State Tankless Water Heaters Review

State tankless water heaters are gas-powered appliances that are designed to heat potable water on demand, and deliver in endless and continuous supply in residential and light commercial applications.

State tankless water heaters: Features and models to consider

All the on-demand water heaters from State manufacturers are wall-hanging, small in size, and have a nice attractive design, allowing installation anywhere inside the house for point-of-use and whole-house water heating. The advanced built-in features allow high-efficient, long-lasting, and reliable service during the time of its 15-year warranty, even longer.

There are two types of tankless appliances from the State; condensing and non-condensing, both with indoor and outdoor installation options. Indoor models (NI) are installed only inside the building, while the outdoor (NE) are designed ventless, for the outdoor installation, on the exterior wall, or in the protective recess box.

Indoor models use the vent pipe to get the fresh, combustion air in and move the exhaust gases out. Some of the indoor models can be converted to use direct venting. The use of PVC, ABS, and other cheap materials makes condensing venting cheaper than venting found on non-condensing.

Features

Air-fuel ratio sensor

State tankless water heaters are equipped with the air-fuel ratio sensor that adjusts the fan motor speed and therefore allows proper air/fuel mixture for the ideal gas combustion. This is what boosts the performance, maximizes efficiency, and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.

Safety features

The tankless units are very safe. If only one of the requirements is not met or one element doesn't work, the water heater will turn off. Safety features include the high limit switch to prevent the element exposure to high temperatures, overheat cut-off, and an internal freeze protection system that turns on if the surrounding air temperature drops and there is a risk of freezing.

Increased water flow option

The water flow can be increased by grouping two or more water heaters into one system. This is available through the Easy-Link system that allows connection of up to 4 units of the 510, 510U, and 540H series and the Multi-unit system that enables connection of up to 20 units of the 510U and 540H series in residential applications.

Modulation

A modulating gas control valve adjusts the gas flow rate so the water heater can use only the amount of energy that is required to meet the set temperature, so the energy loss is minimal. The highest turndown ratio is found on the 510 series; the minimum power is 11,000 BTU while the maximum is 199,900 BTU.

State non-condensing tankless water heaters

All non-condensing tankless water heaters from the State manufacturer have an energy factor of 0.82, making them highly efficient with the reduced gas emission (the "U" series are Ultra-Low NOx models).

Non-condensing models from the 510 series have one heat exchanger only that is made tough to withstand the high thermal stress and last long. It is made of a strong HRS35 copper alloy that is durable and stronger than HE found in water heaters of other manufacturers.

Every unit from the non-condensing group has the remote controller included and a built-in temperature controller to monitor and adjust the temperature and troubleshoot.

110 series

State tankless water heaters from the 110 series include GTS-110 and GTS-110U models, with the smallest size and capacity. With a maximum water flow rate of 6.6 GPM, tankless heaters can provide enough hot water for one to two showers or smaller homes, apartments, condos, cottages, and offices.

310 series

The 310 series includes GTS-310 and GTS-310U models, which, with the water flow of 8.0 GPM, can supply up to three-bath homes.

510 series

The 510 series consists of the GTS-510 and GTS-510U models, or standard and low NOx models with a maximum water flow rate of 10 GPM, making it suitable for homes with 2-4 bathrooms.

All three groups of tankless water heaters have a compact size and small weight ranging from 33 to 39 pounds.

State condensing tankless water heaters

There are several condensing models available: standard 320 and 520, and ultra-low NOx models; 240H, 340H, and 540H.

Condensing water heaters are also Energy Star but provide more savings due to the ultra-high energy factor ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 (240, 340, and 540 series).

Condensing models have two heat exchangers where the secondary element is made of heavy-duty stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and acidic condensation of the flue gases.

The maximum gas power is slightly lower than the power found on the 540 series; it is 199,000 BTU while the hot water flow is the same, 10 GPM. Due to the presence of the secondary heat exchanger, the weight of a condensing model is significantly higher; the maximum weight is 59 lbs.

As seen from the above, State tankless water heaters are about technology, efficiency, savings, and flexibility. The models can be used in various applications mainly due to their flexibility in venting installation when used in recirculation systems, a combination with storage tanks, home heating systems, solar heating, as one unit, or combined in multiple systems. Due to an endless supply of hot water and great peak-time performance, State tankless are ideal for demanding families.

All State tankless water heaters, either non-condensing or condensing, come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger and in residential applications and 10 years in commercial applications.