Electric Hot Water Heater
An electric hot water heater heats the water in much the same way as a gas version, but instead of having to cut or disconnect the gas line if your old one breaks down, all you have to do is unplug it, replace the unit, and plug it back in. With gas, the biggest problems are having to find and turn off the gas main and risking breaking the pipe when it is disconnected.
Some people argue that a gas heater won’t go out if there is a power outage, but really, if the power goes out don’t you have more to worry about than hot water? Moreover, it will heat right back up when the power comes back on right? One of the major concerns people have with natural gas or propane is the risk of fire or explosion. While electricity runs some of these risks, the chances are far more unlikely. And what if you don’t have natural gas in your area, then what?
Electric hot water heaters can also be hooked up to alternative energy sources like solar or wind turbines. With the downsizing of wind turbines, and the introduction of vertical planes, more and more people who live in windy areas are starting to use the sun and the wind or even a combination, to fully power their homes.
Electric hot water heaters will last just as long as a gas unit and will have the same kinds of warranties, but in some cases can cost much less than a gas heater. With an electric heater, if something goes wrong, usually the heating element, it can easily be replaced on your own if you have any kind of mechanical inclination. The wires are also easily removed and replaced without having to remove the whole unit. You can even find heating elements with higher outputs in some places.
When picking a new electric hot water heater, look beyond how big the tank is, and what the First Hour Rating is. The FHR measures how much water can be used in the first hour. You need to figure out what your water usage is, and factor things like growing children, if you shower or wash clothing frequently, and make sure that your FHR rating is at least a quarter higher than your needs.
Now really you should look for the longest warranty possible, because the longest ones will cost less than a hundred dollars more than the shorter one. Your longer warranty heater will have larger heating elements, better insulation and more anode rods, a corrosion fighting metal rod. They also work better than cheaper models. Note that a warranty only covers the heater itself, not any labor charges.
Before you go out and buy a new electric hot water heater, be sure to take careful measurements of both the space the new heater is going into, and the new heater. It may sound stupid but it really is a smart idea, you may find that with the smaller more efficient models, a bigger one could fit in the same space.
Make sure that your next electric hot water heater has an Energy Star Sticker, and make sure it’s the highest rating possible. This may cost you a little more initially, but it will more than pay for itself in the savings you’ll see on your utility bill.
