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>

What’s the best place in my house for a hybrid water heater?

• <div><p>Basements, specifically those without any air conditioning, are the best location for a hybrid water heater. These rooms are less likely to experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can affect your hybrid water heater’s efficiency and performance. Basements often have more than enough space for their tanks and proper air circulation. Hybrid water heaters can also be a bit noisy, but putting them in your basement will keep the noise away from your main living areas.</p></div>

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Q: Are new water heaters better than old ones?

• <div><p>Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one. </p><p>If you&rsquo;re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.</p></div>

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

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What size circuit breaker does a water heater need?

• <div><p>Most standard residential water heaters, which are typically around 40 gallons and use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts, require a 30-amp, two-pole circuit breaker. For smaller, point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts, a 30-amp breaker is also often adequate. However, some models may have different needs; units that use more watts than average may require a 40-amp breaker, while smaller units might only need a 20-amp breaker. Newer, tankless, or more energy-efficient models can also require a higher amperage. Having the correct breaker size is crucial for safe and efficient operation, so it's best to consult a licensed electrician to determine the specific needs of your water heater.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Payson, IL

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Payson, 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 Payson, 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 July 12, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
Jimmy and his son worked on our bathroom. They moved an unsightly pipe out of sight but retained it’s full functionality, replaced all ceilings and walls with new drywall, moved and added wiring, put in a light/exhaust fan, replaced shower/tub combo and vanity, new door and all paint, finishing,...
Tri-State Restoration & Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
They're fantastic, I like the service
Premium Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2023
Josh is a very conscientious worker and pays attention to detail. He has helped me on the farm with Livestock and around the house installing lights. Josh is honest and hard-working and is not afraid to take on any task.
Nailed It
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Reviewed in January 2023
Thank You Quad cities clean pros! My family and I can’t be more satisfied with the service we received! We will definitely book again soon!
Easy Clean Pros
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Reviewed in May 2021
did not know how dirty the blinds were, but so much black water was rinsed off, not they look brand new. Winston always has a great suggestion on how to clean tough areas. I&#39;ve used him for 5 years, and he always comes thru.
Zero Smudges by Winston
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Reviewed in March 2021
Ran late left early. Left a huge mess. Got a bad attitude when I asked about it. Said this job was a nightmare and he did his 7200 worth of work 2 days prior, but 2 days prior I still didn?t have running water.
A-Solutions Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2016
John came out to our house to give us a quote on our roof. We had noticed some water spots on our ceiling and realized it was time after 30 years. We called a few roofing companies to come to the house to give quotes. Having contractors show up on time when they say they are and perform the work...
Thompson Roofing & Reconstruction
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Reviewed in January 2014
A representative was contacted and a date was decided for him to come look at our old furnace and air conditioner. He measured the old furnace area and he looked where the air conditioner was. He said that he would call later with a time that the ones that would be in stalling the furnace and...
MASTER AIR HEATING & AIR COND
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Reviewed in August 2013
Clinton Twaddle and his crew are very professional and very friendly. We were doing a major remodel on our kitchen (removing walls) and and we needed the gas lines and water lines moved to accommodate the new location of our stove and refrigerator. I used Twaddle Plumbing the previous month...
Twaddle Plumbing
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Find Water heater pros in Payson

Rardin Plumbing Heating & A/C

4.6(

)

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

Serving Payson, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Excellent service. Oscar and his crew go far and above what is necessary to fix or replace plumbing. They are very conscientious, courteous and respectful. They are also very considerate of your property, taking measures to insure that floors are kept clean and all debris is removed when they leave. I will hire Rardin Plumbing and Heating again, and I highly recommend them.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Payson, 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 by81%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 Payson, 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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Green Earth Enterprises Inc

4.7(

)

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

Serving Payson, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We’re here to change your perceptions of what it means to be a property owner in today’s fast paced marketplace. Whether you are a landowner with rental property, or if you would like to “flip” a property you've just purchased or maybe you're a Realty Management Company seeking to prepare your managed property for the market or simply the next tenant. We're here to help you meet your needs in an affordable & efficient manner. We offer a wide array of services to choose from in whole or in part, as it fits your needs & budget. We look forward to doing business with you! Additional Emails - [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. Additional Address - Princeton, IL 61356.

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

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

Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one.

If you’re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.

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.

Basements, specifically those without any air conditioning, are the best location for a hybrid water heater. These rooms are less likely to experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can affect your hybrid water heater’s efficiency and performance. Basements often have more than enough space for their tanks and proper air circulation. Hybrid water heaters can also be a bit noisy, but putting them in your basement will keep the noise away from your main living areas.

Most standard residential water heaters, which are typically around 40 gallons and use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts, require a 30-amp, two-pole circuit breaker. For smaller, point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts, a 30-amp breaker is also often adequate. However, some models may have different needs; units that use more watts than average may require a 40-amp breaker, while smaller units might only need a 20-amp breaker. Newer, tankless, or more energy-efficient models can also require a higher amperage. Having the correct breaker size is crucial for safe and efficient operation, so it's best to consult a licensed electrician to determine the specific needs of your water heater.

The Payson, IL 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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