Water Heaters and So Much More!
The team the Triangle keeps on speed dial for expert care: plumbing, electrical & home remodeling since 2013.
The team the Triangle keeps on speed dial for expert care: plumbing, electrical & home remodeling since 2013.
Many homeowners are interested in the benefits of a tankless water heater, but not every home has access to natural gas or propane, and electric tankless systems often require significant and costly electrical upgrades to operate effectively.
The Essency EXR offers a smarter electric solution designed to provide many of the advantages homeowners associate with gas-powered tankless systems, including strong efficiency, extended hot water performance, smart technology, and reliable comfort without requiring gas service to the home.
It is not quite tankless and not quite traditional; it is a next-generation water heater built to deliver powerful hot water performance, resist corrosion, and offer a longer-lasting solution for families who want the future of hot water today.
Most water heaters tap out after 8-12 years; even standard tankless models fail around 20. Essency water heaters are made from advanced polymer materials that resist corrosion and wear.
And since water is heated via a heat exchanger rather than traditional elements, there’s less sediment buildup and cleaner operation, all of which equals a lifespan of 30+ years. It comes with a 20-yr leak-proof warranty that is transferable to new owners should you sell your home.
With an 80-gallon first hour rating and capability to produce up to 100 gallons FHR, the EXR delivers enough hot water for all your family’s demands, the equivalent of 7+ back-to-back showers without that dreaded mid-shower temperature drop.
Laundry, dishes, relaxing tub soaks… no need to schedule an appointment with your hot water heater again!
Smart system is WiFi-enabled, with a touchscreen and mobile app that lets you fine-tune your system on demand, with modes like:
There’s even an option for it to provide early alerts and system updates to help extend the life of your unit.
The Essency EXR isn’t your typical water heater. Learn what makes its innovative design, durability, and performance stand apart from traditional systems.
The Essency EXR uses a unique system. Instead of storing and reheating the same water like a traditional tank, it keeps a reserve of heated water inside a protected core then transfers that heat to fresh water only when you turn on the tap.
The result is steady, reliable hot water with less wear and tear on the system.
One of the biggest advantages of the Essency systems are how little upkeep they need.
Because they’re made from advanced polymers instead of steel, there’s no corrosion and no need to replace an anode rod; the design also reduces sediment buildup inside the system.
With proper installation and normal use, the EXR is built to last 30 years or more, far outpacing traditional water heaters, making this one of the more cost-effective water heater options available.
Every home has different hot water needs, and today’s homeowners have more options than ever before. Traditional tank, tankless, hybrid heat pump, and Essency EXR water heaters each offer unique advantages depending on your household size, hot water demand, energy efficiency goals, and installation requirements. Use the comparison below to help determine which solution may be the best fit for your home.
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| Feature | Traditional Gas/Electric Tank | Gas Tankless | Hybrid Heat Pump | Essency EXR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Basic water heating, short term solution, limited budget | Homes wanting endless hot water and energy savings with a long term solution, homes with natural gas or LP | Homeowners focused on maximum efficiency | High demand of hot water, long term solution, electric only option |
| Heating Power | Standard dual elements, NG, or LP | On-demand heating | Heat pump with electric backup elements | High output heat exchanger |
| Hot Water Output | Limited first hour hot water output | Virtually unlimited when sized correctly | Slower recovery when in heat pump mode, higher output than traditional electric tank in performance mode | High output with up to 100-gallon first-hour rating |
| Ideal Household | 2–4 people (typical usage) | Unlimited with proper sizing | Up to 2–4 people (typical usage) | 4+ people or heavy simultaneous use |
| Installation | Standard replacement install must meet current codes | Professional installation and possible gas/electrical upgrades | Requires adequate space, airflow, and professional installation | Professional installation |
| Typical Installation Cost | $1,600–$3,600 | $3,800–$7,800 | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,200–$5,400 |
| Summary | Limited hot water, lowest upfront cost, shortest lifespan, highest operating cost, average maintenance | Endless hot water, high efficiency, highest upfront cost, long-term solution, more complex maintenance | High efficiency, average lifespan, limited hot water, fastest ROI, average maintenance | Longest life expectancy, longest warranty, high output, least maintenance |
| * Typical installation costs shown are general estimates and may vary based on equipment selection, code requirements, utility upgrades, permit requirements, and installation conditions. | ||||
Still not sure which direction to go?
That’s where we come in. We’ll take a look at your home, your usage, and your setup to recommend the right model with confidence.
Traditional tanks heat water and let it sit. Tankless systems heat water instantly but can struggle to keep up with demand.
The Essency EXR takes a different approach: SmartCore™ technology.
2 heating elements heat static “service” water in a protected internal tank; then, when you want hot water, a stainless steel, flat plate heat exchanger transfers the stored heat to your fresh water. This video shows you more:
What that means for you:
It’s a bit like having a hot water “battery” ready to go. Want more details? Download the brochure.
No system can deliver truly instant hot water (that depends on your plumbing layout), and whether or not you have a recirculation pump.
Not quite. It delivers fast hot water like a tankless system, but it’s not endless and it doesn’t require the same type of installation.
Traditional tank water heaters are under constant pressure, putting stress on the steel tank, and causing expansion & contraction. This pressure leads to cracks and eventually causes a leak. The Essency does not store large volumes of water, so its storage tank is not subject to internal pressure; no pressure, no expansion & contraction = a longer life.
Nope. Since there’s no steel tank, there’s no corrosion and no maintenance for that.
Tankless hot water heaters use gas; the Essency is electric, making for an easier installation process. Its water flow matches best-in-class, 230,000 BTU, gas tankless models, ensuring strong, consistent water supply for all your family’s needs (with no “cold water sandwich” surprises!).
No. The EXR uses heating elements and a heat exchange system—no heat pump involved.
This is one we definitely recommend leaving to the pros. Proper installation ensures performance, safety, and warranty protection.