Electric Water Heaters Comparison Guide

The electrification movement is growing as local governments and the State of California push initiatives to switch fuel sources from gas to electric. This push can be seen in fixtures like water heaters such as tankless, conventional, and heat pumps. But from all three of these types of electric water heaters, which one is the best?

For over two decades, we’ve seen how innovations have led the way in the water heater industry. By working closely with the top brands in the business, from Noritz to Navien, we’ve stayed on top of the latest in water heating technology so we can help install and service water heaters all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

In this article, we’ll compare electric tankless water heaters, electric conventional water heaters, and heat pump water heaters through the following factors.

• Heating capability 
• Installation and operating costs
• Energy efficiency
• General maintenance

With this thorough comparison, you’ll be better positioned to decide which of these systems is best suited for your home’s hot water needs.

Let’s get started!

What are the Different Types of Electric Water Heaters Available?

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s look at the three types of electric water heaters. 

• Electric tankless water heater: Also known as continuous water heaters or on-demand water heaters, they have different capacities depending on how much water gallons per minute (GPM) they provide. 
• Electric conventional water heater: These tank-style water heaters are available in different sizes depending on the hot water demand of a single home. These sizes range from 30, 40, 50, and over 75 gallons. 
• Heat pump water heater: Similar in size and appearance to conventional water heaters. These water heaters also come in different tank capacities ranging from 30 to over 50 gallons. 

From an appearance standpoint, conventional and heat pump water heaters look similar, while tankless water heaters are rectangular and smaller. Now that you’ve gotten a clearer idea of what these electric water heaters look like, we can compare them further.

What Are the Differences and Similarities Between All Electric Water Heaters?

H3: Heating Comparison of Electric Water Heaters

All three of these water heaters rely on electricity instead of natural gas as their primary power source. They all draw on electricity to heat water, but here’s a closer look at how they do it. 

• Electric tankless water heaters: These water heaters use electricity to heat metal coils inside the unit. As water passes through, the generated heat is transferred to the water at a set temperature. The unit will continue to heat water until a hot water faucet or fixture is turned off. 
• Electric conventional water heaters: As water enters and fills the tank, two heat conducting rods use electricity to keep the stored water hot. Whenever there’s a hot water demand, the hot water stored at the top of the tank is released first. Cold water will then leave the tank and get heated up and stored.
• Heat pump water heaters: These water heaters rely on ambient temperature to heat water. Air is pulled in from outside, and the heat is separated and compressed to increase its temperature. The heat is then used to produce hot water and keep it stored. 

To put it simply, none of these water heaters will operate without electricity. Electrical rates can vary from region to region, so it’s important to consider the operating and installation costs of these three water heaters.

Cost Differences Between Electric Water Heaters

In terms of pricing, heat pump water heaters tend to cost more than electric tankless and conventional water heaters. Electric tankless and conventional water heaters can overlap when it comes to their final costs. 

• Electric tankless water heaters: These units can cost $400 to $2,500, but with installation, prices can reach as low as $1,800 to $7,200. 
• Electric conventional water heaters: Tank-style, electric-only water heaters cost about $600 to $4,500. If you add in the installation costs, these water heaters are priced between $2,500 to $7,200.  
• Heat pump water heaters: Heat pump installations can cost around $9,000 to $13,000, making them pricier than conventional and tankless water heaters. One of the best ways to offset the cost is through special incentives for heat pump water heaters. 

The price ranges are based on other factors, such as the brand of water heater, hot water usage, add-ons like water filtration, and other things. Although it can cost you less to purchase a water heater without installation costs, hiring a technician for assistance is highly recommended. 

Since these systems run purely on electricity, you must ensure it is connected to a 240-volt dedicated circuit. If the water heater installation site doesn’t have the required circuit, you’ll have to pay extra to accommodate it. 

You already know that these three systems are powered by electricity, but which is the most efficient?

What Type of Electric Water Heater is Most Efficient?

All three electric water heaters are highly energy efficient, but heat pump water heaters are ranked the highest. Water heater efficiency is measured using the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings. With that in mind, here’s the UEF ratings range for the three water heaters.

• Heat pump water heaters: These water heating systems have UEF ratings as high as 3.30 to 4.10 UEF, making them 330% to 410% efficient. Lower energy consumption can result in long-term energy savings. 
• Electric tankless water heaters: The average UEF rating for electric water heaters is around .96 UEF.
• Electric conventional water heaters: These can have an efficiency rating between .90 to .95 UEF.

Aside from the heat pump water heaters, you’ll notice that some of the ratings for electric tankless and conventional water heaters overlap. Even though .96 and .95 UEF-rated electric water heaters are highly energy efficient, the 1% difference means the higher-rated water heater can lead to more energy savings. 

One last factor to consider before choosing an electric water heater is its maintenance needs. 

Maintenance for All Electric Water Heaters

The maintenance needs for electric tankless, conventional, and heat pump water heaters are mostly the same, with just a few differences. If well taken care of, a heat pump water heater and electric conventional water heater can last 10 to 15 years. Electric tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years.

All three electric water heater types benefit from an annual flush, which helps remove sediment buildup inside the water heating units. Sediment results from hard water and can negatively impact a water heater’s heating capacity. Some homeowners have bundled their water heater with a water softener or anti-limescale device to prevent the effects of hard water sediment.

Heat pump water heaters and electric tank-style water heaters have anode rods that attract sediment and rust and should be cleaned during a maintenance service. 

Electric tankless water heaters have a filter to capture physical particles flowing in the water that can affect water flow. Heat pump water heaters have air filters that trap contaminants. Both water heaters should have their filters cleared during maintenance calls.

Which Type of Electric Water Heater Is Best for Me? 

All electric water heaters are excellent water heating choices. A heat pump water heater is the best choice if you want something environmentally friendly. An electric tankless water heater is ideal if you want one that takes up less space, and an electric conventional water heater is great for smaller homes with tighter budgets.

Regardless of which water heater you choose, we’ve installed hundreds across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. At Monkey Wrench, we understand it can be tricky to find the right water heater, so we dedicate time to helping homeowners find a water heater that meets their homes’ hot water needs. If you’re interested in a new electric water heater, contact us using the button below or book an appointment using our online water heater repair.