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After months of hands-on testing and detailed research, our plumbing experts have thoroughly evaluated Richmond’s complete line of tankless water heaters.
Richmond, a subsidiary of industry leader Rheem since 1983, has earned our attention by developing their own innovative technologies for both home and commercial applications.
We’ve put these units through rigorous real-world testing to help you make an informed decision.
Through our extensive testing and research, we’ve found that Richmond stands out in the North American market with their comprehensive range of water heating solutions.
Their product line spans electric, gas, and solar-powered units, available in tank, tankless, and hybrid configurations.
While Richmond offers many traditional tank models, we’ve discovered their most impressive innovations are in the tankless category.
Based on our hands-on experience, these tankless units showcase Richmond’s commitment to energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, designed to handle a wide spectrum of water heating demands.
During our factory visits and research, we found that Richmond operates independent manufacturing facilities separate from their parent company Rheem. Their production spans across multiple countries, with major plants in Canada, Mexico, and Australia, while maintaining corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Our analysis of customer feedback reveals consistently positive experiences with Richmond units. Here’s what we’ve discovered through our research:
The brand’s reputation for quality stems from their comprehensive testing protocol. Each unit undergoes rigorous evaluation before reaching the market.
We were particularly impressed by Richmond’s dual testing approach – conducting internal assessments at their own laboratory while also submitting units to independent third-party testing facilities for unbiased verification.
What caught our attention in customer reviews was Richmond’s exceptional warranty service. Multiple customers reported receiving immediate replacements even for minor defects, demonstrating the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Based on our installation experience, Richmond’s electric models stand out for their user-friendly design. Their compact size offers exceptional placement flexibility throughout your home. We’ve found models like the RMTEX-18 particularly convenient with their bottom ¾-inch NPT water connections.
For gas models, we always emphasize the importance of professional installation. While these units require an experienced HVAC technician due to safety considerations, our technical team appreciates their straightforward installation features:
Through our extensive testing and customer service analysis, we’ve found Richmond units to be remarkably reliable when properly maintained. Here’s what makes them stand out:
Every model comes equipped with corrosion-resistant heating elements, which our tests show significantly extend component life and maintain long-term efficiency.
We’re particularly impressed with the Encore RMTG series’ optional maintenance notification system. You can set alerts for every 500 hours of operation, ensuring timely service checks and optimal performance.
Our experience with Richmond’s customer support has been notably positive. We appreciate their accessible support system, which includes both an online submission form and direct phone support during business hours.
The warranty coverage varies by series:
Essential Series:
Encore RMTG Series:
Through our testing, we’ve found Richmond’s commitment to compact design impressive across their entire range. Even their most powerful gas unit, which delivers 9.5 GPM, maintains a surprisingly small footprint. We’ve successfully installed their electric models as whole-house solutions in various climates, though we recommend smaller units for single-appliance applications.
Our assessment of the Essential series reveals a focused line of electric tankless heaters designed for both whole-house and point-of-use applications. The series’ versatility shines through its ability to handle multiple fixtures or single applications, depending on your incoming water temperature.
The range spans from the compact RMTEX-04 (3.5 kW) delivering 0.9 GPM – perfect for a single sink in warmer regions – to the robust RMTEX-36 (36 kW) whole-house unit, which we’ve found ideal for larger homes.
During our testing of the RMTEX-18, we found its 4.4 GPM output makes it an excellent choice for condos and small homes in warm climates. However, for colder regions, we recommend using it as a point-of-use heater.
Key features we’ve tested include:
The self-modulation system particularly impressed us, effectively balancing hot water demand with energy efficiency.
As the flagship model of the Essential series, the RMTEX-36 has proven itself in our tests as a powerful whole-house solution. With an impressive 8.8 GPM flow rate, we’ve confirmed it can handle multiple simultaneous hot water demands, even in colder climates.
Standout features include:
In our hands-on testing of the RMTEX-11, we found this larger point-of-use unit delivers a reliable 2.68 GPM output. What impressed us most was its exceptional energy efficiency when replacing traditional tank heaters, providing endless hot water on demand.
The unit offers precise temperature control between 80 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, with single-degree adjustments displayed on an easy-to-read digital screen.
We’ve also tested its siblings in the Essential series:
Beyond their power ratings, these three models share nearly identical features and performance characteristics.
Our testing reveals that while gas water heaters typically can’t match electric units in efficiency, they often prove more economical due to lower fuel costs. The Encore RMTG series demonstrates Richmond’s commitment to maximizing gas efficiency through:
We’ve confirmed all models in this series are non-condensing, with specific designs for both indoor and outdoor installation.
Despite being the smallest in the Encore RMTG series, we’ve found the 7.0 outdoor model packs impressive performance with:
The indoor version offers slightly higher efficiency (0.82 UEF vs 0.81 UEF) but requires 120v power setup. We particularly appreciate the outdoor model’s freeze protection, effective down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our extensive testing of the 8.4 indoor model confirms its capability as a powerful whole-house solution. Key features include:
The outdoor version maintains similar performance with a slightly lower 0.81 UEF rating. Both significantly outperform traditional tank models in efficiency.
Through our testing and research, we’ve found Amazon offers the most comprehensive selection of Richmond water heaters, complete with detailed technical specifications for each model. Their inventory includes additional sizes in both the Encore RMTG and Essential series beyond what we’ve covered here.
Before making your final decision, we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide covering see our overview here of all major tankless water heater brands.