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>

How much does water expand in a water heater?

• <div><p>Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed. </p></div>

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Q: Can I use multiple tankless water heaters?

• <div><p>You can use multiple tankless water heaters, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you should. Adding multiple tankless heaters adds considerable cost to your home in both parts and installation costs. Also, you&rsquo;re adding many more points of failure in the system, making plumbing issues harder to diagnose. More heaters mean more maintenance, and insurers may want a word regarding the increased risk of water damage. A single, larger unit makes more sense in most situations. </p></div>

Q: Should I replace my 20-year-old gas water heater?

• <div><p>If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.</p></div>

Q: Can you ask a pro what’s the best breaker size for your water heater?

• <div><p>If you are having trouble determining the right breaker size for your water heater, it is a great idea to contact an electrician near you to help. They can help you determine the best option for your home and install the circuit breaker for you, ensuring that you have all the proper permits and that your circuit breaker won&rsquo;t overload, which could lead to fire and other damage.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Alpha, IL

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Alpha, IL 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 Alpha, IL 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 June 19, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
The prior owner of our home replaced all of the windows in our house except our main window. We used to get sheets of ice on it during the winter. This last winter we had no condensation and the living room was significantly warmer. It also keeps the sun from heating up the room in the summer....
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in April 2025
These guys were great! We had snow breaks installed on our metal roof. These guys were fast and efficient, they were honest and fair. We waited a full year to give a review, to see how the snow breaks and the quality of their work held up. My entire family enjoyed watching the snow breaks work...
Quality Roofing Pro
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Reviewed in August 2022
They did an addition with this job also. We love it and we really enjoyed working with Cajun and Eric and their team. So much so, we had them come back and do a screened in porch the following year.
Emergent Builders
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Reviewed in September 2021
Highly recommend Muscatine plumbers.. Did a Great job at a very reasonable price! They replaced outside spigot, shut off valves, a faucet and a portion of the main water pipe. We will definitely call them again if we need a plumber for our home!!
Muscatine Plumbers
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Reviewed in May 2020
Had water leaking in a basement near an inactive fireplace in an old house. He took out the fireplace, found cracks in the brickwork of the foundation, fixed it and walled up the fireplace. No more leaks! He’s very easy to work with and finished the work under the estimated time and cost. Also...
RC Masonry - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in February 2018
I bought my house without knowing there was waterproofing done by MidAmerica Basements. Therefore thought nothing about transferring a warranty to my name (my fault). I had to tear apart my basement because of their poor quality of work. The concrete they used on the job eroded away and caused a...
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Reviewed in September 2016
Installed water heater for Lowes. Arrived day of purchase, installed the water heater, and removed the old one. Installer accidentally walked down white-carpeted hallway with dirty shoes and reported it to the office that night. Within a couple of days they had a carpet cleaner here and took...
Watson Plumbing & Mechanical
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Reviewed in September 2014
The business knows how to address difficult water issues. After Neil Thomas installed the water on demand (a new electrical version) the pressure needed to be increased so they trouble shot adding the pressure tank first and added the extra booster later. <br /> The fan installation was done...
Neil Thomas Plumbing & Heating Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2014
Jason was the 1st contractor to call me after I hung up with HomeAdvisor. He gave me an estimate to replace my dead water heater that was slightly below the average. We set up a time for the service between 12pm - 2pm. Jason called me and let me know he was finishing another job early and...
Service King Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2013
Miguel was very professional and showed up to my home about 10 min earlier. He explained his process and how long it should be. He cleaned the master bedroom, two other bedrooms and the stairs. It all looks great. I have had steam and water cleaning done before and it hides the dirt until the...
A 1 Dry Carpet Cleaning
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Find Water heater pros in Alpha

Serving Alpha, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Alpha, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"The yearly service works out to be $50 a month. We've had two water heaters replaced through them because of a fault in them. They're usually very responsive. I like that I can request the service online. The only thing is, I wish that there was a better avenue for emergency services. If something doesn't work right away usually it takes a couple of days to get someone out and sometimes you can't wait two days without water."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Carmar Remodeling & Handyman Services

2.9(

)

Serving Alpha, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Emergency services offered

Family owned and operated for over 40 years.

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

You can use multiple tankless water heaters, but that doesn’t mean you should. Adding multiple tankless heaters adds considerable cost to your home in both parts and installation costs. Also, you’re adding many more points of failure in the system, making plumbing issues harder to diagnose. More heaters mean more maintenance, and insurers may want a word regarding the increased risk of water damage. A single, larger unit makes more sense in most situations.

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

Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed.

If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.

If you are having trouble determining the right breaker size for your water heater, it is a great idea to contact an electrician near you to help. They can help you determine the best option for your home and install the circuit breaker for you, ensuring that you have all the proper permits and that your circuit breaker won’t overload, which could lead to fire and other damage.

The Alpha, IL 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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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
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How Much Does a Water Heater Expansion Tank Cost? [2026 Data]
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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.