There are many electric water heater types and styles available on the market today. From tankless models to electric water heaters with large capacity tanks, you are sure to find exactly the right model for your situation.

As you look at the styles provided by electric water heater suppliers, you should keep a number of factors in mind. First and foremost are the safety features offered by the electric water heater. Other than the thermostat, look for models that have the latest safety features available. You should also consider:

1. The size of the tank. Determine how much room you have in your utility room, or wherever you are going to place the electric water heater.

2. The amount of hot water you need at one time. If you just need hot water for restrooms, you don’t need as much capability as if you need to provide hot water for several showers at once such as you might for a locker or changing room.

3. The cost of the electric hot water heater. Consider energy efficient models that might make you eligible to receive tax credit.

Action Steps
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Choose compact electric water heaters

If you just need enough hot water for your restrooms and have no need for massive amounts of water, consider a compact electric water heater. Depending on the model, these water heaters can hold up to 10 gallons. You can also find compact electric water heaters that fit on a tabletop.

I recommend: Sears has a selection of compact style water heaters for sale. HardwareAndTools.com also offers a six-gallon compact electric water heater.

Buy regular electric water heaters

Regular water heaters heat between 30 and 50 gallons of water. You can find models that have short, squat tanks, while others have tall, slender tanks. This allows you more options to fit the hot water heater into your utility space. As you look at traditional hot water heaters, watch for models that are Energy Star compliant. This might qualify you for tax breaks or discounts on your water heater.

I recommend: See the selection of electric water heaters at Home Depot. General Electric offers a large selection of traditional style electric water heaters.

Consider a tankless electric water heater

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at the precise temperature you want, rather than storing it for future use like a regular hot water heater. This allows you to save money by not heating water unnecessarily. Tankless water heaters are also a good option if you have a remote bathroom or are building on to your existing facilities. A tankless water heater eliminates the need for running hot water pipes to your existing system.

I recommend: See the selection of tankless electric water heaters at PlumberSurplus.com. E-Tankless Water Heaters is another supplier of tankless electric water heaters.

Electric water heaters are an important appliance in homes and apartments. As these appliances are the main source of hot water in the home, you want to get a quality electric water heater. Choose a supplier that will not only provide you with the best brands in the industry, but also give you a good deal on your order. This saves your company time and money right from the start.

There are many different styles of water heaters, but electric water heaters are most often the standard. And you no longer have to use the same old electric water heater that has been standard in homes for decades. A tankless electric water heater can save money and space in a home or apartment. A tankless heater is also more efficient, because it only heats water as it's needed, instead of storing up gallons of hot water at a time.

When choosing an electric water heater supplier, you will want to consider:

1. The price per unit.

2. What types of electric water heaters a supplier offers.

3. Any deals that you can get on price or shipping costs.

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Find electric water heater suppliers that offer free shipping

There are many electric water heater suppliers that offer free shipping for orders that are over a certain total price. Contractors who need to buy a large number of electric water heaters will benefit from this deal.

I recommend: Westside Wholesale and Pro Water Heaters are both suppliers that offer free shipping on large orders.

Choose a trusted brand in electric water heaters

There are many water heater brands on the market. But if you want to get a quality heater, purchase a brand that you know, and one you can trust.

I recommend: Rheem and Bosch are two companies that have been in the water heating business for years. Their products will often last longer than lesser known brands. In addition, these companies carry good warranty policies to guarantee their products.

Consider tankless electric water heaters for tight spaces

As homes get bigger, the spaces alloted to holding water heaters get smaller. A tankless water heater can help to eliminate wasted space. It only takes up about a quarter of the space and heats water more efficiently.

I recommend: Stiebel Eltron makes a full line of tankless electric water heaters, starting with a mini model designed for restrooms or kitchenettes in commercial buildings. See Eemax for a similar range of products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Electric water heaters are the standard for most builders. But if you are replacing water heaters that have an existing gas line running to the area, you must make a judgment as to whether you should switch from gas to electric or vice versa.