Electric water heaters use a dip tube to bring cold water into the bottom of the water tank where heating elements heat and keep the water warm. Heated water rises to the top of the tank where it exits and heads to your faucets. Although some standard gas-fueled tank water heaters do not require an electric connection, an electric water heater does require an electric connection.

There are several things that can affect the life of your electric water heater, including whether you have hard or soft water in your home and whether you've followed the maintenance schedule recommended by your manufacturer, including routine inspection and replacement when needed of the unit’s anode rod.

While electric water heaters can often outlast their warranty depending on use, water quality and maintenance, it's usually a good idea to think about upgrading to a newer model if your water heater is more than 12 years old.

Calculations to determine the size of electric water heater you require are the same as those for a gas heater. Calculating the demand at your household's peak usage hour can help you determine how many gallons you typically use in a single peak hour. Once you've determined that number, you'll know what tank size will work for your household. Typically, these guidelines work for most households:

• One to two people: 30 gallons
• Two to three people: 40 gallons
• Three to four people: 50 gallons

Whether you're replacing an old electric heater or installing a brand new one, it's important to turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker before you begin, and make sure it's off by testing it with a circuit tester. Always follow the installation manual or consult a Lowe's plumbing contractor when installing your new water heater. While installing your water heater we recommend considering the following:

1. Installation or replacement of a drain pan
2. Installing or replacing an expansion tank
3. Inspect and replace electrical lines
4. Make sure your T&P valve is properly drained per your local codes
5. Verify that the incoming water pressure is at the recommended pressure per your local codes

ALWAYS READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING

Fueled by a gas-powered flame that sends hot air through a centrally located chimney, heat warms up water in the tank so that when you turn on your hot water tap, hot water comes out. As you remove water from the tank, cold water flows into the bottom of your heater to replenish the supply through a dip tube. Because heat comes from the gas-powered flame, some gas water heater models work even if your power is out.

There are several things that can affect the life of your gas water heater, including whether you have hard or soft water in your home and whether you've followed the maintenance schedule recommended by your manufacturer, including routine inspection and replacement when needed of the unit’s anode rod.

While gas water heaters can often outlast their warranty depending on use, water quality and maintenance, it's usually a good idea to think about upgrading to a newer model if your water heater is more than 12 years old. Scale and sediment build-up over time can compromise a heater’s efficiency and lead to wear-out and newer units offer not only improved efficiency but advances in connectivity and protection.

The size of your gas water heater should depend on how much water you typically use. During the hour when you use the most hot water, which is typically in the evening when you're washing dinner dishes and bathing children, you can monitor usage to determine the right size. However, you can estimate it by the number of people in your home. Typically, these guidelines work for most households:

• One to two people: 30 gallons
• Two to three people: 40 gallons
• Three to four people: 40 gallons
• More than five people: 50 gallons or more

Installing a gas water heater is a difficult process that's typically best to leave to a licensed professional. However, if you're mechanically inclined and want to tackle it yourself, always follow the instruction manual. While installing your water heater we recommend considering the following:

1. Installation or replacement of a drain pan
2. Installing or replacing an expansion tank
3. Inspect and replace electrical lines
4. Make sure your T&P valve is properly drained per your local codes
5. Verify that the incoming water pressure is at the recommended pressure per your local codes

ALWAYS READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING

Tankless water heaters heat water instantly as it flows into your home. They're ideal for smaller spaces that don't have additional room for a gas or electric water heater but also work well in large homes where hot water usage is high, as homeowners don't need to limit themselves to the tank's hot water capacity during peak usage times. Power requirements for gas and electric tankless water heaters are unique for each unit.

Using an electric element or gas burner, water is heated as it travels through a heat exchanger. Because the water is heated as it passes by the element or burner, there's no need for water storage.

Tankless water heaters typically outlast gas and electric tank heaters. In most cases, their parts are replaceable, which adds to their longevity. As with tank-style heaters, the longevity of a tankless heater depends on water conditions, use and maintenance practices. Routine descaling is particularly important to the longevity and efficiency of tankless water heaters.

Tankless water heaters are designed to heat water as you need it. They are more energy-efficient, and therefore, more cost-efficient, than traditional water heaters that continually run to heat the water in the tank. They are much smaller than a traditional hot water heater because they don’t have to store 40 - 80 gallons of water, giving you more options where to install your tankless water heater.

There are two main considerations to make when selecting a tankless water heater: flow rate and temperature rise. Flow rate, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) is determined by figuring out how you'll use water and how much hot water you'll need at one time. Your temperature rise is how much your heater must increase the temperature of your groundwater before it comes through your faucets. Higher flow rates and greater temperature rises require a larger, more powerful tankless water heater.

There are several important steps to installing a tankless water heater and in many cases, enlisting the help of a licensed plumber and/or electrician is recommended. If you're experienced and comfortable doing it on your own, be sure to follow local plumbing and electrical codes and always follow the installation manual. The steps to take when installing a new tankless heater are:

1. Upgrade the gas line
2. Remove the old heater, if applicable
3. Mount your tankless water heater
4. Install the gas line and new water lines
5. Install the pressure relief valve and exhaust vent
6. Turn the water on

ALWAYS READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING