Electric Water Heaters

With the winter months approaching fast, many people are relying on their heating to create a comfortable environment at home. When it comes to heating consumption, many people often end up using a lot of energy on heating water. 

Inefficient water heaters can significantly drive up your energy costs; therefore, investing in models that use your energy wisely is important. By switching to electric water heaters, you can enjoy all the comforts of modern heating without worrying about your energy bills in the winter. 

If you are looking to purchase this innovative appliance, here is everything you need to know about electric water heaters. 

What Are Electric Water Heaters?

Electric water heaters represent the next generation of heating appliances. These modern devices offer better functionality and promote energy efficiency due to their updated electrical components. 

In general, an electric water heater is a device that uses electricity instead of gas to heat the water that will be used in either a home or a commercial property. However, it is important to note you will need a specialised water heater for commercial property as the water requirement is much higher. Not all electric water heaters are designed the same way. 

Some electric water appliances have a large tank structure for a fixed installation. But there are also smaller tankless electric water heaters for a compact installation. You can also find electric water heaters that supply hot water in a centralised location. 

While not all electric water heaters are energy efficient, there are hybrid models that use energy more wisely than traditional water heater models. Electric water heaters are also eco-friendly compared to other traditional heating systems, including gas water heaters. 

These water heaters are eco-friendly because they use electricity to operate instead of gas which not all homes have. This quality also makes them highly efficient, as little to no energy goes to waste. 

Electric water heaters also act as a modular heating system that works well for domestic properties. You can easily add multiple new water heaters into your heating system using an electric water heater. This will allow you to control multiple heaters with one main hub. 

With this configuration, you can use one large tank-filled water and pair it with smaller tankless electric water heaters. 

Wall Mounted Tankless Electric Water Heaters

While you might be familiar with the large water heater unit, nowadays, innovative technology has created a smaller, more compact version of a large water heater. These tankless heating units provide easy installation compared to the traditional heating system. 

Once you purchase an electric tankless water heater, it is important that your wall mount your heating system. To do so, you must look for wall mounted tankless heaters. 

Wall mounted water heaters are packaged with sturdy wall brackets so that you can mount them to any wall in your home for a tidy, clean, and discreet fitting. These wall brackets are highly durable and secure as they are designed by the manufacturers of water heaters. 

Wall mounting a heater is a great way to help warmth spread evenly through your home, and you can also use this posting to make the heater your main heat source in the household. Most electric tankless water heaters are great for DIY installation, and you can get all the necessary fixtures in the heaters’ packaging. 

One of these fixtures includes a template that helps you position your heating unit. However, there are some electric water heaters that require professional installation for a better and more secure fitting. A proper wall mounting installation will give your water heaters a clean and wire-free look. 

How Do Electric Water Heaters Work?

Electric water heaters work similarly to gas water heaters; however, the main difference is the heating element. Electric water heaters use an electric heating element, while a gas water heater uses a burner to provide hot water through your pipes and into the household. 

The process of heating water is complicated, but incredibly fast, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy hot water.  Once you turn on the electric water heater, the cold water gets brought into the tank through a dip tube. This cold water is then heated with the electric heating element inside the tank.

As the element burns, the hot water is heated and rises in the tank. Once the water reaches your optimal temperature level, it moves through the plumbing of your home. As the heat rises, the electric water heaters move the hot water through the heat out pipe. 

Every electric water heater is equipped with a thermostat, so homeowners can adjust the setting according to their preferences. This thermostat is directly connected to the heating element, which allows you to select the ideal temperature for your home more accurately. 

With a gas water heater, the temperature level is not always as accurate as with an electric water heater. Through this process, you get immediate hot water from electric water heaters without waiting too long. This quick and efficient process allows you to enjoy hot water comfortably without worrying about energy costs. 

Almost all electric water heaters also have several protective measures to avoid overheating the appliance. These measures not only ensure the safety of your electric heater but also make sure that you remain safe. 

All electric water heaters contain a temperature and pressure relief valve. These valves are also known as T and P valves. These components will open up and release water if the temperature inside your electric water heater tank is too hot. 

These valves also open up if the pressure inside the tank is too high. This preventative measure ensures that the electric water heater does not explode due to high temperature/pressure. 

In addition to this component, all electric water heaters have a drain valve on the side of the tank to help maintain the health of the appliance. This side valve is important for draining the water heater to reduce any sediment build-up. 

Removing sediment from your heating appliance is an important part of its maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, the water heater tank itself contains insulations that keep water for a long period of time. This insulation ensures that the hot water does not affect the metal structure of the water heater tank. 

Lastly, every electric water heater has a sacrificial anode rod that acts as another protective component. This anode rod is made from a metal that rusts much faster than the metal used in the structure of the water heater tank. 

This anode component prevents the electric water heater tank from rusting. However, you must make sure to replace the anode rod every 1 to 2 years to enjoy its protective qualities. 

Switching From Gas To Electrical Water Heaters

If you have a fully functioning gas heating system and you want to make the switch to electrical water heaters, you should consult a professional before starting that installation process. 

The removal of gas central heating systems can be costly and time-consuming; therefore, it is important to consider these factors when making a switch. 

A typical switch process would involve draining all the water from the gas boiler and removing all the pipework from the previous water heater. Due to this laborious process, electrical water heater heating is ideal for people that don’t use their gas supply for heating.

Why Choose Electric Water Heaters? 

When you choose an electric water heater, you are guaranteed a heating solution that provides high-quality performance while helping you save on energy. Electric water heaters are excellent at providing immediate hot water at the point of use. There is little to no delay, so you can comfortably enjoy your modern appliance without worrying about energy costs. 

Larger electric water heaters provide all-around hot water to not just one area of your home but to every tap and plumbing in your residential property. This process gives you a quick and responsive performance that lasts a long time. 

As mentioned before, electric water heaters are highly energy efficient from the point of use, which means that every watt of energy drawn from your power supply turns into usable energy. Due to this efficiency, you will always know where your money is going when it comes to utility bills. 

In addition to their efficient heating qualities, electric water heaters come with various other convenient features that make them highly reliable. Some electrical water heaters come with smart control for even more functionality. 

In addition, some electric heating solutions also offer quick and easy installation and low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for any type of property. 

To maximise this efficiency, you can pair your electric water heater with a renewable energy source such as solar panels or go with a green energy provider to ensure that your heating system is fully green and environmentally friendly. This level of convenience and efficiency is often not found in gas water heaters.

As renewable energy becomes more accessible, electric heating becomes a clear choice for sustainable heating systems. Unlike gas water heating systems, these electric appliances have no inefficient combustion and harmful emissions. 

Electric water heaters provide high-grade and controllable warmth without any ongoing maintenance costs. In comparison, gas heating systems are well known for being temperamental and breaking down at inconvenient times. These heaters come with extremely high maintenance costs and also less precise control of your heating. 

Additionally, not all homes and commercial properties have ample gas supply to be compatible with a gas water heater. If you use this appliance, you will need to start up a separate gas line which can be costly.  

One single unit of electric water heater is enough to heat up the water in a moderately sized home. This is the type of efficiency that is often not available in gas water heaters, and often you might need two gas water heating units to provide hot water in your home efficiently. 

Electric water heaters are a great solution if you want a controllable heating system that is easy to install and use. As soon as you can get an electric water heater installed, you can start using them by simply attaching them to the nearest electrical power supply. 

This level of convenience sets electric water heaters apart from other heating systems. However, it is important to note that not all electric water heating systems are manufactured the same. 

Some with highly advanced features, while some are suitable for basic applications. Regardless of the functions, all electric water heaters provide comfort and convenience. It is recommended that you purchase your preferred electric water heater according to your heating needs. 

What Are The Different Types Of Electric Water Heaters?

When it comes to choosing the best electric water heater for your home, there are several different types to choose from. Not all electric water heaters are created, as some can be very beneficial while others might pose an inconvenience. 

Here are the three most popular types of electric water heaters on the market. 

Conventional Electric Water Heater

This is the most common type of electric water heater that consumers are familiar with. These heating systems use a heating element component to provide warm water on demand. 

The amount of hot water you get is determined by the size of the heater tank. Therefore, this is an important factor to consider when purchasing a conventional water heater. 

These electric water heating systems use an insulated water storage tank where the hot water gathers and remains until it is used. These types of water heaters have a pipe on top from which the water emerges and enters your plumbing. 

The average size of a conventional electric water heater tends to be between 30 to 80 gallons. This size of electric water heater can adequately provide hot water to moderately or larger sized homes. Since this water heating system uses electricity, it is connected to your power supply. 

To avoid any breakdowns and electricity faults, make sure to provide a proper power line between your heating systems and the main power system. This will allow you to use the heating system without any interruptions. 

When you set a temperature on a conventional water heater, the unit makes sure the water remains at this temperature. If the water temperature drops below the preset level, the heater kicks back on to bring the temperature back up. This water goes through a continual heating process 24 hours a day, and you don’t need to keep adjusting the heater manually. 

As mentioned before, conventional water heaters contain several features that protect the heating unit. These features include the temperature relief valve, which opens up if the water exceeds a specific preset temperature. 

Similarly, the temperature valve protects your water heating unit if there is too much pressure in the tank. While most electric storage tank water heaters have a low upfront cost, they can become costly if not used efficiently. 

To make sure that you save on energy, always look for conventional heaters made from high-quality materials, as this will ensure excellent performance. 

In addition, storage electric water heaters have an easier installation and do not require excessive maintenance. However, with these heaters, there is a limitation in how much water you can get, as it depends on the size of the tank. 

Furthermore, there is a chance that some of the heated water in the tank goes to waste. For better efficiency, there are multiple other electric water heater options, including the tankless water heater.

Tankless Electric Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are a much more convenient and compact option when it comes to electric water heaters. Since these electric water heaters don’t have a tank, they provide hot water on demand. 

With this electric water heater, you can be sure that no hot water goes to waste. Just as with the conventional water heater, this tankless heating system also uses a heating coil to provide you with warm water. 

Tankless electric water heaters are highly convenient and easy to install.  Tankless water heaters are also called on demand water heaters as they provide immediate hot water. Since this heating system does not have a tank, there is no limit to how much hot water you can get. These water heaters are heating coils to warm up water and provide it as you need it. 

Since you have more control over the amount of hot water, you can enjoy energy efficient heating without worrying about your energy bills.

 Additionally, you waste less water with these heaters because the appliance does not continuously keep heating the water up. However, it is important to note that tankless water heaters don’t work very well with low or fluctuating water pressure. This happens because the sensors cannot accurately detect the minimum flow rate. 

Despite this limitation, properly sized tankless water heating systems offer much better energy efficiency than a conventional tank water heater. Tankless water heaters also have a much longer lifespan than conventional heaters, so you can keep enjoying hot water for a long time. 

To enjoy this long lifespan, you must make sure to conduct proper maintenance. Make sure to clean the heater once a year and remove minerals. This process will help you avoid corrosion and ensure the longevity of your water heating system. 

Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

If you are looking for another efficient water heater system, you should opt for a hybrid electric water heater. These modern heating systems use 60% less energy than conventional electric water heaters, which makes them a great option for conserving power. 

Hybrid electric water heaters capture heat from the air and then transfer it to the water. The heater uses heat pump equipment which is located at the top of the device. The heat pump in the hybrid system works alongside a refrigerant component. This refrigerant system travels through a copper coil on the top of the unit and evaporates in the system. 

Once the refrigerant evaporates, it draws heat from the surrounding air. The refrigerant fluid travels further into the coil immersed in the water heater. When the fluid reaches this point, the compressor pressurises it and releases the heat into the water. 

While this process seems very long and complicated, it happens almost immediately, so you don’t need to wait too long to enjoy hot water. Apart from this process, it is important to know that the heat pump component is used in conjunction with a backup resistive heating element. This allows you to enjoy uninterrupted hot water. 

A hybrid water heating system uses less energy than a conventional electric water heater. Furthermore, this heating appliance uses even less energy than a gas water heater making it an ideal choice for many consumers.

A hybrid water heater’s unique style gives it an edge over other water heating systems. This system is different as it uses heat in the surrounding air and in the ground water to heat up your water supply. This means energy is only used to move heat from the air or ground. 

Conventional water heaters use electricity to generate heat, making them less efficient than a hybrid system. If you plan on installing a hybrid water heater, make sure to install it in a wide open space. 

Since this heating system has a pump on top, you need room to install it properly. As mentioned before, this hybrid heating system is incredibly efficient and can be very cost-effective in the long run. 

What Are The Benefits Of Electric Water Heaters? 

Electric water heaters come with a wide variety of benefits that make them ideal for many different properties, including domestic and commercial buildings. Here are some important benefits of electric water heaters.

Effective Warmth 

One of the biggest benefits of an electric water heater is effective warmth. These heaters are far more efficient at providing heated water when compared to other heating solutions. As soon as you turn on this water heater, the heating element immediately warms up the water, so you won’t have to wait too long.

Since most electric water heaters have a quick heat-up time, you won’t have to wait long to bring up the water to your preferred temperature level. Therefore, you are supplied with a level of heat that can be enjoyed even after the water heater is switched off. 

Electric water heaters are a great choice as they strike the optimal balance between fast results and energy efficient heating. With this heating solution, you can enjoy cost-effective warm water that is highly reliable.

Highly Efficient Heating Solution

We have mentioned this feature before, but it’s worth reiterating that electric water heaters are far more efficient than any other heating solution on the market. 

Electric water heaters perform much better than gas heating systems.  These water heaters convert every single watt of electricity they draw from the wall sockets into usable heat, making this heating solution one of the most efficient on the market. 

Efficient heat energy means that nothing goes to waste, helping you save on energy costs as well as reducing water heater operational costs. 

When paired alongside a renewable energy source such as solar or wind power, electric water heaters become completely energy efficient. If you are looking for an environmentally-friendly but efficient heating source, you can’t go wrong with electric water heaters. 

Precise Temperature Control

Almost all electric water heaters come with a precise thermostat that provides accurate and precise readings. With such thermostats, there is little fluctuation in temperature levels, so you don’t have to keep adjusting your heat to maintain an optimal water temperature. 

With a precise thermostat, your water heater’s temperature will always be as close as possible to your desired temperature level. Accurate thermostats are also important to maintain your water heater’s efficiency. This type of thermostat ensures that there is little wasted in terms of heat energy. 

At Meteor Electrical, you can find water heaters with 0.2 degrees of precision control, making them one of the most efficient water heaters on the market. 

Low Upfront Cost

One of the biggest benefits of electric water heaters is the low upfront costs. The only cost you need to consider when installing this heating system is the type and size of the water heater. 

Apart from this, you don’t need to pay extra to have this type of water heating system installed in your home. Even though traditional tank heaters can be expensive, there are several other options when it comes to electric water heaters. 

You can choose between tankless or hybrid heating systems to enjoy comfort and warmth during the winter season. Some on demand water heating systems have high upfront costs, but these heaters tend to be very cost-effective in the long run. 

Gas water heating systems are far more expensive than electric heaters as they require additional piping. You also need to install a new ventilation system to dissipate all harmful gasses being released during combustion. 

Some residential properties also don't have gas access for this type of heater, so you need to add a gas line to start using them. This can significantly drive up your energy costs in the long run. 

Due to these reasons, electric water heaters are a much more energy efficient addition to any household or commercial property. 

No Harmful Gas Leaks

Electric water heating systems are very safe, especially when compared to other heating solutions, such as gas water heaters. The primary reason why these water heaters are so safe are because they use electricity to draw power instead of burning fuel to run. 

Without any fuel, that is no risk of harmful gas leaks such as carbon monoxide. Additionally, many electric water heaters are made with materials that do not overheat when operating, so you won’t have to worry about touching the water heater unit when it is turned on. 

These qualities make electric water heaters a great option for several properties, including households. 

Longer Lifespan

No matter what type of hot water heating system you choose, these appliances are a major investment that will help you in the long run. While some electric water heaters have high upfront costs, these appliances are guaranteed to be cost-effective in the future. 

Electric water heaters can experience a lot of wear and tear and still remain functional for a long period of time. Some electric water heating systems can last for 15 years or more. This lifespan is significantly longer when compared to gas water heaters. 

Due to their multiple energy efficient and convenient qualities, these electric heating systems are an ideal choice for long term use.

Easier Installation And Maintenance

When it comes to electric water heating systems, you don't have to go through a lot of hassle to install your heating unit. With these water heaters, you don’t need to fit in a new energy line or extend your pipework; the installation process is quick and easy. 

Smaller electric water heaters are so easy to install that you can even do it as a DIY process. These appliances include the tankless water heater, which is compact and easy to install. 

DIY installation is more economical and much faster, so you can get the heater up and running in no time. This installation is ideal if you need heating quickly. Smaller electric water heaters that allow DIY installation comes with help materials and instructions to make the installation process swift. 

Alternatively, there are some electric water heaters that require a hardwired installation. This includes conventional and hybrid water heaters. 

For a hardwired installation, it is recommended that you consult a professional before starting the process. There’s nothing worse than your heating breaking down in the middle of a very cold winter. With an electric water heater, you don’t have to worry about this issue, as many of them have low maintenance requirements. 

Electric water heaters are highly reliable, so you won’t have to worry about sudden maintenance costs. This heating solution will provide comfortable warmth for a long time. As long as you sustain routine maintenance once a year, you can keep enjoying your hot water heater for a long time. 

How To Conduct Maintenance On Your Electric Water Heater?

Just like every other appliance in your home, electric water heaters also need to go through routine maintenance to ensure efficiency. It is important for every homeowner to practice processes to ensure the longevity of their appliance. 

When you carry out scheduled maintenance of your electric water heater, you can add up to 15 more years to its operation quality. 

As a general rule, you should keep your electric water heaters 50 at degrees celsius. This temperature ensures that you enjoy comfortable warmth while also keeping your energy bills low. 

Apart from this general rule, there are several other ways to take care of your water heating system. Here are some simple ways you can take care of your electric water heaters. 

Tank Water Heaters

Here’s how you can perform maintenance in conventional tank water heaters.

• Make sure to drain sediments from the heater tank occasionally. One of the biggest problems with most electrical water heaters is sediment buildup. Rust deposits and hard water can significantly shorten the lifespan of your tank if not removed periodically. However, this is an easy problem to solve. You can remove the sediment build-up by draining eight or ten liters of water every year from the tank. To carry out this process, you need to put a bucket underneath the drain plug. Once you place the bucket, open the plug slowly as the water is hot, and it runs until it is clear and free of sediment. With this process, you can keep the water heater running efficiently. 
• Make sure to test the pressure relief and temperature valve. Some of the most important components of an electric water heater are the temperature and pressure relief valves. These valves automatically open up to relieve excess pressure. The TPR valves are also an important safety feature that prevents the water heater tank from exploding. Make sure to test these valves to guarantee that they are in good condition. Test the valves by lifting the lever and catching any water that spills in a bucket. If you are unable to reset the lever or the valve does not release water, you can easily replace it. 
• Another important component that needs some maintenance is the anode rod. The anode rod in a conventional water heater attracts ions in that water. These ions are responsible for corroding the tank lining, and the anode prevents this from happening. Due to this reason, it is important to keep the anode rod thoroughly maintained. To check if the rod is working properly, you should see if it disintegrates when the heater is in use. Additionally, you must also make sure to get the anode rod replaced every five years to maintain the water heater’s efficiency and safety. 

Tankless Water Heaters

Since tankless water heaters are the most compact, they don’t require as much maintenance as a conventional water heater. However, there are still some important steps you must take.

• Conduct a descaling of your tankless electric water heater. Instead of sediment, you can find hard water deposits accumulating inside a tankless water heater. These deposits are very harmful to the longevity of your water heater and can cause interruptions in your hot water supply. If you want a convenient hot water supply, make sure to keep them unclogged. You can remove these deposits by flushing the electric water heart with vinegar. To carry out this process, you must create an equal parts vinegar and water solution. Once you have made the solution, you should turn off the power and cold water to the water heater to avoid any hazards. Add in a submersible pump and circulate the water through the flush valve components on the water heater. You should carry out this process for an hour and a half. Make sure to conduct this maintenance once a year. You can do it more frequently if your water supply has a high mineral content. 

What Are The Best Electric Water Heaters On The Market? 

There are several great options for electric water heaters on the market, but it can be difficult to know which one is the most reliable. If you are looking for the best electric water heaters, visit Meteor Electrical. 

At Meteor, you can browse through ATC’s electric water heaters. ATC is one of the leading manufacturers of energy efficient products. 

All ATC products are built with customer support in mind, so you are guaranteed comfort and convenience. These heating systems are highly efficient and perform extremely well compared to gas water heaters. 

Here are some of the best electric water heaters Meteor has to offer. 

1. ATC 5 litre Under Sink Water Heater

If you are looking for a moderately sized electric water heater, this is a great option for your household. These highly convenient water heaters are easy to install, and they are compact enough to be fitted under any sink. 

Due to the 5 litre undersink water heater heating qualities, you save more on heating costs than traditional venting systems. The 5 litre undersink water heater is made from high-quality materials that will make your heating system last a long time. Under sink water heater installation for this brand is simple and can be mounted on the wall or the floor. 

1. ATC 10 Litre Under Sink Water Heater

If you are looking for a slightly larger hot water heart, the ATC 10 litre heating system is a great option. This ATC heater is one of the most convenient water heaters on the market. 

Due to its compact size, you can install these heating solutions in almost any location. The ATC 10 litre water heater is highly versatile and can work well in both residential and commercial properties. 

Final Takeaway

For convenient access to hot water during the winter months, consider opting for electric water heaters. These heating solutions are far more efficient than gas heating systems making them ideal for multiple applications.