Electric hot water technology is used to heat water in a home. The electric heaters are either tank-type or hybrid systems. The former store hot water until you need it, while the latter use both electrical and gas power to heat your home water. There are several types of electric water heaters available on the market, and you can also choose from solar-powered and ENERGY STAR-boosted models.
Tank-type heaters store hot water until needed
Tank-type electric heaters are known to store hot water until you need it. These heaters require less electricty and can pay for themselves over time. When choosing a tank-type heater, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and space.
Choosing the wrong size tank can lead to a shortage of hot water and extra energy usage. Check the manufacturer’s ratings and labels to determine if the heater is large enough to hold the amount of water you need for your household’s needs.
Traditional water heaters have been widely used in homes for decades. They contain an insulated tank that can hold anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water. They are typically powered by electricity, gas, propane, or fuel oil and are equipped with a thermostat. They automatically heat water to the correct temperature and release the super-heated water through a pressure release valve.
Hybrid electric water heaters
Hybrid electric water heaters combine the advantages of tankless and tank-style heaters to create an energy-efficient water heater. Water heaters are among the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, using nearly one-fifth of the total amount of energy consumed by your household.
The advantages of these types of water heaters are many. A hybrid electric water heater is cheaper to install and run, and they can save you about $330 per year in operating costs. Installing one of these heaters can save you an average of $3,600 over their lifetime. Additionally, some utilities offer cash rebates of up to $800.
While hybrid electric water heaters are a cost-effective water heater alternative, they require more space than standard tankless models. In addition, they need a warm climate to function properly. They may not be appropriate for homes with extreme temperatures, but if your climate is moderate, a hybrid can save you up to $250 annually.
ENERGY STAR-rated systems are more efficient than conventional electric models
Energy-efficient water heaters are an important aspect of any home, as water heaters use about 20% of a home’s energy. An ENERGY STAR-rated model uses as much as seventy percent less energy than a standard model. In addition, these appliances can increase the value of a home by qualifying for an Energy Star rating.
An Energy Star-rated electric water heater such as the ones sold by this company has lower fuel consumption than a conventional unit, which reduces energy costs.
These appliances meet strict energy-efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy. Electricity is more expensive than gas, so purchasing a more energy-efficient hot water heater will save you money.
Cost
Electric hot water heaters can be very affordable. You can save a lot of money if you switch from natural gas or propane. You can even run your water heater off-peak by running it on timer during the day.
While the upfront cost of fuel water heaters is higher than electric, the operating cost is much lower. In addition, utilities have tanks that run on electricity during off-peak times, which means you can save money as well.
When comparing the costs of electric hot water systems, it is important to consider your lifestyle, schedules, and household needs. The size of the system you choose is also an important factor. Larger systems can use more power than necessary, so you want to choose a system that will provide sufficient water without drawing too much power. A four-person house should get between 125 and 160 litres of hot water per minute.