ECCOTEMP Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane or ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater? Which ECCOTEMP Model to Buy
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The eccotemp indoor 6 8 gpm propane vs 6 8 gpm outdoor natural gas comparison highlights two distinct heating solutions. Both units deliver 6.8 GPM for whole-home use. The main difference lies in fuel source and placement. One model uses propane for indoor settings. The other uses natural gas for outdoor mounting. You need to choose based on your available gas line and installation space. This guide breaks down the specs to help you decide.
Key differences
| Aspect | Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater | ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Liquid Propane | Natural Gas |
| Installation Location | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Venting | Not listed | No venting required |
| Voltage | 110/120V | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 14 x 23 inches | 6 x 15 x 22 inches |
| Smart Features | App control, voice commands | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater if
- You have a propane line and need an indoor unit.
- You want smart app control and scheduling.
- You need voice assistant compatibility.
Choose ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater if
- You have a natural gas line and an outdoor space.
- You want to save indoor space.
- You prefer a unit that requires no venting.
Verdict: Choose the propane model if you need indoor installation and smart home integration. Pick the natural gas model if you have outdoor space and want a vent-free setup. Both provide the same flow rate for whole-home demand.
Indoor Propane vs Outdoor Natural Gas
Fuel type
The Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater uses liquid propane as its fuel source. This model is designed to burn propane efficiently to heat water on demand. In contrast, the ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater runs on natural gas. This distinction is critical for your setup. You must have the appropriate gas line and connection available for your chosen unit. Propane requires a tank, while natural gas typically connects to a municipal supply or a larger stationary tank. Your existing infrastructure will likely dictate which fuel type you can use without major modifications.
Installation location
Placement is a major differentiator between these two models. The Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater is built for indoor installation. It fits inside your home, such as in a utility closet or garage. The ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is explicitly rated for outdoor use. It is designed to withstand external weather conditions. This outdoor unit saves valuable interior space in your home. If you need to keep utilities inside, the indoor propane model is the only choice. If you want to free up indoor square footage, the outdoor natural gas unit is the practical solution.
Smart features
The Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater includes advanced smart capabilities. It works with the Eccotemp mobile app, allowing you to track energy consumption and adjust temperatures remotely. You can also use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. It features an Eco Mode to reduce energy usage. The ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater does not list any smart connectivity or app support in its specifications. It operates with manual controls. If you want remote monitoring and scheduling, the indoor propane model offers significant technological advantages over the basic outdoor unit.
Venting requirements
Installation complexity varies due to venting needs. The ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater requires no venting. This simplifies the installation process and removes the need for complex exhaust piping. The Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater is an indoor unit. While the data does not explicitly detail its venting method, indoor propane heaters typically require specific venting to safely exhaust combustion gases. This often involves running a flue through a wall or roof. The outdoor natural gas model offers a simpler installation path regarding exhaust, making it easier to place on an exterior wall.
Electrical needs
Power requirements differ between the two units. The Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater requires a 110/120V electrical connection. This power is needed for its digital controls, smart features, and ignition system. The ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater does not list a specific voltage requirement in its key specs. It may have minimal electrical needs for ignition only, or none at all. If you want to ensure you have the correct outlet ready, the indoor model clearly needs a standard 110/120V circuit. The outdoor unit’s electrical needs are less defined in the provided data.
Which ECCOTEMP model fits your home
Smart home users with propane supply
You should choose this indoor propane model if you want smart connectivity. It connects to Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control. The companion mobile app lets you adjust temperatures from 95 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also track energy consumption and set schedules. This app-based control offers precise management of your hot water usage and efficiency.
Homeowners with natural gas lines
Choose this outdoor natural gas model if you have a dedicated gas line and outdoor space. It uses natural gas instead of propane. The unit is CSA certified for safe installation in the US and Canada. It does not require venting, which simplifies the setup process. This model is designed to be compact and quiet, saving interior space while providing 6.8 GPM of hot water.
Renters or apartment dwellers
This outdoor natural gas heater is ideal for apartments or condos where interior space is limited. Its outdoor placement keeps the unit out of your living area. The lack of venting requirements makes installation easier for rental properties. You get the same 6.8 GPM flow rate as the indoor model, but without the need for complex indoor gas line modifications or smart app integration.
The products compared
Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater
Best for: Indoor propane homes needing smart control
- Fuel Type
- Liquid Propane
- Flow Rate
- 6.8 GPM
- BTU
- 140,000 BTU
- Installation Location
- Indoor
- Voltage
- 110/120V
- Temperature Control
- 95-140°F
View on Amazon: Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater Affiliate link
This indoor unit heats liquid propane at 140,000 BTU to deliver 6.8 GPM at a 35-degree rise. It fits single-family homes or light commercial use. The smart app tracks energy and sets schedules. You can control it via voice commands. It supports up to three bathrooms simultaneously. The compact design fits tight indoor spaces.
Pros
- 6.8 GPM flow rate at 140,000 BTU
- Smart app for energy tracking and scheduling
- Voice control via Alexa or Google Home
- Temperature range of 95-140°F
Cons
- Indoor installation only
- Requires 110/120V electrical connection
- Uses liquid propane instead of natural gas
Good fit if
- You need hot water for up to three bathrooms
- You want to monitor energy usage via an app
- You have an indoor space with propane access
Skip if
- You require outdoor installation
- You use natural gas instead of propane
- You need more than 6.8 GPM flow rate
Verdict: ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Indoor Propane Smart Heater suits homes needing high flow with smart control. It fits users with indoor propane lines who want app management. It is not for outdoor or natural gas setups.
ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best for: outdoor natural gas users
- Fuel Type
- Natural Gas
- Flow Rate
- 6.8 GPM
- Installation Location
- Outdoor
- Certification
- CSA Certified for US and Canadian use
- Dimensions
- 6 x 15 x 22 inches
- Weight
- 38 pounds
View on Amazon: ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Affiliate link
This ECCOTEMP 45H-NG unit delivers 6.8 GPM of hot water using natural gas. It is designed for outdoor installation, which saves indoor space and eliminates the need for venting. The compact build measures 6 x 15 x 22 inches and weighs 38 pounds. It includes essential safety components like a temperature and pressure relief valve. This model suits homes with outdoor access and natural gas lines.
Pros
- High flow rate of 6.8 GPM for whole-home use
- No venting required for quick and easy installation
- CSA Certified for safe use in the US and Canada
- Compact outdoor design saves indoor space
Cons
- Restricted to outdoor installation only
- Requires natural gas connection, not propane
- Lacks digital temperature display in provided specs
Good fit if
- You have an outdoor wall space for mounting
- You have a natural gas supply line available
- You want to save indoor space by moving the unit outside
Skip if
- You need indoor installation for this unit
- You only have propane fuel access
- You require a digital display for precise temperature control
Verdict: ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas is a solid choice for homeowners with outdoor space and natural gas lines who want a vent-free, high-flow solution. It fits best for those prioritizing easy installation and space savings over indoor convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Eccotemp Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater | ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Liquid Propane | Natural Gas |
| Flow Rate | 6.8 GPM | 6.8 GPM |
| BTU | 140,000 BTU | not stated |
| Installation Location | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Voltage | 110/120V | not stated |
| Temperature Control | 95-140°F | not stated |
| Certification | not stated | CSA Certified for US and Canadian use |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 14 x 23 inches | 6 x 15 x 22 inches |
| Weight | 39 pounds | 38 pounds |
| Color | Black | White |
| Model | SH22i-LP | 45H-NG |
| Size | not stated | 6.8 GPM |
Frequently asked questions
Can I install the indoor propane model outside?
No. The ECCOTEMP Indoor 6.8 GPM Propane Tankless Heater is strictly for indoor use. Its design does not protect it from weather elements. You must place it inside your home. Using it outdoors will damage the unit. Choose the outdoor natural gas model if you need exterior placement.
Does the outdoor natural gas heater need venting?
No. The ECCOTEMP 6.8 GPM Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is a vent-free solution. This feature simplifies installation significantly. You do not need to run complex vent pipes. This saves space and reduces installation complexity compared to vented indoor units. It is ideal for outdoor setups.
Which model supports smart home integration?
The indoor propane model supports smart control. You can manage it via a mobile app. It also connects with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice commands. The outdoor natural gas model does not offer these digital features. Choose the indoor unit if you want remote temperature adjustments.
How do the physical dimensions compare?
Both units are compact but differ slightly. The indoor propane model measures 23 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 7.25 inches high. The outdoor natural gas model is 22 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 6 inches high. The indoor unit is slightly heavier at 39 pounds versus 38 pounds.
Is the flow rate the same for both?
Yes. Both the indoor propane and outdoor natural gas models deliver 6.8 GPM. This flow rate supports whole-home hot water needs. You can run multiple fixtures simultaneously without significant pressure loss. The capacity is identical, so your choice depends on fuel type and installation location rather than flow performance.
Can I use natural gas with the indoor unit?
No. The indoor model is designed specifically for propane fuel. It cannot burn natural gas. You must have a propane supply line to use it. If you have natural gas lines, you must choose the outdoor natural gas model. Using the wrong fuel will damage the heater and void safety.
Which unit is better for tight indoor spaces?
The indoor propane model is built for indoor installation. It fits standard indoor utility areas. The outdoor model is designed for exterior walls. It is not suitable for indoor environments due to safety and ventilation requirements. Select the indoor propane unit if you have limited indoor space and a propane connection.
What colors are available for these heaters?
The indoor propane model comes in black. The outdoor natural gas model is white. This cosmetic difference helps you identify the units easily. The color does not affect performance. Choose based on your aesthetic preference or visibility needs for the installation location. Both colors are durable for their intended environments.