Whether you’re replacing a water heater that has failed or are wanting to replace a gas-fired water heater with an electric one, it’s important to know your options. An electric water heater can be less expensive to operate than gas-fired, vented, or unvented water heaters in many cases. There are three types of electric water heaters to choose from:
- Conventional water tanks
- Tankless water heaters
- Hybrid tankless water heaters
Conventional Water Tanks
A conventional water tank keeps water hot to use for bathing, washing clothes, or doing the dishes. Since it stores hot water, the water heater is continuously running, which can be expensive. Also, it’s important to buy the right size water tank so that the hot water doesn’t run out while you’re in the tub or shower.
Tankless Water Heaters
With a tankless water heater, there is an endless supply of hot water available in your home. A tank isn’t needed to store hot water so the system only runs when there is a demand for hot water.
When the hot water tap is turned on, the water runs through a pipe that passes by a gas burner or an electric heating element. It heats the water as it passes through so there is an endless supply when needed. Electric tankless water heaters can be safely put in a closet or smaller ones can be installed under the kitchen or bathroom sink to supply hot water for those rooms.
Hybrid Tankless Water Heaters
Instead of heating cold water when hot water is needed, a hybrid tankless water heater makes warm water hotter. Since it takes almost two litres of cold water to pass through a tankless water heater before hot water is delivered to its destination, some water is wasted until hot water arrives. With a hybrid system, warm water can be stored so it doesn’t take long to heat and deliver it to the shower, dishwasher, or clothes washer when needed.
More Energy Efficient
Both hybrid tankless and tankless water heaters require less energy to operate since several litres of hot water don’t need to be stored. In addition, since conventional water heaters heat water from the bottom up, there is a lot of heat wasted as it is released from the top of the water heater. The heat that is wasted is heat for which you’re paying.
If you want to save money when buying a new water heater, you can order electric water heaters online. In addition, you will get to pick from a larger selection of brands, allowing you to find the best system for your home. When ordering an electric water heater, you should consult with a local plumbing company to find out if they can install one for you.
Electric water heaters may require help from an electrician to install in your home but many plumbers are also qualified to install them. An electric water heater is often safer than most gas-fired water heaters and can help reduce your energy costs.
