Most homes today feature the traditional gas-powered water heater that stores hot water inside a 40-gallon tank. They are using up energy around the clock just to ensure that you have access to hot water at all times. Electric water heaters, on the other, utilize a much different method – and they provide you with hot water on demand. Seems too good to be true, right? Think again!
There is a lot of misinformation circulating throughout our communities when it comes to electric water heaters. We are here to tell you the truth and debunk any falshoods. Here are some myths that you need to stop believing:
1 – They are expensive to operate
This couldn’t be further from the truth. People tend to think that because they don’t take up nearly as much space as a bulky 40-gallon storage tank, they must be more expensive. However, the installations are relatively affordable and any initial cost will not break the bank. An electric water heater is also incredibly energy-efficient, and you will save about 20% on your average monthly energy bill.
2 – They heat water to an unsafe temperature
Electric water heaters are certainly a lot smaller in size. However, they still contain all the necessary components that you would find in a normal hot water storage tank, such as a thermostat. You can also adjust the thermostat for personalized use. This allows you to prevent your system from overheating.
3 – They don’t supply enough hot water
In reality, an electric water heater supplies more hot water than a conventional storage system. There is no reheating process – the unit will supply you with hot water on demand. With no storage tank, there is never a shortage of hot water. The unit will heat your water as it passes through the heating element and to whichever outlet you are using inside your home.
4 – They require frequent inspections
With any water heating system that you purchase and install, you will need to inspect it from time to time. However, a common misconception about electric water heaters is that you will need to inspect them multiple times a year. This is simply not true. There is no real timeframe for how often you should hire an HVAC technician to take a look at your unit. What it will likely come down to is the hardness of your water supply. Mineral deposits will buildup and accumulate inside your unit. An electric tankless water heater will push most hard minerals through it, but when scale begins to collect, your system should alert you to it.
5 – They require natural gas
There are tankless systems that run on gas and others that run on electricity. You also have your propane-powered systems that are equally efficient and cost-effective. Propane-powered systems, however, are not as prevalent as water heaters that use natural gas. Electric water heaters are always making waves throughout the United States and in recent years the technology has improved significantly.
6 – They don’t work with well water
Well water typically contains a lot of sediment and hard minerals, causing limescale to accumulate throughout your home plumbing system. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that an electric water heater is incompatible with well water. However, studies show that the quality of well water differs significantly according to your location and composition of the nearby soil. You should always treat hard water with a water softening system.
7- Whole home and point of use electric water heaters
The beauty of any electric water heater is its versatility. An electric heating system for your entire home is certainly a viable option for replacing a hot water storage tank. However, you should also consider the benefits of a point of use tankless water heater. These are smaller systems that you can use as a dedicated unit for any specific plumbing fixture in your home. They will really come in handy when you are on the go and require hot water immediately. Also, you may experience slower flow rates from an electric water heater that services your entire home. A point of use tankless system will compensate for any deficiencies.
You can always get the best of both worlds by installing multiple electric water heaters. Having more than one unit will certainly come in handy for larger households – especially in circumstances where multiple people are showering simultaneously. The point of use model will give you that extra boost you’ll need so that you always have reliable access to hot water.
8 – When you need to replace your existing system
- Age: You will need to replace your existing water heater when it’s getting up there in age. Most technicians will tell you that once your unit crosses the 8-year threshold, you’re on borrowed time. The 10-year mark is the furthest you should wait before undergoing a replacement.
- Rusty Water: Discovering rusty water or large amounts of debris in your water supply is a sign that you may need to replace your water heater. Over time your system will accumulate a lot of scale at the bottom of your hot water storage tank, and at some point, this will cause your unit to leak.
- Rumbling: As water heaters begin to age, sediment will collect inside them, which will cause a loud rumbling noise that you’ll hear throughout your home. This is also a sign that your water heater is at the end of its life.
- Leaking and Dampness: Is there a lot of moisture accumulating outside of your water heater? If so, then your unit is likely experiencing a leak. This means that a major plumbing disaster could be right around the corner, so you will need to act quickly!
The experts here at Las Vegas Water Heater have always got your back. We know what it takes to offer you reliable water heating solutions. We can also provide you with affordable repair work and recommendations on tankless and electric systems. Whatever the problem is that you are experiencing, we can fix it. Give us a call today and we can explain our services in greater detail!