How to choose an electric water heater?

When selecting an electric water heater, the first thing to consider is its capacity, as each user requires an average of 60 litres each day.

Unlike gas heaters, that heat water on demand, electric heaters have a hot water tank for storage, and that's why it is important to know the exact demand of the residence.

• 10/15-litre heaters are designed to provide domestic hot water in small quantities quickly, which may be the case of bath sinks or kitchen sinks. It can be installed easily in any room due to their small size.
• 30/50-litre heaters are suited to supply one shower, in a one-person home.
• 80-litre heaters are suitable for houses with one or two residents. 
• 100/150-litre heaters are suited for homes with a parallel/simultaneous three-person demand.
• 200/300-litre heaters are perfect for single-family homes or places with a high water demand.
• 500-litre heaters are suited for families with up to 8 members or industrial places with high demand.

Another aspect to be considered is the heat-up time. Demand varies if the use of hot water is simultaneous, or if, on the contrary, there will be time intervals between one use and the other.

Also, operating time is affected by the heater’s type of resistance: 

• Tubular sheathed resistances help to achieve a quicker water heating because the contact between each other is constant. However, this can lead to calcareous problems, corrosion, and rust. 
• Removable ceramic core resistances are not in direct contact with water, and this type of element allows replacement or repair without having to empty the heater.

All it takes for the installation of a water heater is an electrical outlet. The position of the heater, and the room in which it will be installed, should also be considered. Wall-mounted electric heaters are available in vertical installation or horizontal installation designs, while freestanding electric heaters are designed to be installed vertically with feet.