What are the pros and cons of electric water heaters?

• <div>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<ul><li>Safer than gas or propane</li><li>Doesn’t require extensive venting systems</li><li>Lower upfront costs</li><li>Simpler to operate</li><li>No pilot light</li><li>Easier installation</li><li>More efficient heating than gas models</li><li>Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Slower to heat water</li><li>Longer recovery time</li><li>Possibly higher operating costs</li><li>Doesn’t work during a power outage</li><li>Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection</li></ul></div>

How long does it take to replace a water heater?

• <div>The time it takes to replace a water heater depends on the complexity of the job. Expect your contractor to spend:<ul><li>One to three hours on a standard tank-style water heater replacement</li><li>Two to three hours on a tankless water heater replacement</li><li>Four to six hours replacing a tank-style water heater with a tankless water heater</li><li>One hour for each additional parallel or point-of-use water heater</li></ul>Your project will take longer if you’re switching fuel sources, upgrading to tankless, or relocating your water heater.</div>

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Q: Do you have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater?

• <div>You don&rsquo;t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At $150 to $450, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-water-heater-installation-cost.htm">cost of hot water tanks</a> themselves, which average about $1,190.</div>

Q: Is it hard to replace an electric water heater?

• <div>Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-install-water-yourself.htm">you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself</a>. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.</div>

Q: Does an electric water heater need its own circuit breaker?

• <div>A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code&ndash;and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.</div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in George, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in George, 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 George, 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 November 16, 2025

Reviewed in May 2019
D & E did the fill dirt around our house to help with the water issues in our basement. They did an amazing job and it was very affordable.
D AND E OUTSIDE SERVICES, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2016
Excellent! The problem was solved with the diagnosis from Neighbors.I had been having problems with drains in one of my rental homes. I was in New York when it happened. Water was coming down through the ceiling and into the basement. I asked neighbors to come and help diagnose the problem and...
Neighbors Heating Cooling Plumbing & Geothermal
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Reviewed in July 2013
I had gone without water for two weeks, because the plumbers' businesses in my county did not come when they promised, nor would they return calls, nor say why they didn't want the job, nor give any other professional response. But Mike came within hours of my call, from the next county over. ...
Mike's Plumbing and Pump Service
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Reviewed in June 2013
Mike arrived right on time and got started after introductions. He did a thorough job inspecting both buildings for a very reasonable price. He climbed up on the roofs of both inspected gutter chimneys, then around both foundations. Then inside checking both furnaces and AC units. Windows,...
The BrickKicker
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Reviewed in March 2013
The water softener doesn't work as well as the softener that we replaced. Service provided to fix the problem is not acceptable. We are going to replace this softener with a different brand from a different company.
Culligan Water of Atlantic
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Reviewed in March 2013
The water faucet leaked water because the seal did not fit the openings in our sink correctly. They came back and sealed it with calk. I could have easily done that myself. I paid for and expected a professional installation job. What I got was a sloppy quick fix. I have now replace the...
MASKER PLUMBING & HEATING
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Reviewed in February 2012
Kevin and Nate first pre-plumbed our drains and well runs before the concrete floor was poured and as soon as the inside was ready for the rough in they came back and worked with us on the locations of everything and talked us through what they would be doing and when. We felt totally...
City Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2009
Mark the manager and Dave the Mechanic are wonders. They are two honest men. "Only what you need...at a price guaranteed," isn't just a sales come-on. They live by that motto. Dave said, "I've had some success draining/flushing heater cores before. I can't be sure of the results unless I try....
EXHAUST PROS
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Find Water heater pros in George

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

30777 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

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Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

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Free onsite estimate

At Comfortec we are honored to work for you. When you invite a Comfortec employee into your Northwest Iowa home we will be on time, courteous and professional. Our technicians use carpet mask, protective shoe covers, and drop cloths to prevent your home from having damages caused by our service.

Krell Distributing Co Inc

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Krell Distributing Co Inc

No reviews yet

53 years of experience

Additional DBA - Krell Industries. Family owned & operated. Nationwide service.

Jer's Appliance & Refrigeration Repair

4.40(

)

Jer's Appliance & Refrigeration Repair

4.40(

)

Customers say: Quality work

19 years of experience

We are a heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, appliance, restaurant, kitchen equipment repair company for commercial and residential customers.

"They did not show up in time. Saide they put new parts in and charge me but did not put any new parts in. When I called them out on it told me I don't know what o was talking about and its still not working after coming out 4 times."

Brice Z on December 2020

We are a heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, appliance, restaurant, kitchen equipment repair company for commercial and residential customers.

"They did not show up in time. Saide they put new parts in and charge me but did not put any new parts in. When I called them out on it told me I don't know what o was talking about and its still not working after coming out 4 times."

Brice Z on December 2020

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

10 years of experience

Solar Wolf is a full service solar company with a great reputation and an old world belief to our customers. To under-promise and over-deliver, period. We have 18 years experience in construction, remodeling, roofing, solar water heaters, solar pv systems, battery back-up systems and much more. See what Solar Wolf Energy can do for you!

Sanborn Hardware

No reviews yet

Sanborn Hardware

No reviews yet

25 years of experience

We employ 3 full time employees and 4 part time employees. We deliver equipment to homes, and jobsites. We also help customers get the necessary supplies for their numerous projects.

FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

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FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

No reviews yet

14 years of experience

Flexible hours to fit your needs. Free estimates. Reliable, professional, insured.

H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

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H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

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Terry has been providing the great people of Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Pella, and the surrounding communities unparalleled service for the last 16 years. Terry not only provides service to residential and commercial customers, he is also the one plumbers call to get the job done. H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is has the lowest prices around. Contact Terry for the following: •Drain Cleaning •Sewer Cleaning •Minor Plumbing •Flooded Basements •Bathroom Drain Clearing • Kitchen sinks unclogged •Toilets and Tubs unclogged •Septic Tank Line Cleaning •Residential •Commercial H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is a locally owned and operated business. Call today for prompt and reliable service! Drain Cleaning Sewer Cleaning Minor Plumbing Basements pumped out Bathroom Drain Clearing Bathroom and Kitchen sinks unclogged Toilets and Tubs unclogged Residential Commercial Ottumwa, Iowa, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Pella, Iowa, Fairfield, Iowa.

Eledge Plumbing

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Eledge Plumbing

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

Business CategoryPlumbing Contractors, Plumbers - Commercial, Plumbing - Renovation & Repair, Plumbing Drains & Sewer Cleaning, Water Heaters - Repairing, In-floor Heating, Water Heater - Tankless, Water Heaters - Parts & Supplies Products & Services.This company provides residential and light commercial plumbing contractor services including drain line replacements, water heater repairs, reverse osmosis filters and plumbing repairs. They also offer in-floor heating services. - Radon testing and Mitigation

Kenco Construction LLC

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Kenco Construction LLC

No reviews yet

42 years of experience

Ken Co Construction is a women owned construction service with 30 years of experience. We offer quality services that will stand the test of time, including new construction and remodeling work for both residential and commercial structures. We are also experienced working with air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and general contracting projects. At Ken Co, we are not only concerned with budgets and schedules; we also take pride in our superior craftsmanship, commitment to excellence and dedication to customer satisfaction. US Federal Contractor Registration DUNS: 030713116 CAGE: 643P6 Woman Owned Small Business Current in CCR and ORCA 236115 - New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders) 236116 - New Multifamily Housing Construction (except Operative Builders) 236117 - New Housing Operative Builders 236118 - Residential Remodelers 238210 - Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Showing 1-10 of 21

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

You don’t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At $150 to $450, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the cost of hot water tanks themselves, which average about $1,190.

Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.

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 time it takes to replace a water heater depends on the complexity of the job. Expect your contractor to spend:

One to three hours on a standard tank-style water heater replacement
Two to three hours on a tankless water heater replacement
Four to six hours replacing a tank-style water heater with a tankless water heater
One hour for each additional parallel or point-of-use water heater

Your project will take longer if you’re switching fuel sources, upgrading to tankless, or relocating your water heater.

A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.

Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code–and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

The George, IA homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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

See all articles

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How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost? [2025 Data]
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How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? [2025 Data]
Running out of hot water too quickly or hearing strange noises when you call for hot water? Use this water heater repair cost guide to see what a fix will cost.
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Top 5 Homeowner Concerns About Boilers Explained
Is your boiler behaving normally? These five questions about boilers will help you detect boiler problems before they cause big trouble.
Kyle Schurman
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How Many Amps Does a Water Heater Use?
Learn how many amps you'll need to have for your water heater to operate. Some homeowners will need to upgrade amperage before installing new water heaters to avoid electrical outages and fires.
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•
Apr 23, 2025Apr 23, 2025
Electric Hot Water Heater Not Heating? Here Are 9 Potential Causes
A lack of hot water can easily upset the household. Here are nine reasons why your electric hot water isn't heating and what you can do next.