How to choose an electric water heater?

If your house does not have access to the piped gas network, an electric water heater is a good option to obtain domestic hot water (DHW).

Electric water heaters are easier, faster and cheaper to install than gas heaters, do not require major inspections or repairs and are a clean technology that does not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases.

In addition, if you have a time differential rate, you can program your electric water heater to heat during times when electricity prices are lowest, allowing you to make the most of the rates specified in the contract. If you have decided to install a central unit, Rehabilitaweb we recommend the following steps to help you in your choice:

What should you take into account when choosing an electric water heater for your home?

An electric water heater is a very simple devicethat consists of a metal tank and an electric resistance that heats the water.

- Capacity:

You should look for a model with sufficient capacity to cover the needs of your home in terms of water volume and consumption patterns. The average consumption of hot water in Spain is usually around 35 liters per person per day, taking into account water for the shower, the dishwasher, the use of the bathroom and other general uses.

This information is important when choosing a device that not only meets the daily needs of an individual, but also has some durability to withstand excessive demands.

Below we leave you the approximate water consumption for each activity so that you can get a better idea of ​​the necessary capacity:

• Showers: 25/30 liters per person.
• Washing: Dishes: 5 liters of water per person.
• Washing: 5 liters per person.

From there, you can calculate the minimum capacity that your thermos should have based on how many people there are at home

In general, if at home If you shower simultaneously or consider that there is a large simultaneous consumption of hot water at certain times of the day, the capacity of the thermos should be slightly greater than the indicated table. 

Some thermoses differ from others due to their type of resistance.

• Shielded: Direct immersion in water makes heat transfer more direct and faster. The disadvantage of shielded heating elements is that they are prone to wear due to lime in the water and replacing them requires emptying the tank. Electric water heaters with this resistance are generally recommended for areas with soft water.
  
• Sheathed: This type of resistance is contained within the cylinder and therefore does not comes into direct contact with water. They wear less and are easier to replace, but the water gets hotter. This type of resistance is recommended for hard water areas.

- Electricity and consumption:

More power does not necessarily mean more consumption, since it depends on the operating time.

A high-power water heater will use more heat than a low-power water heater, but it will compensate with a shorter operating time because it will heat the water faster.

Energy consumption depends on the efficiency of the device, which is measured by an energy class classified with letters from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This consumption is an estimate of use that manufacturers usually calculate based on a certain load profile.

- Storage and care tips:

Unlike gas boilers, electric boilers do not require periodic inspections, but it is recommended that they be inspected by a professional technician every two years.

To keep your thermos always ready:

• Unplug the water heater during periods when it will not be used, for example, if you go on vacation. You will reduce consumption and also the deterioration of the device.
• Replace the anode periodically, this piece prevents corrosion of metals in contact with water. The hardness of the water and the buildup of lime can cause it to stop working properly, putting the equipment at risk. It is a part that can be replaced easily and it is recommended to change it at least every two years.
• Reset the thermostat: sometimes the thermostat becomes out of adjustment and it is advisable to reset it to ensure that it calculates the temperature correctly.
• Pay attention to the resistance. Lime can deposit on them and reduce the efficiency of the thermos drastically. If this happens, notify the technician.

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