Smarter, Faster, Greener: IKONIC^® Tankless Water Heating Explained

If you’re researching the best tankless water heater options for your home, Rheem’s IKONIC line deserves serious consideration. Combining energy efficiency, smart home integration, and innovative design, IKONIC delivers continuous hot water while addressing common frustrations homeowners face with traditional water heaters. 

What Makes IKONIC Stand Out as “The New Standard”? 

Rheem positions IKONIC as a next-generation tankless line that raises the bar for performance and features. The difference appears in key areas that matter to homeowners. 

IKONIC isn’t just easier to live with. It is easier to live around. With only half an inch of side clearance, it fits where others can’t, sliding into cramped closets and tight utility rooms without complaint. It’s built for the real world, not just perfect installs. 

And once it’s in, Rheem’s EcoNet system puts the whole thing in your pocket. You can tweak temperatures, set schedules, check performance, even catch maintenance issues, all from your phone.  

Learn more about what makes IKONIC revolutionary in the industry. 

How Does IKONIC’s Internal Design Work? 

IKONIC’s high-efficiency condensing water heater stands out for how efficiently it uses energy. The difference comes from its dual heat exchanger system. 

Incoming water goes through two stages. It captures heat from combustion gases that standard systems waste in exhaust. This condensing water heater can save up to 36% in energy. 

Condensing water heaters are more efficient because they keep more heat in, causing condensation. HotStart Programming^™ keeps water ready between uses, reducing the sudden bursts of cold water common in other tankless models. 

Because IKONIC extracts so much heat from combustion, exhaust temperatures are low enough to allow simple PVC venting. 

For a detailed technical breakdown, explore this article on what you should know about tankless water heaters. 

What Benefits Do Tankless Water Heaters Deliver for Homeowners? 

When evaluating tankless vs. tank water heater options, IKONIC’s real-world advantages become immediately clear in your daily life and on your utility bills. 

Models with built-in recirculation save up to 12,000 gallons of water annually by eliminating the waste from waiting for hot water to reach fixtures. That’s enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool every year. It’s water you’re no longer paying to heat and then send down the drain. 

Installation flexibility means IKONIC adapts to your home rather than forcing costly modifications. Tight clearance requirements work with cramped utility spaces. Flexible venting options extend up to 50 feet through  existing B-vent. Compatibility with half-inch gas lines eliminates expensive gas line upgrades many other units require. Tankless water heaters can also be installed either inside or outside of your home. 

The Rheem EcoNet smart tankless water heater lets you adjust temperature from bed, schedule recirculation to match your morning routine, monitor performance trends, and receive maintenance alerts before small issues become big problems. This integration fits seamlessly into connected homes without adding complexity. 

Which IKONIC Models Should I Consider, and How Do They Differ? 

The IKONIC line includes different configurations to match various household needs and budgets. 

The built-in recirculation, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a full suite of smart features load the SR-series models. S-series units deliver core IKONIC performance, the same dual heat exchanger efficiency and compact design, at a lower price point for homeowners who want to add external recirculation or skip smart features. 

Flow capacity matters for water heater sizing. Models like the RTGH-S11I deliver up to 11.2 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise, easily handling multiple simultaneous hot water demands like a shower running while the dishwasher fills. Proper sizing ensures you have capacity when you need it without oversizing and overspending. 

All IKONIC models work with outdoor conversion kits. For larger applications, commercial IKONIC variants offer higher BTU ratings and the ability to manifold multiple units together for even greater capacity, making IKONIC one of the top tankless water heaters for demanding commercial or large residential installations. 

How Should I Maintain IKONIC Units to Preserve Efficiency? 

All tankless water heaters need regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance and longevity. 

Annual flushing and descaling remove mineral buildup that accumulates in all water heaters, especially in hard water areas. This buildup reduces efficiency and can damage critical parts of a Rheem water heater over time. Knowing how to clean a water heater correctly, or hiring a professional, can greatly extend its lifespan. It also keeps it running efficiently, just like when it was new.  

The condensing design makes proper condensate drainage essential. Check vents, condensate drains, and sensors often. Make sure everything flows well. Ensure condensation neutralization systems work properly when needed.  

Smart integration through EcoNet provides real-time performance data that makes water heater maintenance more proactive than reactive. Error codes and efficiency trends help you identify issues before they become failures or emergency replacements. 

Cold weather presents unique challenges for any water heating system. Follow the tips in Rheem’s article on Winter Prep Tips for Water Heating Systems to protect your investment during freezing conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does IKONIC always deliver “no-wait” hot water? 

A: In models with built-in recirculation or paired with a recirculation pump, yes, IKONIC is designed to minimize cold water delays by keeping hot water circulating to your fixtures. 

Q: What is the max GPM flow for IKONIC units? 

A: Some models can reach 11.2 GPM for a 35°F temperature rise. This allows for continuous hot water for multiple uses at the same time. 

Q: Can IKONIC be used indoors or outdoors? 

A: Yes, all IKONIC models are compatible with outdoor conversion kits, giving you installation flexibility based on your home’s layout. 

Q: Do I need special venting because it’s a condensing unit? 

A: The cooler exhaust allows the use of PVC in many installations, and vent runs can extend long distances. IKONIC also allows flex venting through existing B-vent up to 50 feet. 

Q: Is IKONIC suitable for locations at high altitude? 

A: Yes, IKONIC units are certified for operation up to approximately 10,200 feet elevation, making them ideal for mountain homes and high-altitude locations.