1. Product Overview
The EcoSmart ECO 36 is a powerful 36kW 240V electric tankless water heater designed to provide an efficient and continuous supply of hot water. Featuring patented self-modulating technology, this unit adjusts power consumption based on hot water demand, ensuring energy efficiency. It is suitable for large single-family homes and can handle multiple applications simultaneously, such as running several showers and a sink without running out of hot water. The digital temperature control allows precise temperature settings in 1-degree increments.
Figure 1: Front view of the EcoSmart ECO 36 Tankless Water Heater, showcasing its sleek design and digital control panel.
Figure 2: Angled view of the EcoSmart ECO 36, highlighting its compact form factor suitable for wall mounting.
2. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your EcoSmart ECO 36 water heater. Professional installation by a qualified electrician and plumber is highly recommended.
2.1 Electrical Requirements
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Wattage: 36000 watts (36 kW)
- Amperage Capacity: 150 Amps dedicated
- Required Breakers: 4 x 40 A double-pole breakers
- Required Wire: 4 x 8 AWG
Ensure your electrical panel has sufficient capacity (at least 200A total home service is recommended) and enough available slots for the required breakers. The unit requires four separate 40A lines to power its heating elements. If only one line is connected, it must be the first set, as it also powers the control box.
Figure 3: Diagram illustrating the electrical connections and breaker requirements for the EcoSmart ECO 36. Professional installation is strongly advised.
2.2 Plumbing Connections
- Pipe Fittings: 3/4 inch NPT
- Connect the cold water inlet to the designated port (typically blue) and the hot water outlet to the other port (typically red).
Before activating the unit, ensure all plumbing connections are secure and leak-free. Run water through the unit to purge any air from the system. This step is critical to prevent damage to the heating elements.
Figure 4: Internal view of the EcoSmart ECO 36, showing the copper heating elements, wiring, and flow sensor. Note the clean assembly and robust construction.
3. Operating Instructions
The EcoSmart ECO 36 features a user-friendly digital control panel for setting and monitoring water temperature.
3.1 Temperature Adjustment
- To turn the unit on or off, click the temperature dial.
- Once on, the digital display will show the current temperature set point.
- Rotate the dial to adjust the desired water temperature. The temperature can be set in 1-degree increments.
- To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, press and hold the temperature dial for approximately 3 seconds.
The unit's display will typically remain off when no water is flowing. It will activate and show the set temperature once water flow is detected and the heating elements engage.
3.2 Flow Rate Considerations
The heater only activates at flow rates above approximately 0.25 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). This minimum flow rate is necessary for the unit to detect water movement and begin heating. If the flow rate is too low, the heater may not engage, resulting in cold water. This can lead to a non-smooth temperature transition if you are adjusting your faucet from a very low flow to a higher flow.
The ECO 36 is capable of heating nearly 3.5 GPM at 37°F inlet temperature (Northern US) and up to 6 GPM at 67°F inlet temperature (Southern US).
Figure 5: Sizing map indicating typical inlet water temperatures across different regions and a table showing GPM and approximate usage based on inlet temperature for the ECO 36.
Video 1: An overview of the EcoSmart ECO 36 36kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, demonstrating its features and internal components. This video also explains electrical considerations, hardware overview, control panel operation, and usage considerations, including the minimum flow rate for activation.
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your EcoSmart ECO 36 tankless water heater, regular maintenance is recommended. This typically includes:
- Flushing the Unit: Periodically flush the unit to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. Refer to the full user manual for detailed flushing procedures.
- Inspecting Connections: Regularly check all electrical and plumbing connections for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Address any issues promptly.
- Cleaning the Exterior: Keep the exterior of the unit clean and free from dust and debris to ensure proper ventilation.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your EcoSmart ECO 36, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:
- No Hot Water: Check if the unit is receiving power and if the circuit breakers are not tripped. Ensure the water flow rate meets the minimum requirement for activation (0.25 GPM).
- Inconsistent Temperature: Verify that the temperature setting is appropriate for your inlet water temperature and desired output. Ensure there are no significant fluctuations in water pressure.
- Error Codes: If the digital display shows an error code, consult the comprehensive user manual for a list of codes and their corresponding solutions.
- Reduced Flow: This could indicate mineral buildup. Consider flushing the unit as part of routine maintenance.
For persistent issues or complex problems, contact EcoSmart customer support or a qualified professional.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | EcoSmart |
| Model | ECO 36 |
| Product Dimensions | 21"W x 17"H |
| Color | White |
| Wattage | 36000 watts |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 6 Gallons Per Minute |
| Heat Output | 36 Kilowatts |
| Efficiency | 99.8% |
| Mounting Type | Wall |
| Amperage Capacity | 150 Amps |
| Pipe Fittings | 3/4 inch NPT |
| Required Breaker | 4 x 40 A |
| Item Weight | 18.35 pounds |
| Usage | Residential |
7. Warranty and Support
7.1 Warranty Information
The EcoSmart ECO 36 Electric Tankless Water Heater comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please refer to the official warranty documentation included with your product for full terms, conditions, and registration requirements. It is important to register your product within 30 days of purchase to ensure warranty validity.
7.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact EcoSmart customer support. You can find contact information on the EcoSmart website or in the product packaging.
