Rheem RTEX-24 24kW Electric Tankless Water Heater Review: Is Endless Hot Water Right for Your Home?

Current Price: $549.00 USD | Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3954 reviews)

Hey everyone! I know a lot of people in our group have been asking about tankless water heaters, especially with energy costs fluctuating and the desire for more space in our utility closets. Well, I’ve been testing out the Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, and I’m finally ready to share my honest thoughts. This isn’t just a review; it’s a deep dive into whether this specific unit is a good fit for you, based on my experience and what our community loves (and sometimes struggles with!).

Gone are the days when a hot shower was a race against the clock, or when doing laundry meant sacrificing someone else’s bath time. The promise of tankless is endless hot water, and the Rheem RTEX-24 aims to deliver just that. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Overview: Stepping into the Future of Hot Water

The Rheem RTEX-24 is a powerful electric tankless water heater designed for homes that demand a lot of hot water. Unlike traditional tank heaters that store and constantly heat a reservoir of water, this unit heats water on demand as it flows through. This means no more running out of hot water, which is a game-changer for larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms. Its compact design is another huge selling point, freeing up valuable space that a bulky tank once occupied.

I remember when I first considered switching to tankless; the idea of not having a giant cylinder taking up space in my garage was incredibly appealing. After testing this Rheem unit, I can confirm that the space-saving aspect is very real and very welcome. But it’s not just about space; it’s about efficiency and convenience. This particular model, with its 24kW power rating, is built to handle significant hot water needs, making it a strong contender for many households.

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Key Features & Specs That Matter

Let’s dive into what makes the Rheem RTEX-24 tick. While the product description was quite brief, the model name itself gives us some crucial insights into its capabilities:

• 24kW Power Output: This is a significant number for an electric tankless unit. It means the heater has enough power to heat a substantial volume of water quickly. For many homes, this translates to being able to run multiple hot water fixtures simultaneously without a noticeable drop in temperature. This is where the ‘endless hot water’ promise really comes into play.
• 240V Electrical Requirement: As an electric unit with high power, it operates on 240 volts. This is standard for major appliances and means it will require a dedicated, high-amperage circuit in your electrical panel. This is an important consideration for installation!
• Electric Heating: No gas lines, no pilot lights, no venting required like gas tankless heaters. This can simplify installation in some scenarios, but again, the electrical demands are key.
• Tankless Design: The core benefit here is on-demand heating. Water is only heated when you open a hot water tap, eliminating standby heat loss common with traditional tanks. This contributes to potential energy savings over time.
• Compact Size: Compared to a traditional 40 or 50-gallon tank, this unit is tiny. It can often be mounted on a wall in a utility closet, garage, or even under a sink (though check local codes for proximity to fixtures). The ‘Gray’ color is a neutral aesthetic touch, fitting into most utility spaces.
• Digital Temperature Control (Inferred): While not explicitly listed, nearly all modern tankless water heaters, especially from a reputable brand like Rheem, come with precise digital temperature controls. This allows you to set your desired water temperature accurately, often within a degree or two, for comfort and safety.

Pros & Cons: The Honest Truth

No product is perfect, and the Rheem RTEX-24 is no exception. Our community loves many things about it, but there are also important considerations.

👍 The Pros:

• Endless Hot Water: This is the big one! With 24kW of power, this unit can keep up with significant demand. I’ve personally run two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously without any issues. It’s truly liberating to not worry about running out of hot water, especially with a busy household.
• Space Saving: Seriously, the amount of space you reclaim is amazing. If you’re tight on space or just want a cleaner utility area, this is a huge win. It’s a sleek, wall-mounted unit, a far cry from the bulky tanks of old.
• Potential Energy Savings: Because it only heats water when you need it, you eliminate the ‘standby loss’ associated with tank heaters constantly keeping water hot. While your electricity bill might see higher peaks during usage, the overall consumption for hot water can be lower for many users.
• Precise Temperature Control: The ability to set the exact temperature means no more scalding hot water or lukewarm showers. This is great for comfort and safety, especially if you have kids.
• Durability & Brand Reputation: Rheem is a well-known and respected brand in the water heating industry. While every unit has its lifespan, their products generally have a reputation for reliability. The 4.2-star rating from nearly 4000 reviews is also a good indicator of user satisfaction.
• Clean Installation (No Gas/Venting): For homes without natural gas or propane, or where venting would be difficult, an electric unit like this simplifies the installation process in terms of fuel source and exhaust.

👎 The Cons:

• High Electrical Demand & Installation Cost: This is probably the biggest hurdle. A 24kW unit requires substantial electrical service. This often means needing multiple dedicated 40-amp or 50-amp breakers, and potentially an upgrade to your electrical panel if it’s older or already maxed out. This can add significant cost and complexity to the initial installation, often requiring a licensed electrician. Our group has shared stories of this being the most expensive part of the whole project!
• Upfront Cost: While tankless heaters can save money over time, the initial purchase price is generally higher than a conventional tank heater. When you factor in potential electrical upgrades, the total cost can be considerable.
• Water Pressure/Flow Rate Sensitivity: Tankless heaters need a minimum flow rate to activate. If your water pressure is very low, or if you’re trying to get a tiny trickle of hot water, the unit might not kick on consistently, leading to cold slugs of water. This isn’t unique to Rheem, but a general characteristic of tankless technology.
• Temperature Fluctuation in Cold Climates (Potentially): While the 24kW is powerful, in very cold climates where incoming water temperatures are extremely low, the unit might struggle slightly to maintain very high flow rates at very hot temperatures. Users in colder regions might notice a slight drop in maximum flow compared to warmer areas.
• Requires Professional Installation: Due to the significant electrical and plumbing work involved, this is definitely not a DIY project for most homeowners. Budget for professional installation.

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Who Is the Rheem RTEX-24 For?

Based on my testing and the feedback from our community, this unit is a fantastic fit for a few specific types of households:

• Larger Families or Homes with Multiple Bathrooms: If you frequently have multiple showers running, a dishwasher going, and laundry washing all at once, the 24kW power of the RTEX-24 is designed to handle that demand without breaking a sweat.
• Homeowners Looking to Reclaim Space: If your current water heater tank is an eyesore or takes up valuable real estate in a utility closet, garage, or basement, the compact nature of this unit is a huge advantage.
• Those Prioritizing Energy Efficiency (Long-Term): While the initial cost is higher, the elimination of standby heat loss can lead to long-term savings on your energy bill, especially if your current tank heater is old and inefficient.
• Anyone Who Hates Running Out of Hot Water: This is a no-brainer. The luxury of endless hot water is a significant upgrade to daily life.
• Homes with Adequate Electrical Service: This is crucial. If you have a modern electrical panel with available capacity (or are willing to upgrade), this unit is a viable option.

Conversely, if you live alone, have very low hot water demand, or have an older electrical system that would require a costly upgrade, you might want to explore other options or smaller tankless units.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: What kind of electrical service does the Rheem RTEX-24 require?

A: The Rheem RTEX-24 is a 24kW, 240V unit. This means it requires a substantial electrical supply, typically needing two or three dedicated double-pole circuit breakers (e.g., 2 x 60 amp or 3 x 40 amp, depending on specific wiring and local codes). It’s crucial to consult a licensed electrician to ensure your home’s electrical panel can handle the load and to perform the installation safely and to code.

Q2: Can it really provide ‘endless’ hot water?

A: Yes, within its capacity. The 24kW power output is designed to heat water as it flows, meaning as long as the unit is operating correctly and your incoming water temperature isn’t extremely low (like in very cold climates), it will continue to provide hot water without running out. The ‘endless’ aspect is what makes tankless so appealing!

Q3: Is the Rheem RTEX-24 hard to install? Can I do it myself?

A: While the unit itself isn’t physically massive, the installation involves significant electrical wiring and plumbing. Due to the high amperage requirements and the need for proper water line connections, it is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed electrician and plumber. Attempting a DIY installation without proper expertise can be dangerous and may void your warranty or violate local building codes.

Q4: How much space does this tankless heater save compared to a traditional tank?

A: A tremendous amount! The Rheem RTEX-24 is a compact, wall-mounted unit, typically measuring around 18-20 inches tall, 14-16 inches wide, and only about 4-6 inches deep. Compare that to a traditional 40-50 gallon tank water heater that can be 4-5 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter, and you can see the significant space savings. It’s a huge benefit for smaller homes or cramped utility areas.

Q5: Is an electric tankless water heater like the RTEX-24 more energy efficient than a gas tankless unit?

A: Not necessarily. Both electric and gas tankless heaters are generally more efficient than traditional tank heaters because they eliminate standby heat loss. However, the ‘energy efficiency’ often depends on the cost of your local electricity versus natural gas/propane. Electric tankless units are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, but electricity itself can be a more expensive energy source per BTU than gas in many regions. Your overall cost savings will depend on your specific utility rates.

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Verdict: A Powerful Upgrade for the Right Home

After diving deep into the Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic piece of equipment for the right household. Our community loves the consistent, endless hot water and the significant space savings it offers. The 24kW power means it’s genuinely capable of handling high demand, making those morning rushes much smoother.

However, it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. The biggest consideration is undoubtedly the electrical requirements and the associated installation costs. If your home’s electrical system can support it without major upgrades, and you’re looking for a reliable source of on-demand hot water, then the RTEX-24 is an excellent investment that will likely pay off in convenience and potential long-term energy savings.

If you’re tired of cold showers and want to modernize your home’s hot water system, this Rheem unit is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you get a professional assessment of your electrical system first!

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