For a few years now, Hydro-Québec has been raising its clients’ awareness about energy consumption. The state-owned company offers various tips to use less electricity. The most energy-consuming items in a home are undoubtedly heating and water heaters. The impact of your criteria for selecting a water heater can be crucial for your wallet over the long-term, which is why it is important to choose the right model and to know one’s consumption habits.

There are 4 types of water heaters: gas, thermodynamic, solar and electric. Electrical water heaters are the most recommended as they require little maintenance and are the smallest of the four, in addition to not making any noise.

Knowing your hot water consumption

Once you’ve selected the right water heater for you, it is important to know how much hot    water your household uses. Experts agree on the fact that the tank should not be too small, otherwise it will not be sufficient to meet your family’s needs, especially at peak hours. Conversely, it should not be too large or it will use up too much energy for the use actually required.

By looking at your lifestyle habits, you will be in a position to determine whether your household consumption is high or normal. A home with a high consumption usually has a spa or a deep tub for example. The number of showers taken in a day and the number of loads of laundry using hot water also influence consumption. 

For a family of 4, it is recommended to opt for a 60-gallon tank for a normal consumption and 80 gallons for a high consumption. Children, especially teenagers, use a lot of hot water because they often take long showers.

Water heater durability and efficiency

There are different quality grades when it comes to electric water heaters: basic and high-end models. The higher the quality, the longer your water heater will keep its warmth and the lower its energy consumption will be. The room where it is located will also affect performance. If you keep your water heater in a very cold room, it will lose heat quicker than if it were in a heated room. Certified “Energy Star” systems are more energy-efficient, which means that they will help reduce your power bill.

Warranties covering electric water heaters

Electric water heaters come with various warranties, based on their quality level. Electrical systems are usually guaranteed for parts, leaks, the heating elements and for the accuracy of the thermostats. For basic models, the warranty extends over 6 years for leaks and 1 year for parts, most of the time. Higher-quality models come with a company warranty that can go up to 12 years.

It is important to keep in mind that, before choosing a water heater, you must know your family’s lifestyle habits and the appliances used in the home. To save energy, choose a quality system that will remain warm longer and install it in a room where it’s not too cold. For the Québec market, electric water heaters are recommended above all other models as they don’t take up much space, don’t make much noise and require little maintenance.