An electric water heater is a big investment, so it is important to know exactly what you’re buying before you spend your hard-earned money.
Buying one can cost you hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars. However, choosing the right water heater means getting hot water for years, without even having to think about it!
The performance that you get from your electric water heater, though, depends on where you buy it. Different manufacturers have different standards and different features – that will all result in a different performance.
Doing your homework now may take you a little more time, but it can save you plenty of time, money, and frustration later!
So, what exactly do you need to know before you buy one?
Get the answers to these 6 questions:
1. What are the advantages of an electric water heater compared to a gas water heater?
Electric water heaters offer several advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. The biggest is safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, gas-powered water heaters are twice as likely to start a fire or cause other damage to your home compared to an electric water heater. Newer electric water heaters also typically require less energy, and they do not release a byproduct (like fumes) into your home like some gas units do.
2. How can buying a new electric water heater save you money?
While cost shouldn’t be your only deciding factor, electric water heaters do tend to be money-savers. According to Consumer Reports, electric models often cost less than gas models, so, by buying one, you will be saving money right from the start.
And if you get a “green” model, you can save yourself even more money. Some manufacturers have started using solar power in conjunction with electricity. With these models, special equipment captures sunlight and uses it to help heat up your water. That way, you don’t have to use as much electricity to get a batch of hot water – meaning that you can drastically lower your energy bills.
Technology has also made saving energy possible by creating water heaters that do not require a tank. After all, if you just need a little bit of hot water to wash your hands, heating up all of the water in a tank is a waste!
A tankless electric water heater heats up the water while it rushes through your pipes – instead of using a big holding tank. That way, you don’t have to heat up a bunch of water at once – meaning that you can save big bucks on your energy bills.
3. What kind of electric water heater problems can you expect?
While you shouldn’t make a purchase expecting to experience problems, they do pop up from time to time. When it comes to electric models, most of the time, the biggest issue comes from burned-out components. Luckily, though, these parts can easily be replaced by a pro – or even by you!
Heating rods, thermostats, and valves can all become damaged over the lifetime of your model. Usually, you will know if something is broken because you will start getting lukewarm water, cold water, rusty water, or only getting hot water for a short period of time.
Faulty valves can also be an issue in these models. If you have one, it can result in flooding around your water heater.
While these water heaters are designed to last for years and years, the older yours gets, the more frequently you will need a professional to inspect the unit. In rare cases, water heaters can explode if they do not get the right preventative maintenance.
4. How long can you expect your electric water heater to last?
The lifespan of a quality electric water heater averages between 10 to 20 years, depending on the amount of salt and other chemicals that you have in your water. And, when it comes to lifespan, electric models tend to outperform their gas-powered counterparts again. You can expect most electric models to outlast gas models by at least a few years.
You can also do little things to make sure that you get the longest life possible from your electric water heater. The best way to do it is by having it inspected every few years. And, if you see even minor signs of damage, call a plumber right away. Getting to a problem early – instead of waiting around for something more serious to pop up – can save you hundreds of dollars. Or, it can save you from having to buy a brand new water heater!
5. How tough is an electric water heater installation job?
Having a professional install your water heater is the easiest route to take. Turning the project over to a professional will save you a lot of time and stress, but doing it yourself is not as hard as it use to be. In fact, you can do it with a few basic tools and some basic knowledge! And, to make your job easier, some home improvement stores even have employees on hand to help you learn how to install your water heater.
No matter what kind of tips you get, remember to always follow the instructions that come with your model. Different models can come with little nuances that require special attention – instead of one-size-fits-all blanket advice.