What are the pros and cons of electric water heaters?

• <div><p>Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget. </p><p>Pros</p><ul><li><p>Safer than gas or propane</p></li><li><p>Doesn’t require extensive venting systems</p></li><li><p>Lower upfront costs</p></li><li><p>Simpler to operate</p></li><li><p>No pilot light</p></li><li><p>Easier installation</p></li><li><p>More efficient heating than gas models</p></li><li><p>Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units</p></li></ul><p>Cons</p><ul><li><p>Slower to heat water</p></li><li><p>Longer recovery time</p></li><li><p>Possibly higher operating costs</p></li><li><p>Doesn’t work during a power outage</p></li><li><p>Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Can you vent a gas water heater out the side of the house?

• <div><p>You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides. </p><p>Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.</p></div>

Q: Does installing a water heater yourself void the warranty?

• <div><p>Several things can void the warranty for your water heater. Many water heater manufacturers state that installing your own will void the warranty. However, even if you get away with performing the task yourself, incorrect installation, lack of a building permit, and improper repair work, regardless of licensing status, can all render your water heater unprotected by both the manufacturer's warranty and any installation warranties. </p></div>

Q: Are water heaters covered under a home warranty?

• <div><p>The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance. </p></div>

Q: What other home improvement projects should I consider doing at the same time as installing a new furnace to improve energy efficiency?

• <div><p>When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Cascade, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Cascade, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Heater Service companies in Cascade, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

Last update on March 25, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Did an absolute amazing job, now only cleaned off my driveway, salted it, even blew off my car so when I had to go to work I didnt have to get all that junk off my vehicle. By far the only snow removal service I will ever have!
T's Turf Cuts
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Reviewed in May 2025
We hired Vault Enterprises for a home remodel that included adding a mud room, home office, and bunk area. The work was completed on time, within budget, and to a very high standard. The mud room is functional and well-designed, the office is exactly what we needed for a quiet work space, and...
Dubuque Remodeling
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Reviewed in November 2023
They were very efficient and done their job wonderfully!! The windows are great our house has never been this warm!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in June 2023
Ryker and his crew were fantastic! They were professional, hardworking, and enthusiastic. UniMovers made the entire moving process stress free. Highly recommend these guys!!
UniMovers Dubuque
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Reviewed in September 2022
The service was very good. They were very professional and communicated well. When I called he came over and asked what I was thinking, explained everything, and walked me through the whole process. He was on time, reasonable with his pricing, and didn't leave a mess. I would recommend him for...
Reiss Construction
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Reviewed in February 2022
very please with their job, they have been working for us from a since long time.
Kraus Remodeling and Restoration
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Reviewed in November 2021
They contacted and negotiated with the insurance company. They did quality work and that is hard to find during this time of everyone wanting a contractor. I appreciate being able to work with Paul during the complete project, this is a big plus when you have 2 houses to work on.
American Building Contractors, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2017
they came and checked it out; ordered the part and when i received the part i called march 2 to make appt. Appointment was made for my day off March 7 in the morning. when i called at noon they stated they saw i called in on march 2 but the appt was moved to april 4. just know; i was unable to...
Service Guard - A Division of Black Hills Energy
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Reviewed in May 2015
Two workers arrived at the appointed time. One spent all of his time on the sump pump replacement. The other did the three smaller jobs. I was impressed that they explained things to me when they were done. The one who did the three smaller jobs explained things as he went along. <br />...
East Iowa Mechanical
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Reviewed in November 2014
Installed our furnace, a/c, water heater, etc. They have been doing all of our work, but unfortunately when I called this year they were just too busy. I have been very satisfied with their work thus far.
SOPER PLUMBING & HEATING
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Find Water heater pros in Cascade

Element Heating & Cooling LLC

4.9(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+4 more

Serving Cascade, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Jesse removed old baseboard water radiators in our bathroom. This was the start of a bathroom remodel. When bathroom was finished he came back and installed a new and much smaller baseboard radiator. He was friendly, efficient, came on time, cleaned up any mess and all around very professional. Very happy with his work! Would highly recommend him."

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Cascade, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Apex Property Solutions

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Cascade, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

APS (Apex Property Solutions) is your one-stop solution for property services. We specialize in residential and commercial cleaning, including carpet and upholstery cleaning. Our expert team also handles wall mounting, general handyman services, home remodeling, and construction site cleanup. Whether you're looking to refresh your space with a deep clean or need help with home improvements, we’ve got you covered. At APS, we pride ourselves on top-quality work and exceptional customer service, ensuring your property always looks its best. Contact us today for a free consultation!

+10

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides.

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

Several things can void the warranty for your water heater. Many water heater manufacturers state that installing your own will void the warranty. However, even if you get away with performing the task yourself, incorrect installation, lack of a building permit, and improper repair work, regardless of licensing status, can all render your water heater unprotected by both the manufacturer's warranty and any installation warranties.

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget.

Pros

Safer than gas or propane
Doesn’t require extensive venting systems
Lower upfront costs
Simpler to operate
No pilot light
Easier installation
More efficient heating than gas models
Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units

Cons

Slower to heat water
Longer recovery time
Possibly higher operating costs
Doesn’t work during a power outage
Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection

The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance.

When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.

The Cascade, IA homeowners’ guide to water heater services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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