What Is an Electric Water Heater?
An electric water heater is a device that heats and stores water using electricity. It can be used in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. Unlike gas water heaters, electric water heaters do not require a gas line or a pilot light. Instead, they use heating elements to heat the water.
Electric water heaters come in two main types: tank and tankless water heaters. Tank water heaters store hot water in a tank until it is needed. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 20 to 80 gallons, and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. They do not store hot water and are usually smaller in size.
Electric water heaters can also be equipped with a heat pump. A heat pump water heater works by extracting heat from the air or ground and using it to heat the water. This type of water heater is more energy-efficient than a traditional electric water heater, but it is more expensive.
The heating elements in an electric water heater are responsible for heating the water. There are two types of heating elements: upper and lower. The upper heating element heats the water in the upper part of the tank, while the lower heating element heats the water in the lower part of the tank. When the water temperature drops below a certain level, the heating elements turn on and heat the water until it reaches the desired temperature.
In conclusion, an electric water heater is a device that uses electricity to heat and store water. It can be either a tank or tankless water heater, and can also be equipped with a heat pump. The heating elements in an electric water heater are responsible for heating the water, and there are two types of heating elements: upper and lower.
Types of Electric Water Heaters
Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of electric water heaters. They have a tank that stores hot water until it’s needed. These tanks come in different sizes, ranging from 20 to 120 gallons. The tanks are insulated to reduce heat loss, and an anode rod is used to prevent corrosion.
When choosing a storage tank water heater, it’s essential to consider the capacity and first-hour rating. The capacity determines how much hot water the tank can hold, while the first-hour rating determines how much hot water the tank can deliver in the first hour of use.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, do not have a storage tank. Instead, they heat water as it passes through the unit. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters because they only heat water when it’s needed.
When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s essential to consider the flow rate and efficiency ratings. The flow rate determines how much hot water the unit can deliver per minute, while the efficiency ratings determine how energy-efficient the unit is.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are hybrid water heaters that use electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat water. They are more energy-efficient than traditional electric water heaters and can reduce operating costs by up to 60%.
When choosing a heat pump water heater, it’s essential to consider the operating cost and hybrid mode. The operating cost determines how much it costs to run the unit, while the hybrid mode allows the unit to switch between electric and heat pump modes.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water. They are the most energy-efficient type of electric water heater and can reduce energy costs by up to 80%. Solar water heaters come in two types: active and passive.
When choosing a solar water heater, it’s essential to consider the thermal efficiency and compact design. The thermal efficiency determines how well the unit can convert solar energy into heat, while the compact design allows for easy installation.
Condensing Water Heaters
Condensing water heaters are high-efficiency water heaters that use a heat exchanger to extract heat from the exhaust gases. They are more energy-efficient than traditional electric water heaters and can reduce energy costs by up to 30%.
When choosing a condensing water heater, it’s essential to consider the thermal efficiency and energy efficiency. The thermal efficiency determines how well the unit can extract heat from the exhaust gases, while the energy efficiency determines how energy-efficient the unit is.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Water Heater
Budget
One of the most important factors to consider when buying an electric water heater is your budget. Electric water heaters are generally more affordable than gas water heaters. The cost of electric water heaters ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on the size and features.
Energy Efficiency
Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of the electric water heater. Look for a water heater with a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating. The higher the UEF rating, the more energy-efficient the water heater is. This can help you save money on your energy bills over time.
Capacity
The capacity of the water heater is another important factor to consider. The capacity is measured in gallons and determines how much hot water the heater can produce at a time. Consider the size of your household and how much hot water you use on a daily basis when choosing the capacity of your water heater.
Recovery Rate
The recovery rate is the amount of time it takes for the water heater to heat up a full tank of water. A higher recovery rate means that the water heater can produce more hot water in a shorter amount of time. This is important if you have a large household or if you use a lot of hot water.
Sizes
Electric water heaters come in different sizes, and it’s important to choose the right size for your needs. The size of the water heater you choose will depend on the size of your household and how much hot water you use on a daily basis.
Pressure
Consider the water pressure in your home when choosing an electric water heater. If you have low water pressure, you may need a water heater with a booster pump to increase the water pressure.
Maintenance
Finally, consider the maintenance requirements of the water heater. Electric water heaters require less maintenance than gas water heaters, but they still need to be maintained regularly to ensure they are working properly. Make sure you understand the maintenance requirements of the water heater before you buy it.
Best Electric Water Heaters in Malaysia
OOKAS Shower Water Heater Instant 6500W Quick-Heating Electric LCD Touchscreen Water Heater High Quality Shower
The OOKAS Shower Water Heater Instant 6500W Quick-Heating Electric LCD Touchscreen Water Heater High Quality Shower is a high-quality electric water heater that is designed to provide instant hot water for your shower. This water heater is energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills.
Pros:
- The OOKAS Shower Water Heater is very easy to install and use.
- It has a high-quality LCD touchscreen that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and other settings.
- It is very energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills.
- It is designed to provide instant hot water, which means you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up before you can take a shower.
- It is very durable and long-lasting.
Cons:
- The OOKAS Shower Water Heater is a bit more expensive than some other water heaters on the market.
- It may not be suitable for larger families or households that use a lot of hot water.
Specifications:
- Model: OOKAS Shower Water Heater
- Power: 6500W
- Type: Electric
- Heating method: Instant
- Temperature range: 30-60°C
- LCD touchscreen: Yes
- Energy efficiency: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
OOKAS Shower Water Heater Instant 6500W Quick-Heating Electric LCD Touchscreen Water Heater High Quality Shower is a high-quality and energy-efficient electric water heater that is designed to provide instant hot water for your shower. It is very easy to install and use and has a high-quality LCD touchscreen that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and other settings. While it may be more expensive than some other water heaters on the market, it is very durable and long-lasting.
Toshiba Instant Water Heater 5-Shower Mode Shower Head TWH-38EXPMY(G)
The Toshiba Instant Water Heater 5-Shower Mode Shower Head TWH-38EXPMY(G) is an energy-efficient electric water heater that provides hot water instantly. This model comes with a 5-shower mode shower head that allows users to customize their shower experience.
Pros:
- Instant hot water supply
- Energy-efficient
- 5-shower mode shower head for a customizable shower experience
- Splash-proof protection
- Strong leakage protection with ELCB
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- May not be suitable for large families or households with high hot water demand
Specifications:
- Rated Power Supply (V): 240
- Rated Frequency (HZ): 50
- Rated Power (W): 3800
- Water Proof Class: IP25
- Shower Modes: STANDARD, SOOTH, BUBBLE, MASSAGE, JET
Toshiba Instant Water Heater 5-Shower Mode Shower Head TWH-38EXPMY(G) is a reliable and energy-efficient option for those looking for instant hot water supply. With its 5-shower mode shower head, users can customize their shower experience according to their preferences. However, it may not be suitable for large families or households with high hot water demand.
Toshiba Digital DC Pump Water Heater DSK38ES3MB
The Toshiba Digital DC Pump Water Heater DSK38ES3MB is an energy-efficient electric water heater that comes with a pump and a rain shower. It is designed to provide a comfortable shower experience while saving energy and reducing water wastage.
Pros:
- The DC pump ensures quiet operation and reduces energy consumption.
- The double relay safety protection system ensures safety during use.
- The rain shower provides a comfortable and refreshing shower experience.
- The instant heating system ensures hot water is available immediately.
- The compact design makes it easy to install and saves space.
Cons:
- The water heater may not be suitable for large families or households with high hot water demand.
- The rain shower may not be suitable for those who prefer a strong water flow.
Specifications:
- Rated Power Supply (V): 240
- Rated Frequency (HZ): 50
- Rated Power (W): 3800
- Pump Type: DC Pump
- Safety Protection: Double Relay Safety Protection
- Shower Type: Rain Shower
- Warranty: 1 Year General Warranty, 5 Years Motor Warranty
Toshiba Digital DC Pump Water Heater DSK38ES3MB is a reliable and energy-efficient electric water heater that comes with a pump and a rain shower. Its safety features, instant heating system, and compact design make it a suitable choice for small to medium-sized households.
