Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters use electricity to heat water via one or more heating elements inside the water heater. Because they don’t use natural gas, propane, or oil as a fuel source, they are safer, no worries of the products of combustion (carbon monoxide), and more eco-friendly compared to a conventional water heater.
Electric water heaters are also more affordable to install because they don’t require a natural gas, propane, or oil supply line. They also don’t require special venting to be installed.
| Fuel Source | Electricity |
| Venting | N/A |
| Size Options | 40 gal, 50 gal, 65 gal, 80 gal |
Benefits
Eco-friendly
Doesn’t burn gas to heat water so it doesn’t directly contribute emissions to the environment.
Install in more locations
No need for gas line or venting means more freedom as to where it can be installed.
Note: Most electric water heaters require a 240V connection in the install location.
No ventilation required
Doesn’t require a vent since there is no gas to exhaust.
Size Options
Available in multiple capacities to suit your home and your family’s needs.
Buying vs. Renting an Electric Water Heater
| When You Buy | When You Rent |
|---|---|
| You’re responsible for the cost of the unit and its installation, which can run into the thousands of dollars. | You get free installation.* |
| You’re responsible for the full costs of maintenance and repairs, which can be unpredictable and hard to budget for. | You get free repairs for the life of the water heater. * |
| In some cases, you might pay extra for immediate service if you have a breakdown or have to wait for parts to be ordered — leaving you at risk of water damage to your home. | You get access to 24/7 support and same-day service if you call before 5 p.m.** |
FAQs
- An electric water heater uses electricity to heat water in a home. Most electric water heaters feature two heating elements inside the tank to heat the water evenly and rapidly. Electric hot water heaters are commonly found in households that don’t have access to a natural gas, propane, or oil line.
- No, a gas-powered water heater will heat water faster than an electric water heater because the heat produced by burning gas is hotter than the heat produced by electric coils.
- Electric water heaters don’t require gas to heat water, therefore do not directly generate any carbon emissions. Their ventless design and no need for a gas line provides more versatility, being able to be installed in locations such as a bathroom, kitchen, or a closet. Their simple design also makes them the most affordable water heater to purchase and install in a home.
- Most electric water heaters require a 240-volt dedicated circuit to operate. If you are looking for an electric powered water heater that works on a shared circuit, a heat pump (hybrid) water heater may be right for you. For clarification, a dedicated circuit connects only a single electrical device directly to the breaker. A shared circuit on the other hand connects multiple electrical devices to the breaker. So while an electric water heater must be connected to a dedicated 240-volt power outlet intended primarily to service only the water heater, a heat pump water heater can be plugged into a regular power outlet you may already have around your home.
- Consumption habits may vary from home to home, and therefore it is best to contact Enercare to have one of our experts find the perfect size for your home.
Get an Electric Water Heater for your Home
Enercare offers a large selection of electric water heaters, coupled with experienced technicians to install and service the water heater.
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Explore our other water heaters
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Conventional Water Heater
Power Vent Water Heater
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