Why do I need an extra electric water heater?
Electric water heaters which can be fitted within a bathroom or kitchen are a fantastic way of increasing the amount of hot water available without having to upgrade your existing water heater which could be costly. They also deliver hot water faster so you won’t need to run the tap for periods of times before the heat kicks in, cutting down your water usage nicely.
Another good reason for a water heater is if you only have cold mains water available. The internal electric heater will easily cope with heating water for shower and sink or a bath.
Which electric hot water heater do I need?
Choosing the right water heater isn’t as tricky as you might think. Deciding whether it’s an over sink or under sink electric model really depends on the amount of space you have free. If you’re lacking in counter or wall space the under sink units are best and if you’re cupboards are already full then an over sink unit will suit.
The kW (kilo-watt) rating is simply an indicator on how much water you’re going to use and how quickly it’s going to need to be heated. If you’re using the unit a lot throughout the day then a higher kW rating might be best but for occasional use then a smaller 3kW should be fine.
Are electric hot water heaters efficient?
Whether electric heaters are efficient is a common concern in modern homes, as we are all doing our best to save energy and money. Luckily, electric hot water heaters can be used in an efficient way, if you purchase the right one for your needs.
Which is more efficient: gas or electric water heater?
Whether gas or electric water heaters are more efficient is a common debate. It also often gets confused with the cost of running them, which is actually a separate issue.
When it comes down to efficiency, electric water heaters win over gas. This is because gas has to be vented to remove unwanted fumes, which means not all of the energy generated goes into heating your water. Electric heaters, on the other hand, do not have any waste energy. This means that 100% of the energy generated goes into heating your water.
While gas typically has a much cheaper unit cost, a gas heater is usually much more expensive to install. An electric water heater can be significantly cheaper and easier to install, which can save you a lot of time, labour and initial costs.
How much electricity does an electric water heater use?
How much electricity your electric water heater will use depends on a few factors.
Firstly, and most obviously, is the frequency you will use it. Many electric hot water heaters are only designed for dispensing enough water to, say, wash your hands. Others have been designed to allow you to fill up a sink or even have a shower.
This leads on to the second factor - which type of electric hot water system you install. Over sink water heaters generally heat up water instantly for you to use, meaning you only use electricity to heat the water you need. This is perfect for home bathrooms where you will only be turning the tap on a few times a day, and should use little electricity.
If you require a larger quantity of heated water, you might be looking at stored heated water units. As their name suggests, these store a larger quantity of water in a tank, which is maintained at a set temperature, ready to be used. This will use electricity even when not in use to maintain the temperature you set it to. For this reason, try to choose a tank that meets your needs without being too big, as you will be using more electricity to heat it all.
Finally, the temperature of your water supply will also have an effect on how much electricity is used. During winter, when the water will be much colder, more energy will be needed to heat it up.
How to install an electric water heater
Installing an electric water heater in your bathroom should be a straightforward process, so long as you have access to an electricity supply and a mains water supply. It’s important that these appliances are earthed, are installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to all relevant building regulations.
To install your electric water heater, it is advised that you get a plumber who is qualified to deal with electrics to do the job. While installation really will vary according to each specific heater, you will likely require the following:
The appliance will need to be fitted securely to the wall.
The mains water supply will be connected via the inlet of the unit - the water must be switched off to do this. Make sure your water pressure is compatible with your appliance.
Wired electrical connections will be made. The minimum cable size will be stated in the installation manual. The electric supply should always be switched off to do this.
If being connected to your own taps, they should usually be non-thermostatic taps. A separate hot and cold feed can be set up with many under sink hot water systems, so it will operate just like a ‘normal’ sink.
Electric water heaters are usually best placed as close as possible to your taps to prevent heat loss.
If you wish your tank to be concealed, you can position it in a vanity unit - check yours is big enough to house it.
Do electric water heaters need venting?
Electric water heaters do not need venting, as there is no combustion process required.
They are designed specifically for use with mains water supply, so do not connect one to your central heating system as the pressure might not be suitable.
Can you convert a gas hot water heater to electric?
Converting a gas hot water heater to an electric hot water heater shouldn’t be too difficult. Be sure you get a Gas Safe engineer to disconnect your gas line safely. You can then proceed to install an electric water heater as described above.
Are electric water heaters safe?
Electric water heaters are perfectly safe to use, so long as you have it installed by a Part-P qualified electrician or plumber and follow all the advised instructions.
It seems as though many people worry about the potentially dangerous combination of water and electricity. However, all electric elements of an electric water heater are well insulated, and should cause no safety issue.
You might also have heard stories of water heaters exploding. However, this is also extremely rare. An electric water heater has numerous safety features to ensure accidents do not occur. This includes a pressure relief valve, which will automatically release any excess pressure. So long as you don’t exceed the manufacturers suggested heat setting, and don’t tamper with the pressure valve, your electric water heater should remain safe.
Do electric water heaters produce carbon monoxide?
Another safety concern we hear about electric water heaters is around whether they produce carbon monoxide. In fact, electric water heaters do not produce carbon monoxide at all, as no combustible fuels are used - which in domestic settings would usually be natural gas or LPG.
Electric is actually one of the cleanest fuels you can use in your home, and does not pose any threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
