tankless gas water heaters from top water heater brands such as Noritz, Navien, Rheem, or Rinnai can easily last 25 to 30 years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years.

What happens when they fail? When a tankless gas water heater fails, there is no damage to surroundings because no water is stored in the unit. When a storage tank water heater fails, in most cases, the tank bursts dumping 30 to 80 gallons of rusty water on the floor, causing a major mess and sometimes damaging its surroundings.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters VS. Electric Tankless Water Heaters ?

Before arriving at our top picks for the best tankless gas water heaters, let’s take a look at some basic differences between gas-fired and electric tankless water heaters.

1) How They Work?

In electric tankless water heaters, the heating elements convert electrical energy into heat, and the elements are usually placed in direct contact with the water so that heat is directly transferred into the flow. The electric elements heat up when the flow of water begins and turn off when the water flow stops.

In gas tankless water heaters, the heating elements are in the form of heat exchangers that transfer heat from the hot combustion gases to the water. Because of the combustion process, a gas tankless water heater requires access to combustion air, and an exhaust vent is required for expelling the flue gases.

Gas units use either a pilot light or electronic ignition as their ignition source. Like electric units, the start of water flow initiates the flow of gas into the combustion chamber, where it’s ignited by the ignition source.

2) Capacity & Flow Rate

Electric units are by nature less robust than gas. Most electric units have a maximum rated flow rate of under 4 GPM, which produce enough hot water for a small-sized home in most climates. If the household is a large family that could use a large amount of hot water at the same time, then it is easy to see that a single electric tankless water heater could not adequately meet the family’s demand in a whole-house installation.

A single tankless gas water heater may be better able to satisfy a small family’s hot water demand in a whole-house installation since these units are typically rated between 5-10 GPM in residential applications. The 5–7 GPM range can adequately supply a family of three or four, for a family of 5 or more the best tankless gas water heaters should be in the 7.5-10 GPM range.

If you want to provide enough hot water to some showers and same appliances at the same time, always look for models with GPM reaching to 9 or beyond.

3) Efficiency and Cost to Operate

While gas tankless water heaters are certainly more efficient than their tank cousins, their efficiency usually in the 80-85% range. Conversely, most electric tankless water heaters are 98-99% efficient. Some of today’s gas units feature the condensing technology that makes them significantly more energy-efficient.

In terms of operating cost, as a rule of thumb, gas and electric tankless water heaters will cost approximately the same to operate, especially when you factor in the recommended annual maintenance that gas appliances require. This will depend greatly on the differential between natural gas or propane and electricity costs in your area.

There are many regions where gas costs are extremely high due to the lack of supply in the region. In these areas, an electric unit can be significantly cheaper to operate.

4) Cost to Install

Since tankless gas water heaters are much more powerful than their electric counterparts, they cost significantly more. Most of the best tankless gas water heaters cost more than $1200, while most whole-house electric units cost $500-700.

However, electric tankless water heaters are very high power appliances. Because they heat water entirely on demand, their peak electricity needs are substantial even though their total energy consumption is much lower than traditional tank-type water heaters.

Consequently, it is often required that a home have a 200 AMP, 208 to 240-volt electrical service to run an electric tankless water heater (smaller whole-house models suitable for warmer climate areas can often be installed on 100, 125, or 150 AMP electrical services). Some homes or businesses do not have such electrical power available and upgrades can sometimes be expensive.

5) Durability & Service Life

No conclusion has been made about whether gas units last longer than electric units. But as you can see, most tankless gas water heaters come with a longer warranty than tankless electric water heaters.

For example, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 29 Tankless Electric Water Heater and the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series are two of the most popular on-demand water heaters on the market today, and both are top-of-the-line products. The Rinnai offers a 12-year warranty on heat exchanger and 5-year on parts, while the Stiebel Eltron offers a 7-year warranty on heating elements and 3-year on parts.

Our Picks for the Best Tankless Gas Water Heater

Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters for Larger Homes

#1. Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

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After many hours of researching and reading many buyer’s reviews, plus getting advice from local plumbers, we’ve decided that the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is our pick as the best tankless gas water heater for larger homes. It can keep up with three showers plus a sink in the chilliest climates. At nearly 10 GPM, it approaches the upper limits of tankless power.

Even more impressively, it generates that hot water with maximum efficiency, boasting one of the highest Energy Factors of all gas models. A large part of its efficiency is due to condensing technology which prevents hot gas from escaping, reusing it to heat more water instead. This feature does cost more upfront, but if your household size demands a high flow rate, condensing ensures that every drop of energy is going toward hot water. The more efficient your water heater, the lower your gas bill.

The Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is an indoor gas tankless water heater and it meets Energy Star standard. Its minimum-to-maximum gas burn rate varies from 15,200 to 199,000 Btu, a very wide range. In addition, the heater’s hot water flow rate range is also very wide at 0.26 to 9.8 GPM. Its minimum activation flow rate is only 0.4 GPM. These figures indicate that this Rinnai tankless gas water heater can power multiple faucets and showerheads and can be used in multi-bathroom households without interruption to hot water flow.

Rinnai RUC98IN Tankless Water Heater – Flow Rate vs. Temperature Rise

This natural gas tankless water heater also complies with nitrogen oxide emission standards. It has bigger gas and water supply inlets and outlets than most gas tankless water heaters. It uses an electric ignition system and draws only 2 watts in standby mode. However, while it is actively working, the Rinnai RUC98iN consumes 64 watts of electric power, and it requires up to 146 watts to keep its parts from freezing during winter.

Furthermore, the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series offers the Most Flexible Venting in the industry. The machine can go in an old condensing vent system for replacement if needed, but new installs can use smaller, lighter, less expensive concentric venting.

This water heater also features Rinnai Circ-Logic recirculation technology which offers homeowners enhanced convenience and energy efficiency in home hot water recirculation systems with a dedicated return line.

Rinnai Circ-Logic technology, coupled with the Grundfos Pump and Timer Kit, offers homeowners the comfort and convenience of instant hot water with optimal energy usage. The combination of the Circ-Logic technology and the kit’s timer function allows homeowners to set recirculation patterns that coincide with household usage patterns. Hot water is available when needed, without the expense of circulating hot water during times of inactivity.

You can see the following image to get a better understanding of how this technology works, but after all, we think the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series is one of the best, if not the best, tankless gas water heaters you can buy at this time.

Rinnai Circ-Logic Recirculation Technology

#2. Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 Tankless Gas Water Heater

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The Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 is a series of high efficiency condensing tankless gas water heaters – which is designed to offer maximum efficiency during high demand time periods in the average North American home. This unit is available in both natural gas and propane, and for both indoor and outdoor installation. With an energy factor of up to 0.94, this is one of the most energy-efficient tankless gas water heaters on the market and it’s also Low NOx compliant and ENERGY STAR rated.

The Rheem Low NOx line is the most comprehensive lineup of green water-heating solutions available today. The gas burners are designed to maximize performance while minimizing NOx emissions. Constructed of 100% high-grade stainless steel, the condensing gas burner is virtually impervious to scale and mineral buildup for the life of the water heater. Its breakthrough side port design promotes even flame distribution and optimum heat transfer. This is probably why the Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 has a warranty of up to 12 years for the heat exchangers.

How it Works – Rheem Prestige Condesning Tankless Gas Water Heater | Video by Rheem

As one of the best tankless gas water heaters for large-sized homes, the Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 is designed to supply continuous hot water for up to 3 bathrooms in colder climates or 4 bathrooms in warmer climates. It exceeds the requirements for many utility rebate programs.

It comes with a remote digital thermostat that can be installed in almost any convenient area of the house. Exclusively, the Water Savings Setting can save homeowners up to 1,100 gallons of water per year by decreasing the flow of water through the pipes until the temperature reaches the heater’s set temperature.

The Rheem Prestige RTGH-95 is compatible with EcoNet Smart Home Technology. EcoNet-compatible appliances can be remotely managed via the app, meaning that you can turn off your water heater even when you’re far from home. While vacationing in tropical waters, a few phone taps ensure your water heater isn’t producing any of its own.

#3. Takagi T-H3-DV Condensing Indoor Tankless Gas Water Heater 10 GPM

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The Takagi T-H3-DV is the last model in our picks for the best tankless gas water heater for large-sized homes and this unit is also the model that has the highest GPM. The machine boasts a powerful flow rate (10 GPM), and as the Rheem RTGH-95, it’s available in both natural gas and propane.

We like this tankless gas water heater because it comes with a warranty of up to 15 years for the heat exchangers residential use – one of the longest warranties in the industry. More than 3 years compared to what you get from the two models above while the price was less. When we calculated price per GPM, we found that the T-H3-DV offers the most hot water bang-for-your-buck, around $30-50 less per GPM than its peers.

The Takagi T-H3-DV’s lower price is in part due to having a lower Energy Factor than some of its peers. But at 0.93, it’s still a high-efficient tankless gas water heater. This water heater is Low NOx compliant and is Energy Star qualified.

Utilizing commercial-grade copper alloy for the primary heat exchanger, 316L Stainless Steel for the secondary condensing heat exchanger, the T-H3 is suitable for heavier residential usages such as space heating or domestic recirculation systems. It’s also well suited for commercial applications such as small restaurants and beauty salons.

The Takagi T-H3-DV tankless water heater was very impressed us. It offers a lot of power, a very long warranty, plus nice-to-have features, at a reasonable price. This is definitely one of the best tankless gas water heaters for the money you can buy. Up to 20 Takagi T-H3-DV models can be linked together to achieve higher flow rates than with single units.

Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters for Small & Mid-Sized Homes

#1. Takagi T-KJr2 Series Tankless Gas Water Heater

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The Takagi T-KJr2 Series is great for a small American home or apartments. It can produce enough hot water for one bathroom in cold climates or two bathrooms in warmer climates. This model is the smallest unit in the Takagi tankless line.

Designed to virtually do anything a 40-gallon tank-type water heater can do and more, the compact, wall mounted T-KJr2 can support hydronic baseboard or radiant floor heating applications, as well as provide domestic hot water to plumbing fixtures and appliances.

This tankless gas water heater supplies hot water at flow rates ranging from 0.75 to 6.6 gallons per minute, a rate that is typically ideal for light residential applications with one or two bathrooms, such as a small home, apartment, condo or cabin.

With its compact dimensions of only 20.5″ x 13.8″ x 6.7″, this unit can be installed nearly anywhere, often allowing for installation far closer to the main point of use than traditional tank-type heaters, which reduces travel-time through pipes and wastes less energy.

The Takagi T-KJr2 Series is available for indoor and outdoor installation, in both natural gas and propane. We found that the Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP model is one of the best propane tankless water heaters for use in RVs or travel trailers. It has a perfect size for 2 people, it’s also lightweight, small, and extremely low emission. Even though Takagi T-KJr2’s Energy Factor is only 0.83 whether you use it with natural gas or propane, it seems to be a very efficient unit.

Overall, if you have a very small family, look no further than this one. This is one of the best tankless gas water heaters you can buy. Takagi covers this model with a 15-year limited heat exchanger, 5 yrs limited parts.

#2. Rheem RTG-84XL Series Mid-Efficiency Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater

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The Rheem RTG-84XL Series is one of the top-selling outdoor tankless gas water heaters on Amazon. With a flow rate of up to 8.4 GPM at a 35-degree temperature rise, it is capable of supplying continuous hot water for up to 2 or 3 bathrooms at the same time.  Most customers purchase this unit for homes of 3 to 4 persons.

The RTG-84XL is also one of the more easily installed gas models on the market. Everything is well marked for connections and the instruction is straightforward. In addition, this unit is small and lightweight, so you can install it virtually anywhere outside the home. And you can easily control the heater via a digital remote control or an app on your phone.

The Rheem RTG-84XL outdoor tankless water heater is available in both natural gas and propane, both versions got a lot of positive reviews from users. This heater heats water on demand with gas but uses electricity for ignition, powering its electronics and preventing the internal components from freezing up. This heater’s outdoor design requires no additional venting and features freeze protection to -30°F.

All in all, this is one of the best tankless gas water heaters for mid-sized homes we reviewed. If you’re after an outdoor gas unit that has a reasonable price and is capable of supplying enough hot water to 2-3 bathrooms, the Rheem RTG-84XL is a perfect choice.

Best Propane Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Eccotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater (2.6 GPM)

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Whether you’re camping with the family, spending a day at the lake, or lounging around the pool, sometimes all you need is a nice hot shower. Simply attach a garden hose and a 20 lb. propane tank and you are guaranteed to enjoy the luxury of hot water anywhere. You get instant, endless hot water wherever you are.

The Eccotemp L10 portable tankless water heater is perfect for campsites, RVs, off-grid cabins, or simply around the house. Wash your car, wash your boat, take a hot shower, or even wash your horse and the L10 will help make daily tasks much easier.

You can also add the Eccotemp L10 to a pressure washer for an even better cleaning. This water heater is capable of reaching temperatures between 50 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the temperature of the incoming water.

It’s equipped with an electronic ignition which is powered by 2 “D” cell batteries making it great for off grid or other areas where electricity is not readily available. The ignition starts the flame only when water is running, so there’s no chance of overheating. The system also works great on modified water systems with items such as a 12 Volt pump.

Not only is the Eccotemp L10 one of the best propane tankless water heaters for outdoor use, it’s by far one of the hottest tankless models on the market. If a propane portable water heater is what you’re looking to buy, this Eccotemp water heater is for you. Please note that this unit should not be permanently installed or plumbed into any fixtures: sinks, showers, etc.

How to Choose the Best Tankless Gas Water Heater?

What Size On-Demand Water Heater Do I Need?

1) Flow Rates

Most manufacturers market their gas on-demand heaters with the claim that they’re capable of providing an endless supply of hot water. This is true — but only if the heater is sized to meet peak demand, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

For example, a tankless water heater might be just large enough to provide an endless supply of hot water to two showers. But if a third person were to turn on a shower at the same time, demand would exceed capacity and the temperature of the output water would immediately fall.

Therefore, correctly sizing a water heater is one of the most important things you have to consider when choosing the best tankless gas water heater for your family. Choosing the proper size is a simple matter of selecting a model based on the amount of hot water that will be needed during peak demand, when a high volume of hot water is used. The peak demand period usually occurs in the morning when most people shower.

To determine the amount of hot water needed during peak demand, make a list of how many hot water taps are expected to be open at one time and add up their flow rates. The following estimates can be used to help determine the peak hot water demand:

For example, if one person wants to shower and at the same time another person is using the dishwasher, the water heater must be capable of producing at least 4.0 GPM. A tankless gas water heater that is rated to supply 4 GPM may be the appropriate choice for this household.

If two people want to shower while the dishwasher is running, the water heater must produce 6.5 GPM at the desired temperature. The 2.5 GPM figure for showers assumes that the hot water coming from the water heater is reduced to 104°F at the shower’s mixer valve. If you like it hotter, the shower will account for more than 2.5 GPM of output. Then the best tankless gas water heater in this case should not be rated under 7 GPM.

2) Temperature rise

The volume of water that a tankless gas water heater can heat is determined by the temperature of the incoming ground water (cold water inlet temperature) – which varies greatly throughout the U.S. and also fluctuates with the changing of the seasons. The temperature of the water as it enters the water heater will determine the amount of “temperature rise” required to achieve the desired hot water outlet temperature.

The best way to measure incoming ground water temperature is to use a thermometer to measure cold water temperature during the coldest season of the year. To simplify the process, use this map to determine whether your installation location is in the Southern Zone, Central Zone or Northern Zone.

A tankless gas water heater can produce more hot water when it’s located in the Southern Zone than it can when it’s located in the Northern Zone. Increasing the setpoint temperature of the outgoing water also has the same effect on capacity as lowering the temperature of the incoming water.

Manufacturers calculate flow rates based on different temperature rise requirements, so when choosing the best tankless gas water heater for your home, make sure you get the proper GPM for your temperature rise need. We’ve collected the GPM capacities at a range of temperature rises for each of our preferred models, but if you opt for a different unit, find this kind of information in spec PDFs on the company website.

Rinnai:

Rheem Prestige RTGH Series:

Rheem RTG Mid-Efficiency Series:

Takagi:

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing – Which is Better?

Condensing tankless water heaters offer efficiency gains of approximately 10 to 15 percentage points over non-condensing tankless units. Most condensing units achieve 92 to 98 percent thermal efficiency and carry the Energy Star label.

How a Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water Heater Works

A condensing unit uses the same sequence of steps to generate hot water as a non-condensing tankless gas water heater. But it also incorporates a secondary heat exchanger to capture and repurpose the heat generated from the combustion gases before they escape and are vented outside. In other words, instead of sending hot exhaust gases out the flue, which wastes energy, condensing heaters use this heat to preheat the incoming water. That’s why condensing tankless gas water heaters are so efficient.

Exhaust gases produced by a gas tankless water heater can reach temperatures upwards of 300°F, which is why non-condensing units require venting with non-corrosive metals such as Stainless Steel to protect from condensation. This can become costly as most tankless water heaters do not come with the venting kit.

But unlike non-condensing units, the exhaust gases exiting a condensing tankless gas water heater expel at a much lower temperature, usually around 100°F – 170°F, because most of that thermal energy is used to preheat the inlet water through the initial heat exchanger. Therefore, they can be vented with PVC pipe, which is less expensive and quicker to install than the stainless-steel pipe.

The price of a condensing tankless water heater can be significantly greater than the price of a non-condensing tankless water heater. But it’s less expensive to vent and burns gas more efficient, it will save you a lot of money in the long run. That’s why most of the best whole-house tankless gas water heaters that we recommended above are condensing.

The post The Best Tankless Gas Water Heater for Your Home appeared first on Green Living Blog.

They’re good cooling options for spaces that use space heaters or radiators in the colder months or for room additions where running additional ductwork could be costly. For those who are very sensitive to noise, a ductless AC unit is probably the best solution because they are extremely quiet. You most likely can’t hear any noise even when standing next to it.

But what exactly are ductless air conditioners? How they differ from typical central AC, window AC, and portable AC units? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the ductless mini-split air conditioning system. We also review some of the best ductless air conditioners on the market that we think are worth your money. Don’t forget to read our buying guide at the bottom of the article.

• What’s the quietest window air conditioner?
• What’s the quietest portable air conditioner?
• Best window air conditioner for casement windows

Best Ductless Air Conditioner: Our Pick

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After many hours of researching and reviewing ductless air conditioners, we’ve learned that quiet, affordable and easy to install ACs makes most people the happiest – and we think the Pioneer WYS Series 17 SEER Complete System Set will fit the bill in most rooms.

This is a complete set that includes almost everything you need to install the AC and it comes with the instructions that are very clear and detailed. With the capacity ranging from 9,000 BTU/h to 36,000 BTU/h, 120V or 230V, you can easily opt the model that fits your needs.

Additionally, Pioneer offers its customers a support hotline to answer any requests in installation, use, troubleshooting, warranty and parts issues. For now, this unit is being evaluated with highest ratings for top consumer satisfaction and ranked as the best sellers on Amazon.com.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

A ductless air conditioner, also known as a mini-split system air conditioner, has the condensing unit outdoors, much like central air conditioning system. The condensing unit is connected to a wall unit (or an evaporator/air handler) that sits inside the home. The wall unit is connected to the outdoor unit by a small hose running through the wall, so no ducts are needed. The wall unit looks like wall-mounted room air conditioners, only thinner.

A ductless air conditioner works in a very simple way. First off, air is taken in from the room through the indoor unit. This air is then transported to the outdoor unit via a series of pipes where it is brought into contact with a series of coils containing coolant.

When the hot, humid air inside the room comes into contact with the coils, it transfers its energy to them, turning the coolant liquid inside into gas. The gas is then sent off to the compressor part of the outdoor unit, where it is recycled, using electricity, back into a liquid. The newly cooled air is then fed to the indoor unit (evaporator/air handler), where it is ejected back into the room. With repeated cycles, the temperature of the room falls.

The Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning

While the upfront costs of a ductless air conditioner tend to be higher than those of a portable or window ac unit, there are a few key reasons that many people prefer them.

1. Ductless air conditioners are extremely quiet

Window and portable air conditioners can be very noisy and annoying, distracting from your ability to relax or work at home. They can also greatly impede on your ability to sleep pleasantly, keeping you awake through the night every time they turn on and shut off.

Unlike window and portable AC units, ductless air conditioners are very quiet. Because the major parts of this type of AC are placed on the exterior of your home, much of the operation is performed outside your living space where you don’t have to listen to it. You will likely not even realize that the unit is on while still enjoying the cooled air.

Some of the best quiet ductless air conditioners operate as low as 20 dB on the lowest fan setting, such as the Mitsubishi’s ductless split air conditioners, which is even quieter than a human whisper. Our top pick, the Pioneer WYS Series operates at only 24 -27 dB, which is still much quieter than all portable or window units available.

2. Ductless air conditioners save energy

Since heating and cooling costs are the largest contributors to home energy bills (nearly half of total costs), energy-efficiency should be a top priority to consider when choosing an air conditioning system for your home. Ductless air conditioners, in general, tend to be more energy efficient than other types of the air conditioner for several reasons.

First, a ductless air conditioner SEER rating ranges from 16 SEER to 24 SEER, while central air conditioner SEER rating ranges from 10 SEER to 18 SEER. This indicates savings on electrical costs on the order of 30% to 40%. Portable and window air conditioners have SEER ratings that typically range from 13 SEER to 16 SEER. In general, the higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit, the less electricity the system needs to do its job.

Second, some of the best ductless air conditioners utilize pure sine wave inverter technology which is used to control the speed of the compressor motor. Most central, window, and portable air conditioning units don’t utilize this technology. Ductless air conditioners with inverter technology have increased efficiency compared to central air conditioners, have extended the life of their parts and sharp fluctuations in the load are eliminated. This makes the inverter ductless AC units quieter, with lower operating cost and with fewer breakdowns.

Lastly, since ductless air conditioners have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% to 40% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

3. Ductless air conditioners are quickly and easily installed

Installing a central air conditioning system in your home or business is a major undertaking and can disrupt your normal, daily activities. Ducting has to be routed along the walls, or inside them, to connect together the various parts of the system, a process which can take days or even weeks to complete depending on size and complexity of the project.

A ductless mini-split air conditioner, on the other hand, is far easier to install. Separate systems can be fitted on a room-by-room basis, and work is often completed in only several hours. You will just need to set the wall unit in place, drill a small hole in the exterior wall and pass the conduit from the condensing unit to the wall unit. Plus, all the best ductless mini-split air conditioners that we’re reviewing come in a bundle, which include everything you need for installing the AC. There is no need for a licensed HVAC repair and installation contractor.

Video: How to install Ductless mini-split air conditioners

4. Ductless air conditioners offer zoning flexibility

A ductless air conditioner can throw cool (or warm) air into specific areas, the thing that you won’t find with central air conditioners. Central AC units cool your whole home, including areas you rarely use. Not only does this reduce energy waste, but also allows you to maintain the optimum temperature for any area you’re using, when you’re actually using it.

Multi-zone ductless air conditioners can accommodate up to four indoor blower units connected to one outdoor unit, each of which can be controlled with its own individual thermostat. If you don’t have central air conditioning, consider using a multi-zone ductless air conditioner to cool different areas of your home—which can be on multiple floor levels thanks to long refrigerant lines. Multi-zone ductless air conditioners are popular in basements, doctor’s offices, and apartments.

5. Ductless air conditioners offer increased security and can enhance your home’s interior design

Ductless air conditioners help to keep your home safer. Through-the-wall and room air conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders to get into your house. The hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a 3-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. No one is ever going to fit through such small holes.

• What’s the smallest window air conditioner you can buy?

Ductless mini split systems also offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor unit of a ductless air conditioner can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. In addition, most indoor blowers keep a low profile at no more than seven inches deep and come with sleek, high tech jackets that will enhance the look of any room without being too gaudy and unattractive.

Best Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner Reviews

1. Pioneer WYS Series 17 SEER Complete Mini-Split System Set Review – Best Ductless Air Conditioner For The Money

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The Pioneer WYS model series 17 SEER product line comes in capacities from 9,000 BTU/h to 36,000 BTU/h is our top pick. This unit is one of the best-selling ductless air conditioners in the US and yet one of the cheapest you can buy. Engineered with advanced inverter technology, and an efficient variable speed rotary compressor, this unit is designed not to be a drain on your power bill. Plus, this affordable Pioneer mini-split comes with all the needed parts for installation, the instructions are very clear and detailed, making it an even more cost-effective option. You don’t need special tools or training to install it. The installation process can be done in only a few short hours.

With a SEER value of 17, the Pioneer WYS 17 SEER isn’t the most efficient ductless mini-split unit we reviewed. But it’s still more efficient than most central, window, and portable AC models. If you want a more efficient model from Pioneer, we recommend looking at the Pioneer WYS Series 22 SEER Ductless Mini-Split Complete System Set. This unit has a SEER of up to 22.5, which is higher than most other inexpensive ductless mini-split systems in the industry.

Overall, we’re confident that the Pioneer WYS 17 SEER series is one of the best ductless air conditioners available. Pioneer is one of the pioneering as well as the largest suppliers of ductless mini split and multi-split systems in the USA, since 1995. They have been supplying their ductless mini split systems in many countries and regions long before ductless split systems have become widely available in North America.

2. Senville AURA Series Mini-split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump Review

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Another affordable but high-efficiency ductless air conditioner that you should consider is the Senville AURA Series Single Zone Mini Split. With SEER Ratings as high as 23, the Senville Aura surpasses many of the top name brands when it comes to efficiency. It’s also fully certified by Energy Star for the highest levels of energy efficiency. With Ultra-Inverter Technology, you can expect to save upwards of 40% on your energy costs annually.

The Senville AURA Series mini splits provide air conditioning and heating for consistent temperatures in year-round climates. For colder weather, the unit is equipped with an automatic defrost feature and offers heating in temperatures as low as -30C/-22F. The Senville AURA is also equipped with a powerful dehumidifier that helps maintain a consistent temperature and provides excellent air quality. Also included on this ductless system are a variety of features including self-cleaning, leak detection, and diagnostic display, all designed to ensure a proper running system

With many such great features, the Senville AURA Series is definitely one of the best ductless air conditioners for you. It is a great companion for you or anyone looking to cool and/or heat their home or business, while minimizing running costs in the long-term. Furthermore, all Senville models are backed by a comprehensive 7-year warranty designed to protect your purchase. This 7-year warranty offers coverage on the compressor and a 2-year warranty on other parts. You can rest assured that your Aura Series mini split will save you money for years to come as an energy investment for your home or office.

If you’re looking for a cheaper and lower SEER model from Senville, consider buying the LETO SERIES Mini-Split systems (15 SEER).

3. Mitsubishi 23.1 Seer Ductless Mini Split AC Review – Quietest & Most Efficient Ductless Air Conditioner

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As a leading manufacturer in the ductless mini split industry, Mitsubishi designs and builds ductless mini-split air conditioners that have a great quality. Featuring high SEER and EER ratings, Energy Star rated, Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners often use less energy than models from other brands. They are also significantly quieter indoors and has a wider operating range. However, ductless air conditioners from Mitsubishi tend to be more expensive, can cost up to 2 times as much as Pioneer’s units.

The 23.1 Seer Ductless Mini-Split is one of the best ductless air conditioners that Mitsubishi offers to the US market. With a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 23.1 and some unique energy saving features, this unit uses less energy than most other options, a 12,000 BTU unit can be operated for approximately $140 per year depending on your location. Built with Mitsubishi’s M-Series Inverter Technology, this unit’s compressor works in conjunction with the air conditioner’s electric controls to detect subtle temperature changes in your room. Cutting down your energy costs, the technology automatically adjusts speeds for precise temperature control.

4. DuctlessAire Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heater Review

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Available at 12,000 BTU, 18000, and 24,000 BTUs of cooling and heating power, the DuctlessAire ENERGY STAR Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heater is ideal for medium to large rooms up to 1200 square feet, such as classrooms, sunrooms, open floor plan flexible-use spaces, man caves, home theaters, offices, studios, bedrooms, bonus rooms over the garage and even basements and garages where heating and cooling is desired.

This is a single zone mini-split ductless system that utilizes the most current inverter technology, which allows the compressor to optimize efficiency and power consumption together, while maintaining the specified output. This allows for much quieter operation and reduced energy consumption. Plus, it meets Energy Star requirements, that means it’s designed to provide maximum comfort without being a drain on your energy bill.

5. MRCOOL DIY Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner w/ Heat Pump Review

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The MRCOOL DIY Ductless Mini-Split with Heat Pump is one of the best ductless air conditioners for anyone looking for a model that can be installed by just one person. This is a rare model that you can install yourself without special tools or training. A detailed installation manual is included since you’ll need to connect the indoor blower unit to the outdoor compressor with refrigerant lines. The 25-foot refrigerant lines are included with purchase. Click here for a step-by-step MRCOOL mini-split installation guide.

The MRCOOL DIY Ductless Mini-Split is a single-zone mini-split system with a capacity ranging from 9,000 BTU to 36,000 BTU. It can be controlled via your phone through a specific mobile app. The app is available on IOS and Android, simply download it and then you can easily set up your timer, sleep function, or check the unit’s running status. You can also check your energy usage over time to see when you’re using the most and least amount of energy.

Video: How to Install a MRCOOL Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

How To Choose the Best Ductless Air Conditioner For Your Home?

If you’re considering investing in one of the best ductless mini split air conditioners we list above, there are a few main factors you should keep in mind to ensure you get the best unit for your needs.

Cost to Install a Ductless Air Conditioning

The upfront cost is the main downside of buying a ductless air conditioner. Even the most affordable models will cost you close to $1,000, while higher-end ones come out to around $5,000. If you want a ductless air conditioner that’s powerful enough to cool a large room, or want a multi-zone unit that can handle multiple rooms, expect to pay closer to that high end of the price range. If you want one that also comes with a heat pump for the winter, that will add to the cost as well. You also need to hire an HVAC specialist if you don’t have the skill to install a ductless mini split system yourself.

However, since ductless air conditioners are very energy efficient, more efficient than the window, central, and portable AC units. Your energy costs will be lower and save you money in the long run.

How to Size Your Ductless Air Conditioner

The best ductless mini split air conditioner for you should have a proper power (BTU) to accommodate the spaces you want to cool. If the size is too small or too large, the AC won’t cool properly, and it won’t operate efficiently.

Ductless air conditioners cool a larger area at the same BTU level than do window air conditioners and portable air conditioners. Below is an approximate sizing guide:

You may not find those numbers to be exact, if you live in a place where temperatures frequently get over 90°, you should add about 30% to the number of BTUs needed for space. But, these numbers should provide you with a good starting point in determining the best mini split air conditioner for your living space.

Number of Zones

If you don’t have central air conditioning, consider using a multi-zone ductless air conditioning system to cool different rooms of your home. All multi-zone models on the market will allow you to control the temperature of each room distinctly, you can turn the A/C off in any room that’s you don’t use. Multi-zone models are popular in basements, doctor’s offices, and apartments.

Ductless Air Conditioner Voltage – 115V or 230V

Many mini-split air conditioners use the standard 110-120 volt outlet, but some larger models require the 220-230 volt outlet.

Typically, the highest amount of BTU cooling power supplied by a 115-volt unit is about 12,000, while a 230-volt unit can supply up to 24,000 BTUs of cooling. In essence, if positioned properly, a 230-volt air conditioner may act as a whole house unit (multi-zone) while a 115-volt air conditioner is always considered a room air conditioner (single zone).

So you should make sure your home’s voltage matches your unit’s before purchasing. Using the incorrect voltage can cause the circuit to break, a loss of efficiency, or even cause a fire.

Energy Efficiency

Ductless or mini split air conditioners are very efficient. Their efficiency is rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. In general, the higher the SEER, the less electricity the system needs to do its job.

The minimum standard SEER for ductless air conditioners is 13. Most modern ductless air conditioners have a SEER that ranges from 16 to 24, while some of the best ductless AC units have a SEER of up to 30. If a model is extremely efficient, it can become Energy Star-rated. In order to become Energy Star-rated, models must prove to significantly contribute to energy savings and offers products and performance demanded by consumers.

The post Ductless Air Conditioner Reviews appeared first on Green Living Blog.

There’s no secret remedy for keeping cool in extreme heat while camping in an RV, in fact the best option is to install an air conditioner on top of your RV. Not only does it cool your RV’s interior air and create a comfortable environment, but it also improves the air quality inside your RV.

However, since an air conditioner uses a lot of electricity and can make a lot of noise, choosing a new air conditioner for an RV can be very stressful. Picking the right one from all the available models requires some careful consideration. RV air conditioners can’t be selected in the same way as a regular window air conditioner in your home because of the fact that most RVs have a lot less insulation so they are not very efficient to heat and cool. Plus, everyone knows that an RV is mobile and most RV air conditioners are installed on top of the RV, so that the best model should be able to withstand wind gusts, heavy rains and even hurricanes.

If you’re looking for a portable AC to use in your RV, this list of the smallest portable air conditioners on the market might be helpful.

Best RV Air Conditioners For You

1. Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner – Quietest RV Air Conditioner

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This is not only one of the best RV air conditioners on the market, it’s also the quietest model that you can buy. It is best-in-class of any standard RV rooftop air conditioner for weight, air flow and capacity. Tested for use in extreme conditions.

The Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner is incredibly robust, it features a carbon steel base that had been proven the durability by coming through vibration tests lasting for 30 hours. So you can be confident that this RV air conditioner will overcome any harsh or unusual road and weather condition. While being one of the toughest air conditioners around, its 410A refrigerant is kinder to the environment.

Another advantage of the Dometic Brisk II is its large air openings which promote superior airflow and cooling capacity up to 15%, while the EPP foam housing both reduces weight and also contributes to improved cooling. The most important thing that makes this unit the best choice for every RVers is that it’s quieter than most others on the market. This due to the fact that its components including the motor, compressor and evaporator are bracketed together for vibration-free, quiet operation. Long copper lines and dual rubber bushings are also responsible for minimizing noise and vibration.

With Domestic’s 2-year warranty, quiet operation, lightweight and capable of performing in any environment, it won’t let you down.

2. Dometic Penguin II Low-Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner – Best Low Profile RV Air Conditioner

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A unit with a larger profile creates more drag and sacrifices some fuel efficiency, which means it could end up costing you more money than a low-profile model in the long run. The Penguin II Rooftop Air Conditioner is the leading low-profile RV air conditioner in the industry and is a powerful cooler perfect for both ducted and non-ducted applications (air distribution box available separately).

With a low-profile under 10 in./25.4 cm, the sleek shroud reduces wind resistance while the vehicle is moving. A rib-reinforced base pan delivers lasting strength, while its R410A refrigerant is more eco-friendly and releases heat efficiently.

Domestic also offers a heat pump version of this model. The heat pump is thermostatically controlled by the Comfort Control Center II (CCC2) in both ducted and non-ducted applications. The controls automatically activate the LP gas furnace at 30 degrees for continuous relaxation.

3. Coleman Mach 15 15,000 BTU Heat Pump Air Conditioner

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If you want to get the most out of your RV air conditioner no matter what the season, consider this Coleman Mach 15 15,000 BTU. This unit will heat as well as cool thanks to a unique reversing valve that converts the cooling powers into an efficient and powerful heating system. Unfortunately, this heat pump doesn’t come as a full unit when you buy from retailers, you’ll have to buy Coleman 9233A4551 Heatstrip Assembly to provide a source of warm air (5800 BTU).

The Mach 15 is equipped with a 1/3 HP fan motor, the largest used in an RV air conditioner, delivering cool air at 325 CFM. It features the same streamlined shape that enhances the style and operational efficiency of all the Coleman-Mach line of RV air conditioners.

Overall, this RV an all-around solid value in cooling performance. The quality built Coleman Mach 15 is one of the world’s best RV air conditioners.

4. Atwood 15026 Air Command AC with Heat Pump – Most Efficient RV Air Conditioner

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Most RV air conditioners require a generator of at least 3kW. This Atwood 15026 Non-Ducted A/C Unit offers up to 15,000 BTU of cooling capacity but can be operated on as little as a single 2,000 watt generator. This due to the fact that this unit is designed to be one of the most energy-efficient RV air conditioners in its class. So if you already have a 2000W generator in your RV, then you wouldn’t want to miss this one.

• Read more: What is the best quiet RV generator?

This high-efficiency RV air conditioner with heat pump offers comfortable camping in temperatures between 45 and 159 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a heat pump conserves up to 4 times more energy than a furnace because it pulls warm air in from outside instead of generating its own. This maintains your set temperature inside when ambient temperatures get as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside, which is perfect for unexpected chilly nights and mornings.

Non-ducted systems include flip down thermostats and remote controls and will fit most standard 14 x 14″ roof cutouts making Atwood Air Command an easy upgrade. Atwood’s RV air conditioners come with a 2-year warranty on all models.

The post Best & Quietest RV Air Conditioner of 2019 appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Your water heater is probably your most vital appliance in your home. Your family depends on hot water throughout the day. And your water heater can account to nearly 20 percent of a home’s energy costs. So it’s important to choose a reliable water heater brand.

We sent out more than 15,000 satisfaction surveys to homeowners by email asking them about their experiences with hot water heaters that they owned. We gathered information and discovered which water heater brands are tops in reliability. For each brand, we’ve also chosen our favorite models from its current line – but if you don’t like our selection, there should be plenty more to pick from.

• *NEW*: Best Tankless Gas Water Heater Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Rheem Water Heater

Rheem Manufacturing Company is an American privately held manufacturer that produces residential and commercial water heaters and boilers, as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment. The company was founded in 1925 with a simple mission: “help your family enjoy a new degree of comfort with solutions that keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and enjoying hot water year-round.”

With nearly 100 years of experience, Rheem is a leader in the water heating market. Rheem today is the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America. Rheem is headquartered in Atlanta, and it has an international presence in 14 countries. The company’s premium water heater brands include Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, and EcoSmart.

Rheem has the most extensive range of hot water systems available in the US. Solar, gas or electric storage, tankless or heat pump water heaters. Rheem water heaters are available in multiple sizes and with multiple warranties, with energy-efficiency claims that vary by size. Rheem tankless water heaters are the most popular on-demand water heaters in the US. Its electric tank water heaters require very little maintenance and recover quickly.

Rheem tankless water heaters are the best tankless electric products available. They are ideal for any application to get instantaneous hot water on demand. If you’re looking for a tankless water heater for home, we would highly recommend this brand, you can be sure to save water and money.

2. A.O.Smith Water Heater

A.O. Smith Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters and water softener solutions, offering a comprehensive product line featuring the best-known brands in North America. The company was founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where today the company is headquartered.

A.O. Smith makes residential and commercial water heaters, boilers and storage tanks that are sold exclusively by plumbing wholesalers and plumbing contractors. It manufacturers tankless, hybrid, solar and high-efficiency gas tank water heaters.

A.O.Smith gas water heaters are the most reliable water heaters on the US market. They deliver all the hot water you need with a very high energy efficiency rating and a fast recovery rate. Many A.O. Smith hot water heaters qualify for the Energy Star efficiency ratings and also qualify for many state tax credits and utility rebate programs. Capacities for A.O.Smith water heaters range from 2.5 gallons for point of use specialty water heaters to 120 gallons for storage tank water heaters.

3. Bradford White Water Heater

Bradford White Corporation is an American-owned company that leads the U.S. in the manufacturing of water heating, space heating for residential and commercial applications. Bradford White locates all its factories in the USA for a better product.

Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters. Bradford White produces the highest quality water heaters on the market. They come in gas and electric models. Water heaters from Bradford White are known for costing a bit more than other brands, but providing long-term, trouble-free usage that ends up saving its owners money.

Bradford White offers its water heaters exclusively through authorized representatives and wholesale distributors for sale to qualified installers. That means they don’t sell their products directly to consumers. So it’s hard to find any valuable advice or in-depth review for this water heater brand around the internet from people who’ve had experiences with Bradford White water heater. If you want a real answer, you’ll have to go out and ask an expert.

If you decide to get a water heater from this brand, keep in mind that Bradford White does not warranty its product unless it’s installed by a professional. You’ll get around 10-year warranty or maybe more. The only other heater manufacturer that does warranties that long is Rheem, the rest give you 4-6 year warranties. The main disadvantage of Bradford White water heaters is that they are too pricey. They can cost twice as much as other comparable units.

4. Rinnai Water Heater

Rinnai is a Japanese company that was founded in 1920 by Hidejiro Naito and Kanekichi Hayashi. They started by manufacturing and selling pressurized oil cooking stoves. Rinnai water heaters have been producing since 1964. Rinnai tankless water heaters and Rheem water heaters are the most popular tankless models on the market. Today, more than 30 million Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters have been installed worldwide.

Rinnai is a trusted brand in the tankless water heater industry and that is proven in that Rinnai tankless water heaters have been recommended by lots of owners and plumbers. Rinnai has an extensive selection of tankless water heaters, so you can choose the best system for your home or business. And if you still aren’t sure a Rinnai tankless water heater is the right choice for you, read its reviews on Amazon. It gets so many positive reviews from both owners and fellow professional reviewers.

Thanks to their superior design and engineering, Rinnai home and water heating products continually raise the standard of comfort, convenience, and reliability. Because of their dedication to delivering quality at every level, Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters are the top-selling tankless water-heating brand in the U.S. and Canada. Rinnai tankless water heaters often come with 12-year warranty or more.

5. Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart is a privately owned manufacturer of green energy technology based out of Waterbury, Connecticut. Their patented self-modulating technology within the electric tankless water heater line can save customers up to 60% on their water heating bill as compared to a storage tank.

EcoSmart produces some of the cheapest tankless water heaters on the market. However, these tankless water heaters have a very good quality that is proven by the limited lifetime warranty. They are designed for efficiency, durability and easy replacement. That’s probably why they get such great reviews from buyers on Amazon.

EcoSmart’s water heaters use SmartBoost technology that will increase the efficiency and performance of your existing gas or electric tank by 45%, giving it the power of a much larger tank. You’ll get more power and more hot water for one low price and save big on large tank installation costs.

6. GE GeoSpring Water Heater

General Electric has launched GeoSpring – the first hybrid heat pump electric water heater manufactured in the U.S. since 2014. And now, GE GeoSpring is the most popular heat pump water heater sold in the United States.

Many homeowners don’t realize their water heater is the second biggest energy-consuming appliance in their home. According to Energy.gov, water heating system can amount to nearly 17 percent of a home’s energy costs. So it’s important to consider a water heater which is as much energy-efficient as possible. The GE GeoSpring hybrid electric water heater is one of America’s most efficient 50-gallon and 80-gallon water heaters and saves the average household between $160 and $490 every year on their electric bill.

The GeoSpring is GE’s response to consumer demand for more efficient, environmentally friendly appliances. Some 60 million homes in the US use standard electric hot water heaters. By absorbing heat in the ambient air and transferring it to the heated water, the GeoSpring uses dramatically less energy. If 25% of all households switched to this hybrid system, it would reduce annual CO2 emissions to the same extent as removing 360,000 cars from the road.

Note: Haier bought GE Appliances, and GE Appliances stopped making the GeoSpring water heater at the end of 2016. So if you get a GE brand, it will most likely be old stock. And we’re not sure how that will change getting repair parts and service.

7. Stiebel Eltron Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron is a German company which was founded by Dr. Theodor Stiebel in 1924 to manufacture his revolutionary immersion water heaters. More than 90 years later, the company is still family owned and is a household name in Europe, known for the engineering and manufacturing excellence of tankless electric water heaters, space heaters, and heat pump water heaters. In 2017, Stiebel Eltron has been awarded Germany’s “2017 Innovation Prize”. The award is singling out Germany’s most innovative businesses – based on criteria such as investment, research & development, new products, and technology.

For 40 years Stiebel Eltron has developed innovative heat pump water heaters. They are designed to save space, provide great comfort and energy cost savings. They are also extremely versatile, they can be installed indoors and outdoors and work in lower temperatures. So if you’re looking for an energy efficient means of providing your home with hot water, the Stiebel Eltron heat pump hot water systems are the answer.

Stiebel Eltron also offers a range of tankless water heaters. The tankless water heaters take advantage of latent energy to provide you with a water heater that lowers your electricity consumption and helps the planet. Stiebel Eltron’s tankless water heaters are suitable for providing green hot water for both homes and commercial hot water.

8. Bosch Water Heater

Headquartered in Germany, Bosch is one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive components, household appliances, miter saws, table saws, security systems, water heating systems and more. Everyone knows and respects Bosch for its unsurpassed commitment to quality and innovation. Bosch water heater is highly recommended by professional contractors and is a brand that loyal customers refer to their friends and family. With over 125 years of engineering experience, Bosch is the brand you can trust.

Tankless water heaters are the main water heating products of Bosch. Bosch tankless water heaters are renowned for their reliability and longevity. All products are built using top-grade materials and tested to meet the highest standards for performance and sustainability, which is why Bosch can back tankless products with the most generous warranties in the industry.

If you’re looking for a tankless water heater that is powered by natural gas, we’d highly recommend you get a model from Bosch. Bosch natural gas tankless water heater is one the most efficient units on the market. It uses Smart Bosch Technology that delivers up to 98% efficient. That means Bosch will save you a lot of money on gas bills.

9. Takagi

If you’ve been researching tankless water heaters around the internet, you would see many reviewers seem to be in favor of Takagi.

Takagi is a Japan manufacturing company that has delivered innovative hot water solutions for over 60 years. Takagi provides an energy-efficient water heating solution with long-lasting value for years after it’s installed. Unlike other manufacturers, Takagi is the company specializing in tankless-only products to enter the North American market. They have been trying to produce only the highest quality, eco-friendly and innovative tankless products possible in hopes to help relieve global warming.

Takagi tankless water heaters provide endless hot water when sized appropriately for your home’s needs. Provides you with continuous hot water in one of the most energy-efficient ways possible. On top of that, a Takagi tankless water heater takes up much less space and is supported by a very good customer service.

Takagi often provides a 15-year heat exchanger 5-year parts warranty on residential models. Extended service protection options are available.

A.O. Smith acquired all of Takagi USA’s assets in 2010

10. Kenmore Water Heater

Kenmore has become an iconic brand since its first agitator washer was introduced 90 years ago. Today, Kenmore is one of the most trusted brands in the US. There are many Kenmore models at or near the top of our appliance ratings. And nearly one in three U.S. homes contains a Kenmore major appliance, according to Sears.

Kenmore water heaters are available in a variety of types: electric, hybrid heat pump, natural gas, and propane powered – all of which are beneficial in their own ways and well suited for certain homes and needs. Kenmore water heaters are all made by A.O.Smith parent company.

In terms of reliability, Kenmore water heaters have held their own in our surveys, in which we ask our readers about the repair rates of the water heaters in their homes. Warranties on Kenmore water heaters and parts range from six to twelve years, which is slightly lower than Rheem’s warranty but still higher than the average brand’s warranty.

11. American Standard Water Heater

For over 130 years, American Standard has been the most trusted & widely recognized brand of commercial and residential water heaters across the United States.

American Standard Water Heaters manufactures high-quality electric, heat pump, natural & propane gas, tankless condensing and storage tank type commercial and residential water heaters with BTU inputs ranging from 76,100 to 512,000 – designed to deliver large amounts of hot water economically, for applications requiring rapid hourly hot water recovery. Typical applications include large and small residences, restaurants, apartment buildings, multi-family developments, motels, hotels, hospitals, Laundromats, car washes, schools and industrial buildings.

Traditionally, commercial water heaters are delivered with a standard 3-year warranty, a norm in the commercial water heaters industry within the U.S. American Standard Water Heaters are available with the 4-year warranty as a standard and across the entire line of commercial water heaters, apart from their high-efficiency Series. The introduction of the company’s 4-year warranty represents a 33% increase in coverage, a first in the industry, which includes 1-year parts and labor warranty coverage. The move is intended to underscore American Standard Water Heaters assertion that their commercial water heaters will perform far longer than comparable commercial water heaters of competitors.

If you’re looking for a high-performance water heating solution for commercial applications, this water heater brand is a good option to consider.

The post The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands On The Market appeared first on Green Living Blog.

If you just want to see our recommended model reviews then just skip the first half of the article, but for your convenience, we’ll list our picks for the best heat pump water heaters:

1. Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater 80-Gallon
2. AO Smith Voltex Residential 80-gallon
3. GE GeoSpring 80-gallon
4. Stiebel Eltron Accelera E 58-gallon

Note: We think 80-gallon is an optimal size to satisfy average annual household hot water demand as much as possible via the heat pump.

What Is a Heat Pump Water Heater – How It Works?

Heat pump water heaters are a relatively new type of water heater that extracts heat from air and transfers that energy to heat water in a tank. They use the same technology as refrigerators or window air conditioners but in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from an enclosed box and expels that heat to the surrounding air, a heat pump water heater takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank. It heats a water tank with a remarkable efficiency.

To help you understand how a heat pump water heater works, we briefly summarized the main points. In operation, a fan mounted on the top of a water tank pushes room air across a radiator-like grid filled with cold liquid refrigerant in a closed system of tubing. The refrigerant has a low boiling point, and the air’s heat raises the liquid’s temperature enough to turn it to a gas. An air compressor then increases the pressure of the gas, further raising its temperature. A pump circulates the tubes filled with hot compressed gas down and around the cool water in the heater’s tank. The heat from the hot compressed gas moves toward the cool water, raising its temperature and cooling the gas back to a liquid where it is then pumped back to the radiator, and the fun starts again.

When emptied, heat pump water heaters take longer than conventional electric water heater to reheat to have you back in hot water. Why? Because heat pumps draw less electricity than an electric water heater for more energy efficient. So when buying a new heat pump water heater, you should consider a larger tank capacity to ensure you have enough hot water when you need it. Most models have backup resistance elements. During periods of high hot water demand, they switch to standard electric resistance heat automatically – they are often referred to as “hybrid” hot water heaters.

One of the most important things you should know before getting a heat pump water heater is that this water heating system doesn’t work well in very cold spaces and need to be placed in an area that stays 40 to 90 degrees F (4.4º–32.2ºC). And because the heat pump captures heat from the air, you need to provide at least 1,000 cubic feet (28.3 cubic meters) of air space around the water heater.

Heat Pump VS Electric

Even though all the hybrid heat pump water heaters are more efficient than conventional electric water heaters. That doesn’t mean you’ll find them the most cost effective for your family. So before you plunk down big bucks for a heat pump water heater, take a minute to understand why it’s better than a conventional electric water heater. Your goal is to find the right balance between performance and efficiency for your particular home.

Efficiency

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to capture heat from the air and transfer it to the water instead of generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. A heat pump water heater can save a household of 3 up to $240 per year on its electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater and over $2,380 over the water heater’s lifetime. Larger families typically use more hot water then they will save even more!

Recovery Rate

The main disadvantage of a heat pump water heater is its slow recovery rate. Recovery rate is the amount of hot water the water heater is capable of providing in a given period of time. Recovery rate is based on gallons per hour (GPH). A typical heat pump water heater has a recovery rate of eight gallons per hour (GPH = 8). Meaning that once the tank has been depleted you could be waiting for up to 7 hours until it can recover and provide a full tank of hot water again. A 50-gallon typical electric water heater has a recovery rate of 23 gallons per hour (GPH = 23) so it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to provide a full tank of hot water again.

• If you’re looking for a 50-gallon tank water heater, click to read our reviews and buying guide

Cost and Lifespan

Heat pump water heaters typically have higher initial costs than conventional electric units. A new 50-gallon hybrid heat pump water heater will cost you around $1,500 and an 80-gallon unit will probably cost over $2,000. It depends on which brand you purchase. With electric water heater, you can get a 50-gallon unit at less than $800 and an 80-gallon unit at less than $1,200. While initial costs are higher than most other electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters have a longer lifespan and would be much cheaper to run.

Shop Electric Tank Water Heaters On Amazon

Heat Pump VS Gas

Electric heat pump water heaters are much more energy efficient than gas units. In contrast, gas water heaters provide a higher level of comfort because it has a faster recovery rate. Another advantage of gas water heaters is that they’ll still work in the event of a power outage.

Efficiency

To help you understand why heat pump is much more efficient than gas, we’ll talk about Energy Factor. Energy Factor (EF) is a measurement that’s used to describe the energy-efficiency of a water heater. It’s based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the water heater.

Most typical gas water heaters have an EF of 0.57 to 0.62. Some manufacturers make models that are better insulated, and have ratings as high as about 0.7 (such as the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent – read our reviews here) – which would contribute to maybe $30 to $40 in annual gas savings. Consider the heat pump water heaters, most of them reach an EF of 2.86 or above. However, the lower EF doesn’t mean a gas unit will cost more to run. Because one of the problems with comparing the cost of operating a gas water heater to an electric heat pump water heater is that you’re billed for each in different units. You pay the gas company for how many therms you use and the electric utility for kWh. If you really want to know which is cheaper, you’ve got to do the conversions and find out the estimated annual cost of operation for each fuel. Use the following calculations:

For gas:

365 X Btu ÷ EF X Fuel Cost (Btu) = estimated annual cost of operation

1 therm = 100,000 Btu

For heat pump:

365 x kWh/day ÷ EF x Fuel Cost ($/kWh) = annual cost of operation

The simplest way to estimate the annual operating cost of a water heater is looking at its Energy Guide label.

Recovery Rate

A gas water heater can heat a 50-gallon tank in about one hour. Its recovery rate is much faster than that of a heat pump unit. A typical gas unit will have recovery rates in the range of 40-gallon per hour (GPH = 40), there are heavy duty models that go as high as 50 to 60 GPH. So for families of four or more people, a gas unit is usually the better choice over the heat pump unit. However, if a heat pump water heater is your choice, you should consider a larger tank capacity to ensure you have enough hot water. An 80-gallon HPWT is the best option if your family has 3-4 people.

Cost and Lifespan

Gas heaters are much cheaper than heat pumps in initial purchase price. Installation of a gas water heater can be much cheaper if a gas line is already available in a house. An electric heat pump water heater will require you have a 220V outlet that will take you more money if you live in a 110V country. Heat pump heaters may have a slightly longer lifespan than gas units, but this largely depends on local water quality and maintenance.

Shop Gas Tank Water Heaters On Amazon

Heat Pump VS Tankless (On-Demand water heater)

Before we move onto our in-depth reviews of the best heat pump water heaters on the market, we just want to make sure you know the difference between the heat pump and tankless water heaters.

Efficiency

Compared to the conventional electric water heaters, tankless water heaters are 27% to 50% more efficient. So tankless units are hard to beat heat pump units in terms of energy saving. Because heat pump units can be 2-3 times more efficient than electric units. However, because tankless water heaters don’t use a storage tank, they don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money.

Recovery Rate

Tankless water heater’s recovery rate is determined by the water flow per minute or gallon per minute (GPM). Typically, a tankless unit provides hot water at a rate of 1.2 to 6 gallons (1.2 to 6 GPM) per minute. A low-flow shower head may use 2 gallons of hot water per minute.

A sink may run 1.5 GPM through the kitchen faucet while doing dishes and a running bathtub may use 4 GPM. A typical single tankless water heater can’t handle all hot water needs if you do multiple things using hot water at the same time. To overcome this problem, you can install two or more tankless water heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. But you have to spend a lot more money.

Unlike tankless, a heat pump water heater uses a storage tank to store hot water. You don’t have to worry about getting enough hot water for the usage of multiple sources at the same time. Tankless water heaters are the best options for families that use 40 gallons or less of hot water each day.

Cost and Lifespan

There so many tankless water heaters on the market that cost less than $500. But we would highly recommend you buy models from Rheem or Rinnai such as Rinnai RUR98iN 9.8 GPM or Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM. These units may cost you a lot more but they are the best tankless water heaters available.

Tankless water heaters will typically last longer than heat pump water heaters. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years.

Tankless Gas Water Heater Buying Guide

Choosing the Best Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heater

When selecting a new heat pump water heater, there are many things you’ll need to take into account.

What size do you need?

To properly size a heat pump water heater for your home, use the water heater’s first-hour rating. The first-hour rating shows how much hot water the unit can provide in one hour (starting with a tank full of hot water). It depends on the tank capacity and which model you purchase. You can see water heater’s first-hour rating on the top left corner of the Energy Guide label.

The first-hour rating primarily depends on your family peak’s usage period. Assuming a people shower in 8 minutes will consume 15 gallons of hot water. If your family has 4 people and all take their showers at the same time, you would need a heat pump water heater with at least 60 gallons first-hour rating. For dishwashers, clothes washers and other such applications that need hot water, you might want your water heater that has a first-hour rating of 90 gallons or above.

Use the worksheet below to estimate your maximum usage of hot water during this one hour of the day – this is your peak hour demand.

Energy Star

Water heaters are the second highest source of energy usage in the home. An ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater can be much more energy efficient than models without that certificate by heating water using highly efficient heat pump technology. And you can save even more with rebates. With an Energy Star qualified heat pump water heater, you can get a rebate up to $500.

To qualify for a tax rebate, ENERGY STAR hybrid heat pump water heaters 55 gallons and under must have an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.0 or above. ENERGY STAR hybrid heat pump water heaters over 55 gallons must have an EF of 2.2 or above. All Energy Star models in this review are eligible for a tax rebate. To determine whether there are rebates available for ENERGY STAR certified water heaters in your zip code, click here to find.

Where will your heat pump water heater be installed?

Your heat pump water heater should be placed in an area that stays 40 to 90 degrees F (4.4º–32.2ºC) with at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the water heater. They generally don’t work well in colder spaces and can cool the spaces they are in. If possible, consider installing in a space with excess heat, such as a furnace room.

BEST HYBRID HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER REVIEWS

1. Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater 80 Gallon – Editors’ Choice

Features:

• Energy Factor: 3.55
• Energy Use: 1255 kWh/year (a standard electric water heater consumes more than 4,500 kWh/year)
• Warranty: 10-year warranty for tank & parts
• Work with Nest: yes
• Rebates & Incentives: Yes

Our Review:

When it comes to the heat pump water heating system, everyone talks about Rheem. The Rheem Prestige Series is the best hybrid heat pump water heater currently available. It’s the most efficient unit on the market, making it easy to help homeowners save an estimated $4,000 in energy costs over 10 years. This model is compatible with all applications you need, especially where space or climate is an issue. It features easy access to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled via a mobile app, allowing for customizable temperature, vacation settings, energy savings and system monitoring at home or away. If you’re looking for a highly efficient water heating solution that costs less than 60¢ per day to operate and is packed with modern features, we recommend this Rheem model.

The Rheem Prestige Series delivers hot water faster than most conventional electric water heaters. A 50-gallon model delivers 67 gallons of first-hour rating, a 65-gallon model delivers 75 gallons of first-hour rating and an 80-gallon model delivers 89 gallons of first-hour rating. You have 3 options to choose depending on your home usage. If your family has 3 to 4 people, we recommend you buy an 80-gallon model. Smaller than that may be not enough hot water to supply if some applications are used simultaneously.

This model has an amazing 3.5 Energy Factor – which is the highest rating compared to any other heat pump water heater we reviewed. As it’s super energy efficient, it will save you a lot of money in the long term and will pay for itself in less than 4 years.

Rheem claims that this model is the smartest water heater on the market. We don’t think so, we think it can’t be smarter than the GE GeoSpring (listed below). It uses the EcoNet WiFi-connected technology and a free mobile app that gives users control over water systems, allowing for customizable temperature, vacation settings, energy savings and system monitoring at home or away. It’s also compatible with Nest Thermostat – a smart home device which helps you save more energy. Nest Thermostat allows EcoNet to place your heat pump water heater in vacation mode while the Nest Protect detects smoke or carbon monoxide.

The Rheem Prestige Series also features an exclusive water leak detection sensor. This sensor detects water outside of the unit and sends an alert to your smart phone.

Rebates & Incentives

The Rheem Prestige Series heat pump water heater meets the latest Energy Star standards. We’ve found rebates for this product totaling up to $300. Click here to apply online for a rebate, download and complete the rebate form. Don’t forget you have to apply within 60 days of purchase.

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2. AO Smith 80 Gallon Voltex Residential Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Reviews

Features:

• Energy Factor: 3.24
• Energy Usage: 1884 kWh/year
• First-hour rating: 84 gallons
• Warranty: 6 years
• Rebates & Incentives: Yes

Our Review:

If our top pick doesn’t fit your needs, grab the Voltex Hybrid Electric heat pump water heater from A. O. Smith. With annual savings of $387 or more for the life of the appliance and A.O. Smith’s excellent customer services, there is no better way to go than this model.

The Voltex Hybrid reduces water heating cost by up to 66% through an innovative design that pulls environmental heat while dehumidifying and cooling the ambient air at the same time. The 80-gallon tank enables you to maximize your savings by generating heat through the heat pump technology instead of the heating elements. It also offers premium features like a user-friendly LCD display, vacation mode, and a powered anode that protects your tank for 6 years.

This model is one of the quietest heat pump water heaters on the market, operating at just 51 decibels. It features four operating modes that maximize efficiency by matching heating requirements to environmental conditions. Hybrid mode automatically adjusts between compressor and element, depending upon heat requirements. Vacation mode reduces operating costs and provides freeze protection during the extended absence, this mode can be programmed up to 99 days.

Rebates & Incentives

This is an Energy Star qualified water heater so it will qualify for the existing federal energy efficiency tax rebate and most state and local utility rebates. You can get a rebate up to $300 for this model. Click here to for more information. Don’t forget you have to apply within 60 days of purchase.

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3. GE GeoSpring Heat Pump Water Heater (80-gallon) Reviews

Features:

• Energy Factor: 3.25
• Energy Usage: 1407 kWh/year for 80-gallon units
• First-hour Rating: 69 gallons/50-gallon unit and 94 gallons/80-gallon unit.
• Warranty: 10 years
• Rebates & Incentives: Yes

Our Review:

We’ve discovered that we can get a GE GeoSpring or Rheem Prestige Series heat pump water heater for the same price and rebates. They are both smart and the most efficient hybrid heat pump water heaters on the market. So, which is the better one?

The GeoSpring electric heat pump water heater is one of the first residential electric water heaters with an electronic back-lit LCD display. With 4 modes and a vacation setting to choose from, you can start maximizing your energy savings immediately. Heat pump mode is the most efficient mode providing you with the greatest amount of savings. Hybrid mode provides you with a faster recovery time than the heat pump mode. High demand mode allows the unit operates similar to hybrid mode, but with a faster recovery period. Standard electric mode is designed for extremely cold ambient temperatures under 35 degrees F, where heat pump water heater doesn’t work well.

The best feature of the GE GeoSpring is that it can be controlled via GE Wi-Fi Connect. Like some smart air conditioners with an add-on device which allows you to control the unit from your smartphones, you can use the GE Wi-Fi connect module (purchased separately) to monitor your water heater using the GeoSpring app. Furthermore, it works with Amazon’s Alexa, so you can control the unit via voice commands. This heat pump water heater is also relatively quiet. Its sound is similar to the hum of a microwave vent fan.

Rebates & Incentives

GeoSpring heat pump water heaters qualify for many state tax credits and utility rebate programs. You can get a rebate up to $300, click here to apply online. Don’t forget you have to apply within 60 days of purchase and you must be a PG&E electric customer.

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4. Stiebel Eltron Accelera E Heat Pump Water Heaters, 58 Gallons

Features:

• Energy Factor: 3.05
• Energy Usage: 1,040 kWh/year
• First-hour Rating: 51 gallons
• Warranty: 10 years
• Rebates & Incentives: Yes

Our Review:

You may not be familiar with the Stiebel Eltron brand. Stiebel Eltron is a company based in Holzminden, Germany that was founded in 1924 by Dr. Theodor Stiebel to manufacture his revolutionary immersion water heaters. More than 90 years later, the company is still family owned and is a household name in Europe, known for the engineering and manufacturing excellence of tankless electric water heaters, solar thermal equipment, heat pump water heaters and more. Stiebel Eltron heat pump water heaters are the best choices for those who are looking for an energy efficient water heating solution.

The Stiebel Eltron Accelera E Heat Pump Water Heaters is 100% heat pump – not hybrid. In cases of high demand, one specially-designed electric “booster” element is located at the very top of the tank. Positioned near the hot water draw point, the element has been designed and engineered to run as little as possible. With just one efficient setting like that, you do not have to worry about adjusting various controls to balance both comfort and savings. Its super-insulated tank keeps water hot up to 2-week for less than $4.

Because heat pump water heater’s recovery time is slower than a standard tank, this 58-gallon water heater is ideal for a small home (3 people or less). Similarly, the Accelera 300E tank is 80 gallons because it is an optimal size for larger households.

Rebates & Incentives

Accelera 220E heat pump water heaters are Energy Star certified. We’ve found there are a number of local government and utility rebates available across the country that the Accelera 220E qualifies for. A good place to look for rebates by region is The US Department of Energy’s Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website, DSIRE.

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