Richmond Water Heater Reviews

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Richmond Water Heater Reviews

Richmond has been operational since 1983 as a subsidiary brand of Rheem. Thus, Rheem manufactures all Richmond water heaters. They are quite forthcoming with durability, thanks to the technological evolution in their products witnessed by decades of experience. You’re looking at one of the best Richmond water heater reviews, featuring nine best gas, electric, and tankless systems. 

We found Encore Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent to be the best product overall. It has a relatively affordable price tag, and you can quickly install it in apartments up to 6,000 feet above sea level.

We sampled more than 25 models from this manufacturer, spending about 30 hours on each product to bring you one of the most resourceful Richmond water heater reviews. We also leverage expert reviews and one-on-one customer interviews to find out more about a product’s lifespan, warranty experience, and general performance.

Our best overall product has an ENERGY STAR® rating to save energy bills. It is also eco-friendly thanks to the low NOx design. Even so, you can opt for other products in our list, which include the best runner-up, best eco-friendly, best durable, best performance, and best LeakGuard technology.

Read on for more information about our reviewed Richmond water heaters, their specifications, and where you can buy them.

Richmond Water Heater Reviews

Best Richmond Gas Water Heaters

  1. 6RHE50 Encore High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent– Best Overall
  2. 9G50-38F3 Essential Plus Atmospheric Gas Water Heater– Best Runner-Up
  3. 6G55-45FN5 Ultra-Low NOx Atmospheric Gas Water Heater– Best Eco-Friendly

Best Richmond Electric Water Heaters

  1. MR50245C Marathon Non-Metallic Electric Water Heater– Best Durable
  2. 9E50-DEL Essential Plus Electric Water Heater– Best Performance
  3. 12E55-DCS Encore® Smart Electric Water Heater– Best LeakGuard

Best Richmond Tankless Water Heaters

  1. RMTGH95DVELN-2 Encore RMTGH Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater– Best Heavy-Duty
  2. RMTG-RC95DVLN-1 Essential Plus Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater– Best for Saving Water
  3. RMTEX-18 18KW Richmond Essential Whole House Tankless Water Heater– Best Whole House

Richmond Water Heater Brand Information

Richmond water heaters leverage the same performance technology in Rheem models. These products come in an overwhelming variety to cater to every individual’s needs and aesthetic preferences. You can get a model with a higher flow rate for big household applications. 

You can also get a model that allows low flow rates to conserve up to 1,100 gallons of water per year. This feature activates a low flow rate in the pipe until the water gains the desired temperature. 

Another factor that makes Richmond stand out from the other brands includes the durability and longevity of its heaters. A standard water heating system from this brand will last for an average of five years. Most external components feature stainless steel construction materials to prevent rusting and corrosion.

Unique Qualities Associated with Richmond Water Heaters

Unique quality features associated with Richmond water heaters include:

Innovative EcoNet® Technology

The EcoNet® technology is Richmond water heaters is similar to that of Rheem models. It allows you to access your system’s control panel from the comfort of your smartphone. You only need to download the EcoNet® app, and you’re good to adjust the system’s temperature and pressure settings even from work.

Low NOx Emission Designs

Do you have concerns about your contributions towards a greener planet? Richmond water heaters feature Low NOx designs that enhance eco-friendliness. Indoor gas models come with two vents, one for allowing outdoor air for heating while the other exhausts the combustion gases.

Hassle-Free Maintenance Needs

All 2010 and newer models come with an in-built self-diagnostic system that reminds you to service the system after every 500 hours of use. This on-display system allows you to monitor the functioning and non-function components even before the 500-hour service reminder.

Best Richmond Gas Water Heaters

1. 6RHE50 Encore High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent- Best Overall

Does your current water heater limit indoor air circulation and make you feel somewhat uncomfortable? The Encore Richmond water heater features direct power vents for regulating indoor air pressure and quality.

This includes two-pipe systems; one pipe exhausts combustion gases while the other pulls in outdoor air for combustion.

Even with combustion gas exhaustion, this water still enhances a greener life as it is eco-friendly, thanks to low emissions. You can quickly install it in condos, mansions, or apartments, up to an altitude of about 9,000 feet above sea level. It comes with a concentric vent kit and long venting lengths that can stretch up to 60 feet.

You’ll enjoy an improved heating technology thanks to the center-flue design coil. We found that submerged coils condensing heat exchangers raise the temperature faster than standard coils.

The heat exchangers have inside and outside porcelain coating to prevent staining and corrosion. Generally, this water heater lasts long enough to give back your money’s value.

Richmond 6RHE50 Water Heater Review

Specs:

  • Warranty – 6 year limited warranty on Tank and Parts
  • Capacity (Size) – 38 and 48 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.83
  • Recovery Rate – 48.5 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 87 gallons

2. 9G50-38F3 Essential Plus Atmospheric Gas Water Heater– Best Runner-Up

Essential Plus Atmospheric Gas Water Heater will be the best bet if you’re looking for a high-performance product with eco-friendly properties. This water heater has a high First Hour Rating (FHR) of up to 87 gallons at a 90° temperature rise.

The features ensure you access unlimited hot water supply in all connected bathrooms. The burner is consistent with the 40ng/ J NOx requirements for reduced emission to improve a greener living space.

We loved the premium grade anode rod that will ensure your system lasts long enough to exhaust its lifespan. Moreover, the manufacturer gives a 9-year limited warranty for profit-free parts in case you experience quality issues.

The heater comes with temperature release and pressure valves to ensure the components don’t wear out due to overheating. The EverKleen™ patented system reduces sediment buildup for durability.

Another feature we found unique in this water heater is the high altitude compliance level. You can quickly install it in apartments of up to 8,500 feet above sea level. Most importantly, this product features a vapor detection system for enhanced safety.

Richmond 9G50-38F3 Water Heater Review

Specs:

  • Warranty – 9 year limited warranty
  • Capacity (Size) – 40 and 50 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.64
  • Recovery Rate – 38.4 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 85 gallons

3. 6G55-45FN5 Ultra-Low NOx Atmospheric Gas Water Heater– Best Eco-Friendly

The world is fast-changing, with notable changes in climate. You’d want a water heater system that enhances a greener planet for a better feature. Richmond Ultra-Low NOx Atmospheric Gas Water Heaters have efficient, eco-friendly properties.

The low NOx radiant burner design is compliant with the SCAQMD Rule 1121 and 10 ng/ J NOx requirements.

Forget about walking to your control panel every time you want to shut off the system or adjust the temperature and pressure settings. This product comes with an in-built, Wi-Fi-enabled EcoNet™ technology that allows control panel adjustments from the comfort of your smartphone. Thus, you can monitor temperature and activate energy-saving mode even when at work.

Another feature that caught our attention in this product is the self-cleaning technique for fewer maintenance needs. The EverKleen™ patented system prevents sediment buildup to enhance the system’s efficiency. That way, you can always save fuel costs and access instant hot water at higher flow rates.

Richmond 6G55-45FN5 Water Heater Review

Specs:

  • Warranty – 6 year Limited Warranty on Tank and Parts
  • Capacity (Size) – 55 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
  • Recovery Rate – 45.5 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 99 Gallons

Best Richmond Electric Water Heaters

1. MR50245C Marathon Non-Metallic Electric Water Heater– Best Durable

We like recommending durable products to our readers because they last long enough to exceed the consumer’s expectations. Marathon Non-Metallic Electric Water Heater is one of such products that last long enough to outshine its lifespan.

The polybutene tank, layered with filament wound fiberglass, is highly resistant to staining and corrosion, unlike metallic construction materials.

Other features that enhance this product’s durability include the bowl-shaped tank bottom that allows all sediments to drain for an always-clean tank. The tank features a tough molded polyethylene outer shell that is less susceptible to scratches, dents, and salt air.

We also noticed that the titanium lower element prevents lime buildup while the thermally fused upper element protects your system’s components against dry-firing.

This electric heater comes with a highly insulated tank to reduce standby heat loss. In the long haul, this feature helps you save hundreds of dollars in energy bills. The piping also features a wrapped energy-saving kit for maximum energy efficiency.

Richmond MR50245C Water Heater Review

Specs:

  • Warranty – Lifetime limited warranty on Tank, 6 years on Parts
  • Capacity (Size) – 50 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
  • Recovery Rate – Up to 21 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 59 gallons

2. 9E50-DEL Essential Plus Electric Water Heater– Best Performance

A high-performance electric water heater gives you endless hot water, steady flow rates while consuming minimal energy for lower bills. This water heater has a Uniform Energy Factor (UFE) to enhance efficiency. It features an isolated tank design that reduces conductive heat loss to keep your water hot for prolonged periods.

This model is quite forthcoming with durability properties. It has an over-temperature protector that cuts off power in case of overheating to enhance the lifespan of your system’s components.

The premium-grade anode rod is resistant to corrosion and sediment buildup to protect your tank for years. Moreover, the 4500 Watt lower heating elements feature stainless steel construction to protect the anode.

We installed this water heater in less than an hour, thanks to the electric junction box mounted high above the heating elements for quick installation.

Richmond 9E50-DEL Water Heater Review

This water heater attracts hassle-free maintenance needs. The system’s sentinel features a LED-lit diagnostic system that allows you to monitor functioning or non-functioning heating elements.

Specs:

  • Warranty – 9 year limited warranty
  • Capacity (Size) – 50 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
  • Recovery Rate – 21 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 62 gallons

3. 12E55-DCS Encore® Smart Electric Water Heater– Best LeakGuard

If you’re looking for a high-quality model with innovative LeakGuard technology, giving this product a try sounds like a good plan. Encore® Smart Electric Water Heater comes with an in-built LeakSense™ detection system.

This system senses leaks from internal and external components, whether large or small. It also features a factory-installed auto shut-off valve that prevents up to 20 ounces of water from leaking.

Another technological feature that we found helpful is the in-built EcoNet® Wi-Fi. You’ll download the EcoNet® app on your smartphone, both Android and IOS gadgets.

The app has a user-friendly, intuitive interface that allows you to monitor functioning or non-functioning components. The app is compatible with Alexa and Google Nest for hands-free voice control.

Richmond 12E55-DCS Water Heater Review

This water heater is easy to install as it comes with an electric junction box situated above the heating elements. Refer to the graphical installation guide in the user manual if you’re experiencing difficulties. Most importantly, this electric water heater lasts long enough to reflect your money’s value. It has self-cleaning properties to prevent sediment buildup.

Specs:

  • Warranty – 12 year limited warranty on Tank and Parts
  • Capacity (Size) – 55 gallons
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.92
  • Recovery Rate – 25 Gph
  • First Hour Rating (FHR) – 72 gallons

Best Richmond Tankless Water Heater

1. RMTGH95DVELN-2 Encore RMTGH Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater– Best Heavy-Duty

Encore RMTGH Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater makes the best option if you’re looking for a heavy-duty product. This model series comes with an EZ-Link™ cable for a quick connection between two tankless systems to operate as one.

You can opt for this option if you’re experiencing high-demand applications, especially when hosting many guests in your home.

This product comes with intelligent electronic controls to increase energy efficiency and enhance user safety. You’ll enjoy the in-built EcoNet® technology that allows remote control of the temperature and pressure settings.

This EcoNet®-powered app is compatible with all your other Richmond tankless water heaters. However, the units must be a 2010 or newer model.

Richmond RMTGH95DVELN-2 Water Heater Reviews

This product is easy to install, which saves you time and money. The self-diagnostic system warns you after 500 hours of use to service your unit. However, you can ignore the service reminder if the system still functions optimally. This model comes with a hanging bracket for quick indoor mounting.

Specs:

  • Warranty – 12 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
  • Capacity (Size) – N/A
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
  • Flow Rate – 9.5 GPM
  • Power Supply – Natural Gas and Propane

2. RMTG-RC95DVLN-1 Essential Plus Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater– Best for Saving Water

An average American household wastes up to about 1,500 gallons of water per year. Essential Plus Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Water Heater comes with an exclusive setting that can prevent up to 1,100 gallons of water from going down the drainage.

This feature reduces the water flow rate until it achieves the set temperature for use. Moreover, it features the best low-flow activation in the industry of up to 0.40 GPM.

Another feature that we found helpful in enhancing water saving is the in-built recirculation pump kit. This pump ensures that you access instant hot water at the fixtures and saves up to 12,000 gallons every year.

The system is quite durable to last within that period. The manufacturer offers a 12-year limited warranty, including five years on profit-free parts and a year servicing labor.

Richmond RMTG-RC95DVLN-1 Water Heater Review

We installed this product in less than an hour. It quickly connects to 3/5-inch concentric venting without an adapter. It is also compatible with ½-inch gas supplies. You’ll enjoy hassle-free maintenance, thanks to the self-diagnostic system that warns you after every 500 hours of use for pending service.

Specs:

  • Warranty – 12 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
  • Capacity (Size) – N/A
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.82
  • Flow Rate – 9.5 GPM
  • Power Supply – Natural Gas or Propane

3. RMTEX-18 18KW Richmond Essential Whole House Tankless Water Heater– Best Whole House

Lastly, you can also buy the 18KW Richmond Essential Whole House Tankless Water Heater if you want a high-performance product that will serve a big household. This water heater gives you an endless supply of hot water while consuming minimal energy.

The 99.8% energy saving feature will help you save electricity costs, even with high-demand applications.

This product is compliant with 2010 plumbing standards GPM to give you steady hot water flow rates across all fixtures and faucets. For instance, you’ll experience a constant flow rate of up to 0.5 GPM in standard hand wash sinks and 4 GPM in bath tabs during high-demand periods.

The dishwasher and the kitchen sink may experience a flow rate of one to two GPM, while a standard showerhead will have a 2.0 GPM flow rate.

Richmond RMTEX-18 Water Heater Review

The design is compact and stylish to compliment your expensive taste for home appliances. It will look beautiful on your indoor walls without causing a distraction. Most importantly, the copper immersion heating elements come with brass tops to enhance durability and easy replacement.

Specs:

  • Warranty – 5 year limited heating chamber, 1 year parts
  • Capacity (Size) – N/A
  • Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
  • Flow Rate – 0.3 to 7 GPM
  • Power Supply – Electric

Wrapping It Up

Richmond is a reputable brand for all types of water heaters. Whether you’re looking for a single-household or heavy-duty system, you can trust this brand to match your needs and expectations. Each product that features in our Richmond water heater reviews has unique features to reflect various aesthetics.

For instance, tankless models are compact and will prove helpful if you’re trying to maximize space. Even so, each product is durable and will last long enough to enhance 100% customer satisfaction and surpass your expectations. You can buy these water heaters from the official Richmond website.

The H2Home Lab team is dedicated to helping you find the best solutions to your specific water needs, as well as provide troubleshooting tips and guides for water filtration, heating, softening and plumbing. We hope you will find the info you need on our site from any one of our buying guides or subject matter articles.