Eccotemp Tankless Water Heaters: How They Work and What to Know Before Buying

What Eccotemp tankless water heaters do

Eccotemp makes on-demand water heaters that heat water as it flows through the unit, rather than storing hot water in a tank. When you turn on a hot-water tap, cold water enters the heater, passes over a heat exchanger, and comes out hot within seconds. The unit shuts off when you stop using hot water, so you are not paying to keep a full tank warm all day.

Eccotemp models range from portable camping heaters that run on propane to whole-house systems that connect to your home's gas line or propane supply. Some models are designed for outdoor use—showers, garden hoses, RV hookups—while others fit inside a home as a primary or backup water heater. The company also makes electric tankless models for smaller applications.

The main trade-off is upfront cost: tankless heaters cost more to buy and install than traditional tank heaters, but they use less energy over time and take up far less space. How much you save depends on your household's hot-water use and your local energy rates.

Key Takeaways

• Eccotemp tankless heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it, which saves energy but requires higher installation costs than tank models.
• Portable propane models work for camping, outdoor showers, and temporary use, while whole-house models connect to your home's gas or propane line.
• Installation requires venting, gas line work, or electrical upgrades depending on the model, so professional installation is usually necessary.
• Tankless heaters produce hot water continuously as long as the unit is running, but very high simultaneous demand (multiple showers at once) may exceed the unit's flow rate.

Portable vs. whole-house Eccotemp models

Portable propane models like the Eccotemp L5 and L10 are self-contained units that sit outside, connect to a propane tank, and run on battery power or 12-volt DC. They heat water for outdoor showers, garden hoses, or RV use. Setup takes minutes—connect propane, attach a water source, and ignite. These are popular for camping, construction sites, and homes without reliable hot water. They typically cost between $200 and $600.

Whole-house models like the Eccotemp FVI-12 or natural-gas versions are installed permanently inside or outside your home and connect to your main water line and gas supply. They require venting (to remove exhaust), a licensed plumber to run gas lines, and sometimes electrical work. Installation costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your home's existing plumbing and gas infrastructure. These units produce enough hot water for multiple simultaneous uses—showers, laundry, dishwashing—though very high demand may reduce water temperature slightly.

Point-of-use models sit under a sink or in a cabinet and heat water only for that fixture. They cost less to install than whole-house units but only serve one location.

Gas, propane, and electric options

Eccotemp makes models powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity. Natural-gas models connect to your home's gas line and are the cheapest to operate if you already have gas service. Propane models work anywhere and are portable, but you must refill or swap propane tanks regularly. Electric models are the easiest to install—no venting or gas line needed—but they draw significant power and work best for point-of-use applications or homes with upgraded electrical service.

Check your home's existing utilities before choosing. If you have natural gas, a gas-powered Eccotemp is usually the most economical. If you have only electric service or want portability, propane is the next choice. Pure electric models are least common in Eccotemp's lineup but suit specific situations like RVs or cabins without gas access.

Installation requirements and costs

Installing a whole-house Eccotemp requires more than plugging in a unit. Gas models need a licensed plumber to run or extend gas lines, a certified technician to install venting (usually through a wall or roof), and sometimes an electrician to run a 120-volt outlet for the ignition system. If your home has no gas line, running one from the street can add $1,000 to $2,000 to the total cost.

Propane models need a propane tank installed outside (often by a propane company, not your plumber), venting, and water-line connections. Electric models skip the gas and venting but may require a dedicated 240-volt circuit if the unit draws high power.

Portable models need almost no installation—just propane, water, and a flat surface. Some owners mount them on a frame or cart for stability, but this is optional.

Flow rate and simultaneous hot-water use

Eccotemp models are rated by flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A portable L5 produces about 5 GPM, while whole-house models like the FVI-12 produce 6 to 12 GPM depending on the model and incoming water temperature. The colder your incoming water, the lower the actual output temperature at a given flow rate.

If two people shower at once, or someone showers while the dishwasher runs, the total demand may exceed the unit's GPM rating. When that happens, water temperature drops—you get lukewarm water instead of hot. Households with high simultaneous demand may need a larger model or a storage tank to supplement the tankless heater.

Check the manufacturer's specifications for your climate. In cold regions, incoming water is colder, so a 12 GPM unit may deliver less hot water than the same unit in a warm climate.

Energy savings and operating costs

Tankless heaters use 24 to 34 percent less energy than traditional tank heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, because they do not maintain a tank of hot water all day. However, the savings depend on how much hot water your household uses. A family that showers twice daily and runs the dishwasher nightly will see bigger savings than a single person who uses hot water sparingly.

Operating costs vary by fuel type. Natural gas is usually cheapest per BTU, followed by propane, then electricity. Your local utility rates matter more than the national average, so check your gas and electric bills to estimate your actual savings.

The higher upfront cost—often $1,500 to $3,500 installed for a whole-house model—means you may not break even for 5 to 10 years, depending on your use and local energy prices. Portable models, which cost far less, pay for themselves faster if you use them regularly.

Maintenance and lifespan

Eccotemp tankless heaters last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, compared to 8 to 12 years for traditional tank heaters. Annual maintenance includes flushing the heat exchanger with vinegar or a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup, especially in hard-water areas. This takes about an hour and costs $100 to $200 if a technician does it, or nothing if you do it yourself.

Propane models need regular propane tank checks and occasional cleaning of the burner. Gas models should have the venting inspected annually to ensure no blockages. Electric models have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance.

If the unit fails, repair costs range from $200 for a simple part replacement to $800 or more for a heat exchanger. Most Eccotemp units come with a 1 to 5 year warranty depending on the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an Eccotemp tankless heater myself?

Portable propane models can be set up by anyone—just connect propane and water. Whole-house models require licensed professionals: a plumber for gas and water lines, a venting specialist for exhaust, and possibly an electrician. Improper installation can cause gas leaks or carbon monoxide hazards, so hiring professionals is essential.

What happens if I run out of propane mid-shower?

The unit shuts off immediately and water stops heating. You will get cold water until you swap or refill the propane tank. For whole-house propane systems, a larger tank or automatic refill service prevents this. For portable models, keep a backup tank on hand.

Do tankless heaters work in freezing climates?

Yes, but incoming water is colder, so the unit produces less hot water at a given flow rate. In very cold climates, you may need a larger model or insulation around outdoor pipes. Portable models should be drained and stored indoors during winter if not in use.

How long does it take for hot water to reach the tap?

Eccotemp tankless heaters produce hot water within 5 to 15 seconds of turning on the tap, depending on the distance from the unit to the faucet and the incoming water temperature. This is faster than waiting for a tank to heat up, but slower than a tank that already holds hot water.

Will a tankless heater reduce my water bill?

Tankless heaters reduce energy use, not water use. You will save money on gas or electric bills, but your water consumption stays the same. Some people use less hot water because they do not wait for it to arrive, which can lower both bills slightly.