State Tankless Water Heaters 
Review and Buying Tips

A review of State tankless water heaters with the condensing and non-condensing technology, including advanced models for the fast hot water delivery and ultra-low gas emission. Explore top models and most innovative features with the benefits such as recirculation, superior high thermal efficiency, and flow rates.

The greatest benefits of State gas tankless heaters are on demanding water heating, continuous and endless hot water supply to a single point (point of use) and multiple fixtures (whole-house), and environment-friendly operation.

Model review

State tankless water heaters come from the ProLine XE series, and there are two types available for homeowners: condensing and non-condensing.

Both condensing and non-condensing tankless models are built for efficient and environment-friendly potable water heating in residential and commercial applications. They can be used for direct or indirect heating, including hydronic heating, recirculation, and storage tank usage.

State condensing models

State condensing tankless models are Energy Star approved because the Uniform Energy Factor is higher than the minimum required, the power can reach a high 199,900 BTU, and water flow of up to 10 GPM.

Those models with the most advanced features utilize two heat exchangers, have the highest UEF factor and savings, and are known as condensing. Other models with a single heat exchanger are non-condensing, and their efficiency is lower, from 0.79 to 0.82.

Except for typical condensing models, State Industries also includes models with the recirculation system, which is very useful for large homes and long pipe runs, where users often wait to get hot water delivered. The recirculation system ensures instantaneous hot water delivery, saving you time, water, and energy. So, condensing models are available with and without recirculation.

The best condensing models are coming from the series 540, which can be used in residential and commercial applications, using Easy-link or Multi-link combining 4 or 20 units respectively, resulting in more generated power and hot water delivery. Those models that utilize the recirculation system for faster hot water delivery are coming from this 540 series.

State condensing water heaters are reviewed here.

State non-condensing models

All residential non-condensing tankless water heaters from the State Industries can be grouped into three categories: 110, 310, and 510, with the standard dual venting, concentric venting, low and ultra-low gas emission.

Tankless non-condensing heaters are designed with gas power ranging from 140,000 to 199,000 BTU, a flow rate up to 10 GPM, and a maximum energy factor of 0.82, making them ideal for homes with up to 3.5 bathrooms and budget-oriented families. Models are designed for indoor and outdoor use and powered by natural gas but are field convertible from natural gas to propane.

The best models come from the 510 series and can be used in residential and commercial applications. If demand for hot water is high (large homes), up to 4 units can be combined using an Easy-link system, or up to 20 units utilizing a Multi-Link system.

These models have the commercial-grade heat exchanger built-in, which is stronger and can last longer. Indoor models with ultra-low NOx and concentric vents include integrated temperature controls, while others do not have a control panel but a remote controller, which does the same thing.

State tankless water heaters from the 110 series are the smallest and lightest units, and since the capacity of 6.6 GPM is enough for one to two showers, these are ideal for apartments, condos, and smaller houses.

The 310 series comes with the direct vent, indoor and outdoor models, including the models with the ultra-low NOx, all having the maximum water flow of 8 GPM, and making it great for homes with two and three showers.

State 510 series of tankless water heaters have the highest water flow rate of 10 GPM, which is excellent for three to four showers working simultaneously, but depending on the region as the groundwater temperature varies.

Keep in mind that the warranty for all models is 15 years on the heat exchangers and 5 years on other elements. Correct plumbing installation, regular maintenance, and winterizing are just some factors that need to be taken care of properly for tankless longevity and top performance. The reason for the longer warranty on the heat exchanger is due to its commercial-grade copper heat exchanger that can sustain higher loads and stress.

Top features

Electronics

One of the neat features present on the newer State tankless water heaters is a digital controller, which is used to monitor the temperature and get a notification when there is a problem with the heater. The LCD display shows the current temperature of the outgoing hot water and when the problem occurs, the error codes flashes, followed by the audio alarm.

There are several buttons underneath the display, which help you turn the unit ON or OFF, change the temperature, get information about the water temperature and flow rate, and set the time.

Heat exchangers

Condensing tankless water heaters are the most advanced on the market. State condensing models have two heat exchangers, the main one, which is usually made of copper, where most of the heat transfer occurs. The second one, stainless steel, is used to increase the incoming cold temperature water. Thanks to the SS material, the corrosion resistance is greater.

Non-condensing models have one heat exchanger made of copper, and these models are cheaper to buy, but condensing is performing better; the energy factor is 0.95 vs. 0.82. Some models are equipped with a commercial-grade heat exchanger providing better protection and less wear and tear in years to come.

Venting

Non-condensing water heaters must use Category III Stainless Steel venting system while condensing, due to the lower temperature of the exhaust gases, can use PVC vents. The great thing about the tankless water heaters is flexibility when installing the vents since they can run horizontally or vertically. Due to the closed combustion, direct venting with the concentric system is also an option.

Safety

Every tankless unit from this manufacturer is equipped with several safety features such as the air-fuel ratio or AFR sensor. The sensor ensures a proper mixture of air and gas and less emission and better efficiency; freeze protection and other sensors and switches protecting the unit from high temperatures and overheating.

Conclusion

State tankless water heaters are ideal for those looking for on-demand water heating, to save floor space and want peace of mind by taking long and uninterrupted showers. State heaters are similar to tankless models from AO Smith and Takagi, and the great thing is the variety and service network. With several safety features, such as the built-in freeze protection and overheat sensor or flame detection unit, and users are well protected. State heaters are also environment-friendly as their burners are low NOx burners.

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