Water heaters have become an integral part of any home. They are used so much that they make up a considerable portion of our gas and electric bills. However, most people often overlook this fact by purchasing a water heater without considering its energy efficiency.
That is why you should invest in a water heater that will give you all the fast water heating benefits of a regular heater, but at a fraction of the total running cost. And what better choice than a Reliance water heater?
Reliance has been around for quite some time now, and in that time, it has created an excellent reputation for producing some of the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market.
Our Reliance Water Heater Reviews considers several consumer considerations, including eco-friendly properties, energy consumption, and price-quality ratio. We also leverage expert input, analysis, and positive reviews from other buyers to shortlist the products that make it to our list. We get all the specification information from the original manufacturer’s website to ensure that we don’t misinform the readers who trust us before making informed buying decisions.
Read on as we tell you what to expect from a Reliance water heater. We’ll also throw in some of their best models in each category to make your shopping experience a little easier.
Reliance Water Heater Reviews
Best Reliance Gas Water Heaters
- Reliance 6 40 UBVIT Ultra-Low NOx 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater – Best Overall
- Reliance 6 40 UNBFT Gas Water Heater – Best for Convenience and Functionality
- Reliance 6 40 YBVIS 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater – Best for Durability
Best Reliance Electric Water Heaters
- Reliance 12 40 EGRT 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater – Best overall
- Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater – Best for Budget
- Reliance 6 2 SSUS K 2.5 Gallon Electric Water Heater – Best for Point of Use Application
Best Reliance Tankless Water Heater
- Reliance TS-540-LIH Tankless Water Heater – Best for Performance
- Reliance TS-340 LIH Tankless Propane Water Heater – Best for Efficiency
What are Reliance Water Heater products known for?
Nobody does it better than Reliance when it comes to making water heaters with innovative technology and designs. Reliance water heaters are perfectly crafted and engineered to meet all set energy efficiency regulations, making them pretty cheap to run.
If you want a water heater that will blend in seamlessly with your modern home’s décor, then you should consider getting yourself a Reliance water heater. Reliance water heaters come in a wide variety of unique designs that are sure to accentuate the aesthetic appeal of any home.
They are also pretty compact, so you don’t have to worry about your new water heater taking up all the space.
Unique Qualities Associated with Reliance Water Heaters
Warranty
Reliance water heaters offer some of the most competitive warranty policies in the market. This is a clear depiction of their reliability and durability. It also makes them a perfect choice for a long-term investment.
Energy Efficiency and Convenience
Reliance water heaters are incredibly energy efficient and convenient. They come equipped with a PEX polymer heat trap that effectively prevents heat loss, thus improving the heater’s energy efficiency.
They also come loaded with lots of eco-friendly features that reduce NOx emissions. To top it all off, they also come equipped with factory-installed temperature and pressure valves to improve the heaters’ operation tremendously.
Durability
Reliance heaters are constructed from top-notch materials that last longer and make the products very sturdy. They also come equipped with various features such as glass-lines tanks with anode rods to prevent corrosion effectively.
Best Reliance Gas Water Heaters
1. Reliance 6 40 UBVIT Ultra-Low NOx 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
When you take a look at the 6 40 UBVIT Gas water heater, one of the first things you’ll notice is its solid construction.
This water heater is made from high-quality materials, and the parts are perfectly welded and joined together to give it a sturdy feel.
The tank on this gas water heater is gas-lined and has an anode rod to reduce corrosion. This makes this heater suitable for use in areas affected by hard water.
Reliance is very keen on taking care of the environment. That is why they equipped this water heater with non-CNC foam insulation. This unit is also compliant with all federal low NOx requirements.
That, coupled with the fact that it features a PEX polymer-lined heat trap, makes this unit environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
Still on energy efficiency, this unit also features an advanced Intelli-Vent gas control valve that facilitates pilotless ignition. This goes a long way in saving energy and reducing your overall gas bill. Its design also makes it very easy to install.
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on Tanks and Parts
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.70
- Recovery Rate – 45 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 76 Gallons
2. Reliance 6 40 UNBFT Gas Water Heater
If you are in the market for a gas water heater that will offer you optimum convenience and usability without having to dig too deep into your pockets, then you should take a look at the Reliance 6 40 UNBFT.
This gas water heater comes equipped with factory-installed pressure and temperature valves that make it very convenient. If the pressure in the tank becomes too much, the valve releases the extra pressure automatically to prevent the tank from blowing up.
The valve also aids in maintaining a constant water temperature in the tank.
The tank’s interior is glass-lined and features an anode rod that effectively prevents corrosion, thus improving the tank’s durability. The overall construction of the water heater is also awe-inspiring. It is made from high-quality materials that make it very sturdy and durable.
Like our previous pick, this gas water heater also features a PEX polymer lining that works to reduce heat loss. The polymer, coupled with the non-CNC foam lining, makes this unit very energy efficient.
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on Tanks and Parts
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.65
- Recovery Rate – 43 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 74 Gallons
3. Reliance 6 40 YBVIS 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
You don’t want to keep replacing your water heater now and then, do you? That is why you should invest in a water heater that lasts long. And that’s what the 6 40 YBVIS gas water heater is designed for.
This water heater is made from high-quality materials that give it a sturdy construction. Its tank is also gas-lined and comes equipped with an anode for optimum corrosion resistance. This makes it especially perfect for use in areas with hard water.
In terms of safety, this water heater comes equipped with a temperature and gas valve that actively regulates the water temperature and pressure inside the tank.
When it comes to user-friendliness, it doesn’t get easier than this. The 6 40 YBVIS features a piezo igniter. The piezo igniter allows easy one-hand ignition without any matches. This not only makes it easy to ignite but also much safer.
Like most Reliance water heaters, this unit features a PEX polymer lining that helps minimize heat loss, thus making the unit more energy efficient.
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on Tank and Parts
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.67
- Recovery Rate – 45 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 73 Gallons
Best Reliance Electric Water Heaters
1. Reliance 12 40 EGRT 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater
Imagine getting everything you could ever want from a water heater all in one unit. Well, with the 12 40 EGRT electric heater, you don’t have to imagine anymore.
This electric water heater comes equipped with lots of cool features that make it reliable, durable, and easy to use, not to mention an impressive 12-year limited warranty.
The 12 40 EGRT comes fitted with built-in leak detection and warning that alerts you of any issues with the tank. It also features an electronic thermostat, which is much more reliable and durable than a conventional thermostat since it doesn’t have any mechanical parts that can be worn out.
This electric water heater also comes equipped with a dry fire protection system that prevents the unit from turning on unless the tank is full of water.
You will appreciate that this electric water heater features a touch screen interface that makes it incredibly easy to operate and run diagnostics in terms of usability.
- Warranty – 12 year limited warranty on Tank and Parts
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Recovery Rate – 25 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 65 Gallons
2. Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater
Getting a high-quality water heater on a small budget is pretty daunting. Lucky for us, we have the Reliance 6 6 SOMS Electric Water Heater.
This electric water heater comes in a reasonably compact design that makes it fit in most spaces and makes it very easy to install. It also features a side-mounted cold water inlet and a hot water inlet to facilitate easy installation.
This, coupled with its compact design, makes it especially suitable for crawl space or under-counter installation.
With a capacity of six gallons, this electric water heater is suitable for small families and businesses that don’t have a lot of hot water needs.
And if you’re worried about it not lasting long, don’t be. This water heater has a durable construction that is backed up by a six-month limited warranty.
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 6 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – Not specified
- Recovery Rate – 8 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – not specified
3. Reliance 6 2 SSUS K 2.5 Gallon Electric Water Heater
If you are looking for a compact electric water heater for low-demand applications, then you should check out the Reliance 6 2 SSUS K Electric Heater.
This water heater comes in a very compact design that makes it especially suitable for under-sink installation. Its design is also pretty practical and straightforward, which makes it very easy to install.
In terms of durability and reliability, this water heater is very well built. It has a solid construction and is made from high-quality materials to ensure optimum sturdiness.
It also comes fitted with a factory-installed temperature and pressure valve that actively regulates the pressure within the tank to keep it from blowing up.
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 2.5 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – Not specified
- Recovery Rate – 7 Gph
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – Not specified
Best Reliance Tankless Water Heaters
1. Reliance TS-540-LIH Tankless Water Heater
The TS-540-LIH Tankless Heater is specially engineered to use the least amount of propane possible to serve all your water heating requirements.
It comes loaded with lots of proficiency innovations that make it not only energy-efficient but also very reliable.
It features a modern, lavish design that blends in well with most modern décor. That, coupled with its compact size, makes it an easy fit into any home.
Like our previous pick, the Series TS-520-LIH Tankless Heater also comes equipped with preheating technology that enables you to get hot water almost instantly.
Although this water heater is designed to look like a piece of delicate high-tech equipment, it is a lot more rugged than it looks. It is constructed from high-quality materials that make the entire construction very sturdy.
All its internal components, including the heating element, are also made of corrosion-resistant materials for optimum durability.
- Warranty – 15 year warranty on heat exchanger, five years on parts
- Capacity – Tankless
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Flow rate – 5.4 – 10 Gpm
- Power Supply – Propane
2. Reliance TS-340 LIH Tankless Propane Water Heater
If you are looking for an on-demand water heater that will offer you a bit of sophistication and class, then you’d better check out the Reliance TS-340 LIH Propane Heater.
This tankless water heater comes in a modern, futuristic design that is sure to accentuate the aesthetics of your modern home.
This water heater comes equipped with an ultra-efficient propane system that delivers a substantial amount of heat while using the least amount of propane possible. The system also emits deficient levels of NOx, thus making this unit exceptionally eco-friendly.
Although this unit is quite expensive, it makes up for it in energy savings and efficiency. With an energy star rating of 0.95, this is among the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market.
It has a 180,000 BTU and a maximum flow rate of 8 GPM that ensures that you get all the hot water you need in the least time possible.
- Warranty – 15 year warranty on heat exchanger, five years on parts
- Capacity – Tankless
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.95
- Flow rate – 8 Gpm
- Power Supply – Propane
Conclusion
As its name suggests, Reliance produces some of the most reliable water heaters on the market. All their water heaters are energy-star rated and equipped with innovative technology that makes them even more reliable and easy to use.
In the article, we have evaluated Reliance as a brand and told you what to expect from a Reliance water heater. We have also given you a reliance water heater review of their best units across all categories to ensure that you get what you’re looking for, no matter your preference.
As our top pick in the gas category is the 6 40 UBVIT Ultra-Low NOx Natural Gas Water Heater. The model has a solid construction. It is made from high-quality materials ensuring durability.
In the electric category, our top pick is the 12 40 EGRT 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater. The heater has an impressive warranty limit of 12 years. It is also durable, reliable, and fitted with innovative features for your convenience.
Reliance TS-540-LIH Tankless Propane Water Heater is the best overall in the tankless category. It has temperature control features. It is also energy-efficient and reliable.
Whenever you go out shopping for a Reliance water heater, remember to note its energy star rating, flow rate, size, and type of fuel. Taking these things into consideration will enable you to find the best water heater that suits our needs.
