Ecosmart eco 36 vs Ecosmart eco 27

Ecosmart eco 36 vs Ecosmart eco 27 – Which one suits you?

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Ecosmart eco 36 vs Ecosmart eco 27. You might be thinking the only difference between these two models are their wattage and flow rate capacity. 

Though it’s theoretically true, there’s much more to discuss.

Choosing the wrong model might result in light flickering or the inability to raise water temperature with your demanded flow rate.

So, I’ve placed a comparison between  Ecosmart eco 36 and Ecosmart eco 27, listing down their

  • Water Flow Rate Comparison
  • Temperature Raising Ability
  • Hardwiring requirements for smooth operation.
  • Heating Elements
  • Suitable model for handling commercial loads
  • Monthly Electric Bills
  • Defects and Repairabilities
  • The preferred American States for each model
  • And Many More…

Let’s dive in.

Two Minutes Side by Side Overview!

Ecosmart ECO 36

Ecosmart eco 36

  • Water flow rate – 3.6 to 8.7 GPM
  • Electricity Consumption – 150 Amps
  • Wire required -4X 8AWG
  • Breaker required – 4 poles 40 Amps
  • Heating Elements – 4 X 9KW
  • Temperature Range – 80F to 140F
  • Water Line – 3/4″ NPT
  • Dimension – 17″ x 21″ x 3.75″

Ecosmart eco 27

  • Water flow rate – 2.7 to 6.5 GPM
  • Electricity Consumption – 112.5 Ampire
  • Wire required – 3 X 8 AWG
  • Breaker required – 3 Pole 40 Amps, (120 Amp)
  • Heating Elements – 3X 9KW
  • Temperature Range – 80F to 140F
  • Water Line – 3/4″ NPT
  • Dimension – 17″ x 17″ x 3.75″

Water Flow Rate Comparison

The minimum activation flow rate for both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 is 0.3 GPM.  

While ecosmart eco 27 offers 2.7 GPM to 6.5 GPM water flowability, the ecosmart eco 36 offers an enormously increased 3.6 to 8.7 gallons per minute water flow rate. 

However, if you are from the southern area and your inlet water temperature remains above 70°F, the flow rate will increase further.

Ecosmart eco 36 is suitable to handle up to 2 baths and 1 kitchen’s hot water demand simultaneously; on the other hand, ecosmart eco 27 is preferred for 1 bath and 1 kitchen house.

As you know, increasing the water flow decreases the temperature of any tankless water heater, and particularly in winter, we notice a slight performance drop. Though you won’t notice any temperature drop at a lower flow rate, the outlet temperature might not get raised to the highest point at the max water flow. 

Here’s an example of what appliances you can use together.

Ecosmart eco 27: 1 Shower Head (2.5 GPM)+ 1 Kitchen Sink Faucet (1.5 GPM)+ 1 Bathroom Faucet (1 GPM) 

Ecosmart eco 36: 2 Shower Head (2.5 GPM)+ 1 Kitchen Sink Faucet (1.5 GPM)+ 1 Bathroom Faucet (1 GPM) or,

1 Shower Head (2.5 GPM) + 1 Bath Tub/jacuzzi tub (2 GPM) + 1 Kitchen (1.5 GPM) Sink Faucet + 1 Bathroom Faucet (1 GPM)

If your home has a similar arrangement, you won’t experience any temperature drop or lack of flow rate with those adjacent models.

Hardly people use all these appliances at a time so that users won’t face any trouble in winter. But in case the outside temperature remains chilled, you may reduce one faucet to get sufficient water flow with your demanded temperature.

Temperature Raising Capacity

You can preset the temperature between 80°F to 140°F to both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 units. But, as I’ve said, all the tankless water heaters do have a limitation in temperature raising capacity for a particular flow rate.

Here’s a list temperature list we’ve found through the experiment.

Ecosmart eco 27: 

Water flow rate 2.7 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 103 °F

Water flow rate 2.9 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 98 °F

Water flow rate 3.1 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 93 °F

Water flow rate 3.4 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 88 °F

Water flow rate 3.8 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 83 °F

Water flow rate 4.2 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 78 °F

Water flow rate 4.8 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 73 °F

Water flow rate 5.5 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 68 °F

Water flow rate 6.5 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 63 °F

Ecosmart eco 36:

Water flow rate 3.6 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 103 °F

Water flow rate 3.9 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 98 °F

Water flow rate 4.2 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 93 °F

Water flow rate 4.6 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 88 °F

Water flow rate 5.1 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 83 °F

Water flow rate 5.7 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 78 °F

Water flow rate 6.8 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 73 °F

Water flow rate 7.4 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 68 °F

Water flow rate 8.7 GPM = Max Temperature will be Inlet + 63 °F

Now, how does this fact impact your daily uses?

Well, suppose during winter your weather remains too chilled and snowfall here and there. Accordingly, the inlet water temperature has fallen by 32°F.

During this scenario, if you’re an ecosmart eco 27 user, and you like to preset the outlet temperature at 140°F. Then by 2.7 GPM flow rate, you will get an output of 32°F + 103°F = 135°F in max. By reducing the flow rate slightly, you might get your desired 140°F output temperature.

Similarly, for the ecosmart eco 36 model, for 3.6 GPM water flow, the output temperature will be like 32°F + 103°F = 135°F. Reducing the flow rate will increase outlet temperature and vice versa.

So, no matter which one you prefer between the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27, clearly teach you the average inlet water temperature, then decide what amount of water flow you do require. Otherways there will be mismanagement.

One essential fact is, both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 models have self-modulation technology. It means if you reduce the water flow rate, the outlet temperature will be constant as the internal circuit will reduce the heating element’s power.

But, self-modulation doesn’t impact that much on increasing the water flow due to the temperature-raising limitation.

Note: Both of these items are fantastic tankless water heater to replace a 40-gallon, you may read my guideline to learn more.

Required Hard Wiring and Breakers

Ecosmart eco 36 requires 4 X 8 AWG electrical wiring along with a 4 pole 40 Amp breaker which means a total 160 amps breaker.

On the other hand, the ecosmart eco 27 requires 3 X 8 AWG electrical hardwiring with 3 poles 40 amps circuit breaker. That means 120 amps of the breaker in total.

While running on full power, the ecosmart eco 36 draws around 145~150 amps current, and the ecosmart eco 27 consumes around 107~112.5 amps of current.

An essential fact is, the manufacturer says that both the ecosmart eco 36 and the ecosmart eco 27 runs on a 200 Ampere system. But in reality, we’ve found ecosmart eco 27 runs sound with 200 amp system, but the ecosmart eco 36 requires a 300 amp system. Otherways, the household lights start flickering.

Heating Elements (Same?)

The ecosmart eco 36 contains 4 X 9KW heating elements, and the ecosmart eco 27 contains 3 X 9KW heating elements. Both heating elements are totally the same and sphere available with around $41.2

Both inside the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27, the heating elements are connected parallelly with TRC QC HE cables. 

To be noted, if a single heating element gets damaged, the unit won’t get started. The sensor will detect the issue and will show an error message.

Which suits Commercial Loads? (Exclusive!)

We need to be more concerned while choosing a tankless water heater for commercial purposes like a hotel, restaurants, shopping malls, and so on.

Both ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 are able to handle commercial loads, but you need to do the GPM demand calculation accurately.

If you wanna install it inside the restaurant for handwashing purposes only, then ecosmart eco 27 will be sufficient. Simultaneously it will be able to supply hot water in 5-7 faucets. Even a smaller one will be able to handle those handwashing sinks. 

But if you require to handle dishwashing and 5-6 handwashing sinks, then the ecosmart eco 36 will be the only solution.

However, the ecosmart eco 27 can handle 2-3 bathrooms with hot tubs for hotels and residential buildings, and the ecosmart eco 36 can support 3-4 bathrooms with hot tubs depending on your location.

I’ll suggest the ecosmart eco 36 for northern states commercial zones and the ecosmart eco 27 for southern states commercial zones.

Operational Cost Comparison

Though the operational cost of ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 depends on use and varies from user to user.

If you use these units on average 2 hours a day, the operational cost for ecosmart eco 36 will be around $28.922 a month; on the other hand, the ecosmart eco 27 draws an electric bill of around $21.69 a month.

For extreme winter you might require more hot water and the cost will be increased and in summer that might be decreased. However, commercial uses will cost furthermore.

The amount I’ve written above is from residential users with standard family members.

Defects and Repairability of Both Item

The good fact is, both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 come with a lifetime limited warranty though the labor fee is not included there.

So, if any unwanted defecation occurs, you won’t need to pay for the sphere parts. 

Both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 contains

  1. 1X CB QC MEDLRG is the controller unit and costs around $52.11 if you need to buy a sphere.
  2. 9 KW heating elements HE 90240, that the ecosmart eco 27 contains 3X and ecosmart eco 36 contains 4X, and each of them is available for $41.07
  3. The flow sensor is called FSA QC MED LRG; both the ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 contain one. This sensor detects the water flow and triggers the modulation technology. It costs around $18.84.
  4. Heating element connector cable called TRC QC HE, and each of them costs $31.12.
  5.  Finally, you may change the front closer called ENC FLRG, which costs $33.12

These are all internal components that contain both the ecosmart eco 27 and the ecosmart eco 36. They are highly repairable, and you won’t face an issue finding any of those sphere parts.

The suitable US States of Both Models

If you are from zone A, then ecosmart eco 36 should be your one-stop solution for both residential and commercial uses. 

In case you are from zone B, then ecosmart eco 27 might be preferred for small families. Otherways, for large families or 2 bathroom homes as well as for any commercial sectors, ecosmart eco 36 will suit better here.

For Zone C, I would recommend the ecosmart eco 27 for any small or large families, but not for commercial zones. Hotels and restaurants from Zone C should pick the ecosmart eco 36.

Lastly, for Zone D, the ecosmart eco 27 will be suitable for both commercial and residential purposes. Even if you need a high flow of hot water, the ecosmart eco 27 will be able to handle that.

Pricing Comparison (Make Your Choice!)

The ecosmart eco 36 is sold for around $599, while the ecosmart eco 27 prices only around $401. The price doesn’t contain connector hoses or valves.

You will require to get adjacent breakers, 8AWG cables, and a required 3/4″ water line, which will totally cost around $150 in total.

Final Verdict

The ecosmart eco 36 and ecosmart eco 27 are excellent electric tankless water heaters, and you may pick any of them based on your budget and required water demand.

But if you prefer the ecosmart eco 36, ensure your home has a 300 amps electric source system; otherwise, you’re going to experience a flickering light.