What is an Electric Water Heater?

One of the most widely used appliances we see in various forms on the market with the advancement of technology is the electric water heater. Using an electric water heater reduces environmental pollution, which can be considered an eco-friendly appliance.

Villas and residential complexes, especially small houses and workshops, can use electric water heaters to prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and suffocation that result from incomplete gas combustion.

If you're looking to buy a water heater and have questions like "Is an electric water heater dangerous?", "Is an electric water heater good?", "How much electricity does an electric water heater consume?", and so on, stay with us. We'll explore the main components, advantages, and disadvantages of electric water heaters, and help you find the best electric water heater for your specific needs.

Electric Water Heater Main Components

A complete understanding of the main components of an electric water heater allows you to choose the most suitable option for your application from among the various models available on the market.

Also, knowing the components of each of the facilities and equipment allows you to troubleshoot and even repair these devices. Join us to learn more about each of the components of an electric water heater.

The Water Tank

One of the most important parts of an electric water heater is its tank, which is made with different capacities and is generally made of resistant metal or steel sheets.

Since the water is inside the main source, the position of the element and a part of the thermostat are also placed in it. The tank contains 4 important pipes:

1. Inlet pipe: To transfer cold water into the device.
2. Outlet pipe: To transfer the hot water to the bathroom or sink, sanitary purposes, etc.
3. Drain valve: To drain and empty the water heater for repair or relocation.
4. Safety valve: If the water inside the water heater gets too hot, it has the task of transferring extra hot water to the outside to reduce the high temperature of the water heater, which has a very important safety and security aspect in closed and pressurized tanks.

To learn more about the difference between a tank and tankless water heater make sure to read "Tank Water Heater Vs. Tankless Water Heater".

The Element

The main function of and water heater element is to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and raise the temperature of the water. Water heater elements are usually made of aluminum, nickel, or chrome.

Additionally, to prevent electrical connections and disruption of this part, it is placed in porcelain powder or ceramic. Furthermore, to increase its resistance to corrosion and rust, it also has a plating made of stainless steel.

The Body

All types of water heaters have an outer body to strengthen and beautify the body of the device, which are usually made of steel sheets with appropriate thickness, they are painted in different ways.

The Thermostat

The task of the thermostat is to automatically control the water temperature, which is another important part of the electric water heater. The thermostat works automatically, which itself has different parts.

The Status Light

As its name suggests, it informs the status and performance of the device. When there is a malfunction in the electric water heater. We will see a malfunction status code. This piece of electric water heater is installed in its electric circuit and parallel to the heater. The status light works simultaneously with the element being turned on or off, and the working voltage of these lights is 220 volts.

Wires and Insulators

In houses where the lines are protected separately, and it is also better in all houses for an electric water heater, an independent line should be drawn from the electricity input of the house and this line should be protected with at least 15 amps.

The minimum cross-section of the wire in the water heater should be 1.5. Because the electricity consumption of the electric water heater is high. Also, when choosing a plug, attention should be paid to the electricity consumption of the water heater.

Where are Electric Water Heater Used the Most?

You may wonder in which buildings and in what locations within these buildings electric water heaters are used. In the following, the most important and commonly used installation sites and applications of electric water heaters have been gathered.

Electric Water Heater in Villas

One of the most important uses of electric water heaters is villas. Due to the fact that villas and garden houses are usually far from the urban area, it is not possible for them to access city gas, so to provide the required hot water, they are forced to use another source to generate heat, and the most accessible of them is electricity.

Electric Water Heater in Conex Boxes and Workshops

Due to the fact that the conex boxes have the ability to move, it is not possible to connect them to city gas and they do not have the possibility of gas piping. In addition, they are generally located in workshops or places that are far from urban facilities. Therefore, electric water heaters are an ideal option for conex boxes.

Electric Water Heaters in Villages

Because some villages do not have gas piping, the use of electric water heaters can be the best option for providing sanitary and appropriate hot water.

Electric Water Heater Advantages

The primary advantage of this type of water heater is its suitability for locations with limited access to gas. Other benefits of using electric water heaters include:

• Quiet operation: Electric water heaters are silent due to their reliance on electricity.
• No need for a chimney: Electric water heaters do not require a chimney for installation.
• Cleanliness and reduced environmental hazards: Electric water heaters contribute to a cleaner environment by eliminating gas-related pollution.
• Easy installation and low maintenance costs: They are simple to install and have low maintenance requirements.
• Longer lifespan: The absence of a flame contributes to a longer lifespan.
• Easy installation without gas piping: No need for gas piping or a chimney installation.
• Reduced gas piping in buildings: Utilizing electricity eliminates the need for extensive gas piping.
• No oxygen requirement: Electric water heaters do not require oxygen for energy consumption or water heating.
• Independent hot water supply for each unit: Electric water heaters allow for independent hot water supply for each unit within a building.

Electric Water Heater Disadvantages

While electric water heaters offer numerous advantages, it's important to be aware of some potential disadvantages. DamaTajhiz HVAC has compiled the disadvantages of electric water heaters into the following four categories to guide you further in selecting the right water heater that will suit your needs:

• Electricity Consumption: Electric water heaters can consume significant amounts of electricity if used continuously. However, since they are typically not in constant use, the overall electricity cost is usually manageable. The complete reliance on electricity, unlike gas water heaters, is a notable difference that can be considered a disadvantage for some users.
  
  
• Water Leakage: Water leakage is a potential problem with all types of water heaters. Leakage can occur due to excessive water pressure, overheating, a faulty valve, leaking pipe connections, a damaged washer, or a malfunctioning tank outlet valve. In some cases, tightening loose screws with a wrench can resolve the issue. If the leak is due to tank corrosion, simply repairing the tank will not suffice, and a tank replacement is necessary. Water tanks can leak due to corrosion or other issues like worn-out O-rings. If an O-ring replacement is needed, consider doing it yourself or contacting a professional.
  
  
• Rust: Rust formation is another potential issue with water heaters, often occurring due to tank corrosion or a damaged anode rod. If the water has a sulfurous (rotten egg) odor, the anode rod inside the tank needs to be replaced. Additionally, the water should be treated to remove bacteria. A damaged anode rod should be replaced with a magnesium anode rod. A corroding anode rod can also release hydrogen gas. To address this, first, flush the water heater. Then, clean the tank and pipes for two hours with a solution of 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and 40 parts water. If the odor persists, replace the damaged anode rod with a new zinc alloy anode.
  
  
• Sediment Build-up: Sediment build-up in the water heater can occur due to mineral deposits in the water and boiling water inside the tank. To address this, first, flush the tank thoroughly to remove sediment. If the issue persists after flushing, the water heater tank may need to be replaced.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Water Heater

To buy an electric water heater, different key factors should be considered. Paying attention to these factors will make the chosen device have the performance you want, in addition to a better purchase. These key factors are:

Capacity and Size of the Electric Water Heater

In models with a tank, the permissible capacity should be between 50 and 80 liters, and for large families, products with a larger capacity are definitely preferred.

Also, in wall-mounted models, the size of the desired product should be considered; and naturally, the larger its size, the more water it can heat per minute.

As a result, when choosing the capacity and size of the water heater, the amount of hot water consumption and the number of family members should be considered.

The Energy Consumption of the Electric Water Heater

Given that the cost of various energy sources, including electricity and gas, is usually high. When buying an electric water heater, you should consider the energy consumption of the product as one of your criteria.

Today, most household appliances, especially heating and cooling appliances, are tested for energy consumption in reputable laboratories and have their own energy consumption grades. To buy the best electric water heater, you should choose a model with an energy grade of A.

Durability and Quality of the Water Heater

The next important point you need to consider when buying a good electric water heater is the product's standards and certifications, which you should pay special attention to, as these indicate the high build quality of the product, which will lead to a longer lifespan.

One of the important advantages of buying a standard water heater is that it requires less maintenance, and keep in mind that even if you pay a high price for buying a standard electric water heater, you will be sure that its efficiency is several years longer and its repair costs are lower.

The Safety and After-Sale Service of the Electric Water Heater

To ensure the safety of an electric water heater, you should pay special attention to things like having a safety valve, an automatic shut-off system, and the like.

If you are not an expert in these matters, it is best to consult with heating and cooling experts. As you know, one of the essentials and points to consider when buying facility equipment is having suitable and responsive after-sales service in the area where the device is used.

Finally, to make a more informed choice, you can read the article "Combi Boilers Vs. Water Heaters"

Electric Water Heaters at a Glance

After an initial introduction to electric water heaters, examines each of its components one by one and then goes on to discuss the most common places where electric water heaters are used.

Moreover, by thoroughly examining the advantages and disadvantages of electric water heaters, all the important factors that should be considered when buying were mentioned.

Here at the DamaTajhiz HVAC store, technical information on dozens of models of various types of electric water heaters, from reputable brands with original warranties, is provided for you to enjoy an optimal and smart shopping experience.

If you have any questions left feel free to contact DamaTajhiz HVAC sales team at +98-218-882-2550.

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