Guide To Electric Water Heater Repair | Knoxville, TN
Sunday, January 8th, 2023
Water heater repair is probably not something you think about. But if your water heater doesn’t work efficiently, you could be spending a lot of money. When they need water heater repair, Knoxville, TN residents call My Professional Plumber. If you need a new water heater, consider an electric water heater. An electric water heater uses electricity instead of gas to heat water. It can also heat water at the point of use or in a central location.
What are the Different Types of Electric Water Heaters?
Three types of electric heaters dominate the market today:
- Conventional This is the traditional format where electric heating elements are used to heat water. The size of the tank determines how hot water you have, and the temperature of the water at all times.
- Tankless: Instantaneous water heaters, also known as “tankless” water heaters, heat water only when you need it. These heaters can be located centrally or near the place where water will be used.
- Hybrid – This is a newer type of electric water heater. Hybrid heaters heat water by drawing heat from the ground and air, making them more efficient and energy-efficient.
The Pros and Cons of Various Types of Water Heaters
How often you need water heater repair depends somewhat on the age of your water heater and what kind you have. In order to make the best choice for your home and lifestyle, the following is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the different kinds of water heaters.
Pros of a conventional water heater:
- Technology that has been tested and proven time after time
- Cost-effective
- This infrastructure is used in the majority of homes.
Cons of a Conventional Heater:
- The tank size limits the amount of hot water that is available.
- It is more costly to run, since all the water must remain hot at all times.
Pros of a tankless water heater:
- Water is only heated when it is required
- Unlimited hot water
- More energy-efficient than conventional water heaters
- Can be installed at point of use
Cons of a Tankless Heater:
- Installations are upfront costs
- This type of system requires that infrastructure be adaptable frequently
Pros of hybrid water heaters
- Energy efficiency increases
- Lower energy costs for heating
The cons of a hybrid water heater:
- The tank size limits the amount of hot water that is available.
- It requires a lot of space around heaters
Benefits of Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters offer tremendous benefits to homeowners, including:
Size
Electric water heaters come in a wide variety of sizes. Your technician at My Professional Plumber, who also does water heater repair, can also install point-of use options in addition to traditional tanks. This is a secondary appliance that heats water in places that are not accessible from the primary tank.
- Most conventional tanks come in sizes between 20 and 120 gallons.
- Most families use a tank size between 30 and 50 gallons.
- Point-of-use tanks may be between 2 and 20 gallons.
Safety
An electric water heater does not have a pilot light or gas line, so it is safer for these reasons:
- An electric water heater requires a 240-volt connection. However, they should not pose any danger of electric shock if properly installed.
- To heat water with gas, you need an open flame. Modern models come equipped with an automatic ignition system to help prevent gas from leaking, which would mean a water heater repair visit.
- Gas water heaters that are not properly vented or maintained can produce carbon monoxide, which could pose a danger of explosion or combustion.
Lifespan
Electric water heaters are more efficient than gas and can last for several years longer than their gas counterparts. They may also need fewer water heater repair visits.
- An electric water heater may last up to 15 years. A traditional water heater will last for between 8-12 years.
- Because they don’t have to run to heat water, tankless water heaters can be used for up to 20 years.
- The average lifespan of hybrid water heaters is 15 years.
Energy Efficiency
Because gas water heaters are cheaper to run than electric ones, in some cases they can be considered more economical than electric. This claim has a problem because electric water heaters use more energy than the gas ones.
- When heating water, electric models lose very little or no energy.
- Gas water heaters are very energy-intensive because of the vent at their top which releases heat.
More Electric Water Heater Benefits
An electric water heater is a better option than heating water with gas.
- Because it doesn’t lose heat to venting, an electric water heater is more efficient.
- There is no risk of a gas leakage or carbon monoxide production, which means fewer water heater repair costs.
- The upfront cost of an electric water heater is less expensive.
- Choosing an Electric Water Heater
Most people will just replace their water heater with the latest version. When choosing a new water heater, however, it is important to consider all options.
Choosing an Electric Water Heater
When shopping for an electric water heater, here are some of the most important factors to consider:
- Type: There are three options for storage tanks, including a traditional storage or tankless/on demand, solar-powered or hybrid electric. My Professional Plumber in Knoxville, TN can help you decide what type to get.
- Water heater capacity: Water capacity is how much hot water is available to your family at any given time.
- Size Measure your space for your water heater and then find the right one.
- High Efficiency Water Heater: Look for a water heater with ENERGY STAR certification to ensure high efficiency.
The best water heater for you will depend on your needs and the preferences of your family. And, rest assured, when you need water heater repair, you can rely on us. Contact My Professional Plumber in Knoxville, TN for more information about electric water heaters and water heater repair.
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