Why Choose Electric Water Heaters vs. Gas or Hybrid?
Electric water heaters can be a good alternative to hybrid or gas water heaters because they typically have a lower upfront cost, simpler installation, and no need for gas lines, venting, or combustion air. They can be installed in more homes, including properties without access to natural gas, and they do not produce combustion gases inside the home.
Compared to hybrid water heaters, electric models also require less surrounding air space and are typically easier to place in closets or smaller utility areas. Their insulation, electronic controls, and energy-efficiency helps provide reliable performance for everyday hot water.
Types of Electric Water Heaters at Do it Best
Finding the right type of electric water heater depends on how much hot water you need, where the unit will be installed, and the electrical service available in your home. Here are the types available at Do it Best:
- Electric tank water heaters: Store a set amount of heated water so it is ready when needed. These models are available in multiple capacities and typically have insulated tanks with anode rods that help protect against corrosion.
- Tankless electric water heaters: Heat water as it flows through the unit rather than storing it in a tank. Full-home models can support multiple fixtures, and smaller tankless water heaters are better for a single faucet.
- Point-of-use electric water heaters: Tank or tankless models installed near a sink, wet bar, workshop, cabin, or other location where hot water is needed. These can reduce the time and water wasted while waiting for hot water to travel from a central tank.
- Mobile home electric water heaters: Designed with connection locations and specifications that meet the installation needs of mobile and manufactured homes.
How to Choose an Electric Water Heater
Before purchasing an electric water heater, you’ll want to consider a few things, like usage, electrical requirements, space, and more. Work through the following before making a purchase:
- How much hot water does your household use? Consider the number of people, bathrooms, showers, laundry loads, and appliances that may need hot water at the same time.
- Do you need a whole-home or point-of-use system? A central tank or higher-output tankless unit may serve the entire home, while compact models are better for one sink or a remote fixture.
- What electrical service is available? Check the required voltage, amperage, breaker configuration, and wire size. Some larger tankless models require multiple dedicated breakers and substantial electrical capacity.
- How much installation space do you have? Measure the available height, width, depth, and clearance. Compact tanks and tankless units can work well beneath counters or in other tight spaces.
- Which connections does the installation require? Review whether the unit has top, side, or front plumbing connections and confirm the pipe size before purchasing.
- Which safety and convenience features matter? Compare temperature controls, leak detection, dry-fire protection, pressure relief valves, smart connectivity, and warranty coverage.
Choosing the Right Tank Capacity
Tank capacity should be based on household demand rather than household size alone. General guidelines are outlined in the table below:
Household Size | Common Tank Size Range | Typical Usage |
1–2 People | 20–40 gallons | Light usage, one bathroom, limited simultaneous use |
2–3 People | 40–50 gallons | Regular showers, laundry, and dishwasher use |
3–4 People | 50–65 gallons | Multiple daily showers and moderate simultaneous demand |
5 or more people | 65–80+ gallons | Multiple bathrooms, frequent laundry, large tubs, or high simultaneous use |
Find the Right Electric Water Heater at Do it Best
The right electric water heater should match your household’s demand, installation space, and electrical capacity. Whether you need a traditional tank for full-home use or a tankless unit beneath a sink, comparing capacity, voltage, connections, and recovery performance will help you select a model that delivers reliable hot water.
Shop electric water heaters online today or visit a Do it Best store near you to compare electric water heater options. Our team of home improvement experts at a retail store are happy to help answer your water heater questions.
Electric Water Heater FAQs
Most 120-volt models are small point-of-use units intended for sinks, small cabins, offices, or other low-demand applications. Whole-home electric water heaters generally use 240-volt power, although requirements vary by model.
A traditional electric tank water heater often lasts approximately 6 to 12 years, depending on water quality, maintenance, installation, and usage. Staying up-to-date with your water heater cleaning and maintenance will extend the unit's life and prevent the need for premature replacements.
Installation involves plumbing, electrical connections, safety requirements, pressure relief components, and local building codes. A licensed plumber or electrician should handle installations that require new wiring, breaker changes, panel upgrades, or major plumbing modifications.