
Are you in the market for a new water heater? If you are, you’ve probably heard of Richmond in your searching. As Richmond is a subsidiary of Rheem, it has a solid background in advancement and technology within the industry.
Quality assurance is a high priority for the main manufacturer, and they are dedicated to ensuring that only the best pieces make it off the line. They expect quality as well as reliability of every product that leaves the assembly line.
What Is A Richmond Water Heater And How Does It Work?

Richmond water heaters come in several different models including solar, gas, and electric. They can also be found in homes and in commercial buildings. The tank sizes along with the flow rates also vary widely which makes them suitable to work for every size and use.
Within the Richmond line, you’ll find three different types of tankless water heaters. They are electric, mid-efficiency, and condensing models that can be used in any situation including an entire home.
They have the patented EverKleen self-cleaning system that is designed to prevent sediment build-up. Richmond water heaters also have insulation incorporated into the design in order to retain heat as much as possible.
By trapping the heat, energy efficiency is improved. As a result, several units are Energy-Star certified. The same can be said of their gas-powered water heaters. They, too, have a high-efficiency, self-cleaning system inside. Additionally, gas water heaters also have the pilot lights insulated to keep them ready without wasting energy in the process.
Solar is an even better option as the energy source is not only efficient, but there is a lack of emissions, which is good for the environment. Your energy bills would also go down because you would be pulling energy from the panels which means you won’t be using traditional energy sources at all.
The Condensing Tankless Water Heater

According to Richmond, condensing water heaters are compact solutions that are designed to provide continuous supply of hot water. It doesn’t store fifty gallons, but it will provide you with a nonstop source of the water you crave.
This water heater has a digital display that allows you to make precise programming choices regarding temperature control as well as monitoring for the unit. The temperature control is especially useful because it only ever releases water out as needed. That means you can set the temperature and forget it.
Tankless Mid-Efficiency Water Heaters

These function the same way that the condensing water heaters do as they also provide energy-efficient sources of water. These have a similar digital display and temperature control, too, and it is one of the smallest tankless water heaters on the market.
Tankless Electric Water Heaters

The electric water heaters from Richmond function the same way as the other tankless water heaters. The biggest difference between this one and the others is the amount of water that it can handle. Most of the other units can’t do more than around six or seven gallons of water per minute, but these are different.
One of the electric water heaters can actually go up to 8.8 gallons per minute, which is amazing for a larger family. In true tankless fashion, it only heats up water as you need it, so you can rest assured that it is as energy-efficient as its siblings.
A Little About The Company
Richmond didn’t start out as a water heater company but instead came along later as a result of Rheem. The company was founded in the late 1920s with its first foray into the world of water heaters in the 1930s through the 1940s.
Over time, Rheem worked to build a reputation that proved the company was reliable in its workmanship. Finally, in the 1980s, Rheem was acquired by Paloma. This move led Rheem to be able to push Richmond appliances forward in the market, allowing them to develop their own reputation as being reliable water heaters.
What Makes A Richmond Water Heater Unique?
One of the things that makes Richmond so unique is that you can find something for any given space where you want to provide hot water.
As an example, the Richmond 6EP15-1 is a 15-gallon water heater. This is enough for not more than a couple of people that need hot water. Temperature and water pressure will be fantastic within these limitations, but you wouldn’t want a water heater for a larger demand.
It is easier, though, to install this one in a variety of places. Not only is it small and compact, but it will not take up too much space. Most of the water heaters from Richmond are similar in this way because they want to make placement and installation convenient to you.
Another model, the 20-gallon 6EP20-1, is capable of handling around three people and a couple of smaller appliances at the same time. The water heater is easy to install, too.
If you want to get into the larger models, then you’re thinking of the electric Whole Home 36KW model that has a flow rate of up to 8.8 gallons of water per minute. This is the unit that can handle several people using water in addition to a couple of appliances, so if you need the capacity for that kind of demand, this is the model for you.
There are so many more models that Richmond carries that you’d be hard pressed to not find something that would work for you. That’s part of what makes Richmond water heaters unique because they truly can fit any space that you demand. Combine that with top quality, and you’re good to go.
Pricing
- Item Weight: 69.0 lb
- Country of Origin: United States
- Brand name: Richmond
One of the neatest things about Richmond water heaters is that you can purchase them on Amazon and have them shipped directly to you. You can find them for just a few hundred dollars.
As an example, the Richmond 6EP15-1 Electric Water Heater can be found on Amazon for under $500 without installation fees. If you choose to have someone professionally install it for you, then you’d pay close to an additional $500.
The Richmond 6EP20-1 is similar in pricing to the 15-gallon tank. It is also available for just under $500 with the same installation fee. With that in mind, you can get five more gallons for very close to the same price which is worth considering if you have the space.
You won’t find every unit online, though, and will need to search for dealers in your area if you really have your heart set on a specific unit. The site is fairly easy to use in searching for a dealer near you. Just input your zip code, filter by store, and state a specific radius you want to search. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find something right away nearby because you may have to drive a little far to find one.
On a side note, Richmond water heaters carry warranties that range from six-year policies to twelve-year policies. This varies on the type of water heater as well as the capacity and expected level of efficiency.
Public Perception
There are several positive reviews that are on Amazon, so that’s a great place to start checking on the say the public perceives Richmond air conditioners.
One customer by the name of laser1560 writes, “I like it. I wish Amazon would tell everyone the pipe size connections AND the amperage and voltage these appliances use. Amazon must get a lot of returns on these because this lack of information in the product specifications. Why don’t they just print the OEM data from the manufacturer? It does work great.”
In another positive review, Cindy states, “I have a 44 ft camper that I live in and this hot water heater has been perfect for my needs. Was easy to install.”
When it comes to the negative reviews, there are only a few, and they refer back to the condition of the product upon its arrival. Juelette M. writes, “Have not installed arrived dented inside a box with no damage. Highly disappointed.”
In another negative review, DeLinda Huff states, “This water heater came with a dent in it. I don’t know where it got it from but opened the box and see an obvious dented top.”
If you keep searching on Amazon, you’ll see more reviews that explain just how the unit was “Easy to install, take pictures of connections and watch videos on installing.”
There is one warning, though, from ibtd, that reminds you the “water heater seems to work okay, but there is no drain. If you have any sort of sediment or lime in your water (like I do) I’d expect to have to replace it again in a few years.”
How It Compares
When you start thinking about the kind of water heater you want, there are a few things you’ll want to consider to figure out what you’re going to want to put in your home. For one, you’re going to want to think about where the water heater is going to be installed. To begin to determine where it needs to go, you’ll need to verify where your current water heater is located.
Most often, you’re going to find water heaters either in the attic or the basement. Once you know where it is, you’re also going to determine what kind of water heater you have. Do you use it as a whole home unit? How big is the tank?
You’ll also need to compare how much water your household needs to the amount of water that a Richmond water heater can provide. Tankless water heaters are fantastic at providing continuous amounts of hot water, but you can’t overwhelm them with demand, or they won’t be able to keep up. That’s standard for every tankless water heater.
Richmond also manufactures tank water heaters as well as hybrid water heaters. The tank water heater models hold as much as 120 gallons for a whole-house unit. You do also have the option for a smaller model if you need it.
Realistically, a Richmond water heater is one of the best around, and you’d do well to purchase one of these because they don’t compare very well to other tankless heaters.
What We Think
We think Richmond water heaters have proven themselves to be reliable, and due to their vast array of choices, they’re perfect for anywhere. They’re also easy enough to install without necessarily needing a professional if you’re a competent DIYer. If you choose to have a professional install it, be prepared to pay several hundred dollars in installation fees.
The bottom line here is that you need to do your homework and be prepared to spend a little more now to save more in the long run if you go with a tankless water heater. If you have any concerns, always consult a professional with any questions you may have to make sure you get everything installed correctly and according to specifications.