Stored Water Heaters

11 products

  • Ariston over sink water heater

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Oversink Storage Water Heater

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Oversink Storage Water Heater

    From £115.43 GBP
    From £115.43 GBP
  • Ariston Andris Lux Electric Under sink Storage Water Heater

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Undersink Storage Water Heater

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Undersink Storage Water Heater

    From £115.43 GBP
    From £115.43 GBP
  • Ariston Lux under sink water heater 15 litres

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Undersink Storage Water Heater 6Litre

    Ariston Andris Lux Electric Undersink Storage Water Heater 6Litre

    £111.16 GBP
    £111.16 GBP
  • DexPro Delux Digital Dehumidifier

    DexPro Delux Digital Dehumidifier

    DexPro Delux Digital Dehumidifier

    £126.65 GBP
    £178.80 GBP -30%
    £126.65 GBP
    £178.80 GBP
  • Dexpro Unvented water heater

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 10 Litres

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 10 Litres

    £81.00 GBP
    £81.00 GBP
  • Dexpro Unvented water heater

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 15 Litres

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 15 Litres

    £90.00 GBP
    £90.00 GBP
  • Dexpro Unvented water heater

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 6 Litres

    Dexpro Delux Digital Unvented Water Heater 6 Litres

    £78.00 GBP
    £78.00 GBP
  • Dexpro Delux Over Sink Vented Water Heater

    Dexpro Delux Over Sink Vented Water Heater

    Dexpro Delux Over Sink Vented Water Heater

    £67.15 GBP
    £94.80 GBP -30%
    £67.15 GBP
    £94.80 GBP
  • Dexpro Delux Under Sink Vented Water Heater

    Dexpro Delux Under Sink Vented Water Heater

    Dexpro Delux Under Sink Vented Water Heater

    £95.00 GBP
    £95.00 GBP
  • Zip Aquapoint Unvented Water Heater

    Zip Aquapoint Unvented Oversink/Undersink Water Heater

    Zip Aquapoint Unvented Oversink/Undersink Water Heater

    From £209.62 GBP
    £359.35 GBP -42%
    From £209.62 GBP
    £359.35 GBP
  • Zip Varipoint Oversink Water Heater

    Zip Varipoint Oversink/Undersink Water Heater

    Zip Varipoint Oversink/Undersink Water Heater

    From £432.82 GBP
    £741.98 GBP -42%
    From £432.82 GBP
    £741.98 GBP

Electric storage water heaters, often referred to as conventional electric water heaters or tank-type electric water heaters, are a common and widely used solution for providing hot water in homes and businesses. Their primary function is to heat and store a volume of water in an insulated tank, making it available for use on demand.

The categories of electric storage water heaters are primarily defined by their capacity and installation method, which in turn determines their intended application.

1. Small Capacity / Point-of-Use Water Heaters

These are compact electric storage heaters designed for a single faucet or a small number of outlets. They are meant to be installed close to where the hot water is needed, reducing the wait time and energy waste from long pipe runs.

  • Capacities: Typically range from 2.5 to 15 gallons (10 to 60 litres).
  • Key Features:
    • Compact Design: Their small size allows for installation in tight spaces, such as under a kitchen sink, in a small cabinet, or a utility room.
    • Energy Efficiency: While they have standby loss, it's minimal due to the small volume of water being heated.
    • Application: Ideal for single-point use in workshops, powder rooms, or as a booster for a slow-responding main water heater.

2. Standard Capacity / Whole-House Water Heaters

This is the most common type of electric storage water heater, designed to meet the hot water needs of an entire household. They are typically installed in a basement, garage, or utility closet.

  • Capacities: Range from 20 to 80 gallons (75 to 300 litres) or more. The capacity is chosen based on the size of the household and its hot water demand.
  • Key Features:
    • Standard Heating Elements: Most models are equipped with two electric heating elements—one at the top and one at the bottom—to efficiently heat the water. The upper element heats the top portion of the tank first for quick hot water access, while the lower element heats the entire tank.
    • Durable Construction: Tanks are typically lined with a vitreous enamel or similar coating to resist corrosion, and they are surrounded by a thick layer of insulation to minimize standby heat loss.
    • Thermostatic Control: An adjustable thermostat allows users to set the desired water temperature.

3. High-Efficiency Electric Water Heaters

This category includes electric water heaters that incorporate advanced technology to improve energy efficiency beyond a standard model.

  • Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters: This sub-category is the most notable example. They use a heat pump to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water, a much more efficient process than direct electrical resistance heating. They also include conventional electric elements as a backup for high demand.
  • Smart Water Heaters: These models often feature Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to monitor energy usage, adjust the temperature remotely, and program heating schedules to save energy.

4. Vented and Unvented Cylinders

In some regions, particularly the UK, electric storage water heaters are categorized based on their plumbing and pressure system:

  • Vented Cylinders: These are open to atmospheric pressure and are supplied by a cold water tank, relying on gravity to deliver water.
  • Unvented Cylinders: These are sealed and connected directly to the mains water supply, delivering hot water at high pressure, which is ideal for powerful showers.

All electric storage water heaters are defined by their ability to provide a readily available supply of hot water. While less energy-efficient than tankless models due to standby heat loss, they are often more affordable upfront and reliable in providing a large volume of hot water at once.

FAQs

  • How long does it take for an electric water heater to heat up?

    The heat-up time depends on the size of the tank, the power of the heating elements, and the temperature of the incoming water. For a standard 50-gallon tank with two 4,500-watt heating elements, it can take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to heat a full tank of water from a cold state. The recovery time (the time it takes to reheat the water after some has been used) is typically much shorter.

  • Why am I not getting enough hot water from my tank-type electric heater?

    This can be caused by several factors. First, the tank may be too small for your household's demand. Second, a faulty or failed heating element is a common cause; since most heaters have two elements, the remaining one will struggle to keep up. Third, the thermostat may be set too low or be malfunctioning, causing the elements to shut off prematurely. Finally, a significant buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank can reduce heating efficiency and capacity.

  • Is it more energy-efficient to leave my electric water heater on all the time or to turn it on and off?

    It is generally more energy-efficient to leave the water heater on all the time. The energy used to maintain the water's temperature is less than the energy required to heat an entire tank of cold water from scratch repeatedly. The small amount of standby heat loss is typically less costly than the energy spike needed to reheat the tank. For maximum efficiency, you can lower the thermostat temperature to 120°F (49°C), which is the recommended temperature to prevent scalding and bacteria growth.

  • What are the rumbling or popping noises coming from my water heater?

    These noises are almost always caused by a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank. As the heating element at the bottom heats up, it also heats this layer of mineral sediment, causing pockets of steam to form and burst. This not only creates noise but also reduces the heater's efficiency and can cause damage to the heating element. It's a sign that the tank should be professionally flushed to remove the sediment.

  • How can I extend the lifespan of my electric storage water heater?

    The lifespan of a conventional electric water heater is typically 8 to 12 years. You can extend this by:

    • Flushing the Tank: Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup, which is a major cause of failure.
    • Inspecting the Anode Rod: The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that protects the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected every 2-3 years and replaced if it has corroded significantly.
    • Insulating the Tank and Pipes: Insulating the tank and the first few feet of the hot water pipes can reduce standby heat loss, saving energy and putting less strain on the heating elements.