Are you looking for a practical water heating solution? The Rheem RTEX 13 tankless water heater might be the answer! This is a small and efficient unit that delivers endless hot water on demand. It’s expert approved and meets all high standards in the market.

Going tankless provides many benefits and this particular model really shows this off. It is a seriously energy-smart water heater that is fast working and easy to control. Read on to find out more about why you might want to choose the Rheem RTEX 13 as your next water heater.

Rheem RTEX 13 Best Uses

As there is no tank required, this model is particularly useful for those with limited space. RVs and small homes would really benefit from this model. However, it can be enjoyed in any kind of space.

As long as you don’t use the heater beyond its flow capacity, you can enjoy endless hot water all over the house. This unit can be used to heat bathrooms, kitchens, showers, or anywhere else where it may need hot water.

How Does It Work

This electric tankless water heater provides complete ease of use and simplicity. All you need to do is connect it to your hot water supply. The water passes through the heating elements of the unit, in order to reach the desired temperature that you have set it to.

This allows for massive electrical savings, as you don’t have to keep a tank of water hot. It also allows you to access a constant supply of hot water, as well as save a great deal of space.

Specifications

• Easy to use digital thermostatic controls on the exterior
• The unit has a maximum flow rate of 3.17 GPM
• You can set the appliance to the exact temperature degree
• Uses copper immersion heating elements
• Provides hot water to multiple fixtures
• Easy to install
• 13kW model
• 54A

Rheem RTEX 13 Features

Buying a water heater that is tankless can be difficult, as there are many different features of these products. Here’s a look into some of the awesome features that sets it apart form the competitors.

Adjustable Digital Thermostatic Control

One of the best advantages to buying a tankless is convenience. The large tank models can often be really difficult to install and control. However, the Rheem RTEX 13 makes controlling your water temperature seriously easy.

The front face of this tankless Rheem model features very user-friendly controls. The adjustable digital thermostatic control allows you to instantly change the water temperature as you need it. This is all done through a clever LED display system.

Once the heater is installed, you just need to select your desired water temperature and it will come through. This can be specially adjusted to suit any specific requirements. There is also no limit on the amount of water that you can get at these temperatures. It doesn’t get easier than this.

Accuracy

The RTEX is not just easy to control, it is also extremely accurate. When you adjust the water temperature on the external thermostatic control, the results really match up. You can get the exact water temperature that you desire.

The temperature controls go up in 1 degree increments. This allows you to be very specific as to how hot you would like the water to be. You also won’t have to wait around for the water to be heated. It can arrive at your desired temperature when you want it.

Durable Copper Immersion Heating Elements

In order to keep your water hot, the Rheem RTEX 13 utilizes two copper immersion heating elements. No tank is required here, making this a practical choice for smaller spaces, such as an RV.

Water travels through the heating elements, and it quickly becomes hot. This allows you to access perfectly heated water for as long as you want. These copper immersion heating elements are particularly durable, that can lead to a longer life span.

They are also field serviceable and feature self-modulating power control. This is an efficient water heater that gets the job done.

Energy Efficient

Water heaters can often be the source of a hefty electrical bill every month. Luckily, this electric tankless model is seriously effective when it comes to saving power. In fact, this model is 99.8% energy efficient!

The RTEX 13 is a 13kW model. It will require a 60A/240V breaker and uses a 6AWG wire size. You only really need to use the heater when your tap is on, so you will end up saving plenty of electricity in the long run.

Easy Installation

Putting in a new water heater may seem like a daunting job. However, the Rheem RTEX 13 makes installation easy! You can get this tankless up and running in no time, with minimal technical expertise required.

The appliance uses ½ NPT adapters – which come included. The unit also uses side ½ inch compression water connections. Simply attach the heater to your water source, and you are good to go. You may require a professional plumber to do this, but it will not end up being a major job.

Flow Rate

The flow rate on a tankless refers to how many gallons per minute it can heat up. This is important in understanding how fast the system works, and how long you can run it for.

The flow rate of up to 3.17 GPM as well. This is a pretty impressive rate – ideal for a single bathroom. However, it is possible to push this too far. Some users may need to slow down their flow of water if they want consistently hot water flowing through. However, if you can restrict the water flow to suit this heater, you can have an endless supply of efficient hot water!

Practical Design

Water heaters can be a pain to fit into your space as they can be bulky. Luckily, this model by Rheem offers a practical solution. The compact unit can easily fit onto any wall, allowing for so much less space to be taken up.

Not only this, but the heater looks great. The sleek exterior and LED controls will look neat in your home. It is a smart appliance choice if you would like to elevate the space where you plan to install it.

Continuous Hot Water

A major benefit of installing a tankless system is that you never really run out of hot water. The Rheem RTEX 13 allows you to enjoy a constant supply of perfectly heated water, whenever you need it! As the system does not use a tank, you will never have to worry about a hot water limit. Just make sure that your water flow does not exceed the flow rate of 3.17 GPM.

Multiple Applications

This product from Rheem can be used as a single point of use, or it can be utilized for multiple applications. This means that you can get hot water on demand in various places, for example in your kitchen as well as bathroom. All of this can easily be controlled and managed from one point.

What We Like

• The unit significantly reduces water heating costs
• Efficient design frees up plenty of valuable space
• You get a continuous flow of hot water with no restrictions
• The temperature control is very accurate
• Easy to use
• Easy to install
• Includes a 5 year no leak and a 1-year parts limited warranty

Minor Drawbacks

• Suitable for smaller spaces
• Cannot exceed the 3.17 GPM flow rate

 

Similar on the Market – EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless

 

 

If you would like to compare the Rheem RTEX 13 to a similar product, then this unit by EcoSmart would be a good choice. This is also an electric tankless, focused on efficiency in your household.

This unit also has included a useful thermostatic control on the front. Just like the Rheem, this can be controlled in increments of 1 degree, allowing you to reach the absolute perfect temperature.

The ECO Smart is a little bit more expensive than the Rheem model. This is mostly due to a slight increase in power, allowing you to heat more water at once. With the EcoSmart ECO 27, you can run several different taps simultaneously. It is also one of the largest electric tankless water heaters available.

Besides having some serious power and heating capacity behind it, the EcoSmart ECO 27 is also one of the most energy-efficient models out there. It features one of the smartest self-modulating systems, making sure that you only use whatever electricity is needed.

This model has a limit of 6 gallons per minute, which is an increase from the Rheem. Both water heaters are very similar in many ways, however, the EcoSmart is just a bit bigger and more powerful. However, this does show in the price tag.

Main Features

• Digital temperature control in 1 degree increments
• Made using copper and stainless steel components
• Compact size
• 27kW, 240 volts
• Can heat nearly 3 gallons per minute

The Bottom Line

The Rheem RTEX 13 is a compact unit that packs plenty of power. If you are looking for a water heater that is easy to use and will supply you with an endless amount of hot water, then this product would be a good choice.

It has external adjustable digital thermostatic control with LED display (+/1 degree accuracy. Designed with durable Copper immersion two heating elements, field Serviceable. Self-modulating power control. It offers simple installation – 1/2 NPT adapters included; side 1/2 inch Compression water connections. The best part of the Rheen RTEX 13 s that it is 99.8% energy efficient.

At a an affordable price, you get precise temperature control and excellent energy savings, all housed in a compact little unit. This product is the ideal choice for small homes or single bathrooms.

If you think you will need something larger than that to supply more hot water, the EcoSmart could be considered.