Electric Water Heater – how to select suitable heater for your home

Water heater is an important system for every home. There are very many electric water heaters and to pick one of the right size for your home will take some knowledge.

An electric water heater is basically a storage tank into which cold water flows. There is a switch, which shuts off the flow of water when it gets full. Most electric water heaters have two electric elements, which heat the water and keep it hot until it’s used and replaced by colder water. Each element is controlled by thermostats.

What is the best size water heater?

While an electric water heater can be as small as six gallons or as large as 120 gallons, the average family can generally be served with a 52-gallon electric heater. However, the larger the family, the more capacity will be needed. When planning your needs you should also plan for potential growth of your family as well as the frequency of visitors, which may increase your need for additional hot water.

Gas or electric heater which is best?

Electric water heaters offers several advantages over gas, for example, as not having to be vented and it can be installed closer to walls and they do not have a pilot light which requires a small open flame or a thermocouple to keep the pilot light burning, which generally needs replaced every year or so. There is also less chance of overheating.

Temperature control in electric water heater

Another feature of an electric heater, like most others, is the ability to adjust the temperature of the water through the use of a thermostat. By rising, or lowering, the water’s temperature, it can be adjusted to the family’s liking.

Electrical water heaters also have built-in protection for pressure build-up in the form of a pressure relief valve. Occasionally pressure may build up and if it reaches a point higher than the check valve on the water line, it could push the hot water back into the feed line. This pressure release valve will harmlessly release any over pressure. However, having a leak from the pressure valve may be an indication of some other problem, which needs attention.

Electric water heaters are a low maintenance item, however they need to be checked for problems once in a while. It is best if you hire a professional plumber or electrician to do the work. This way repairs will be less costly and you will always have hot water.