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 are the financial benefits of a heat pump water heater?

• <div><p>One of the primary benefits of a heat pump water heater is how cost-effective it is. How much you save will depend on your water usage and electricity costs. That being said, we can ballpark savings for the average home of between <b>$100</b> <b>and</b> <b>$500 per year</b>. You can increase that savings rate by researching and applying available energy incentives available in your area. If you really want to focus on cost, consider a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/is-a-tankless-water-heater-worth-it.htm">tankless water heater</a>. </p></div>

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Q: What is the proper vent pipe for a water heater?

• <div><p>Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater&rsquo;s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.</p></div>

Q: What is the proper way to vent a gas water heater?

• <div><p>The right way to vent a gas water heater is to have a pipe directly upward or slopes upward out of the house. Because hot air naturally rises, this type of venting will efficiently ensure that all gas moves out of the house. Your system may rely on fans or blowers as well.</p></div>

Q: What are some common issues with a water heater?

• <div><p>Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power&mdash;this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Backus, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Backus, MN 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 Backus, MN 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 October 09, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Just and FYI if you are thinking of calling any company to do work on your property DO NOT call North Country Construction LLC out of Pequot Lakes MN. Owner of company if Jayden Cadias.We had him install a kitchen floor which cost $9300 and the tiles are separating. We made him aware of this,...
North Country Construction LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's...
Steamboat Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2024
We had a house fire and needed the condenser moved to the new house. They were working on it in a couple days, way sooner than expected. Very professional and good at what they do. This is my second time having them work on my ac/heating, will call them for all my needs in the future.
Lake Shore Heating and Cooling, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Justin was on time and very friendly respected our home cleaned up after job was done and made sure we knew how to use the water softener before he left
Range Water Conditioning
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Reviewed in December 2021
Swenson Electric does great work. The electricians are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Swenson Electric
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Reviewed in September 2021
Same day service to replace water heater;Professional .friendly,and timely.
Water Heaters Now, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
They work very well with the customer and help you determine what the needs you have of your pool service
Sunburst Pool Maintenance and Repair
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Reviewed in July 2018
Despite assurances from owner and son that their paint finish on cabinets would not come off even if kitchen used frequently and wiped down regularly, paint has peeled, worn thin, and chipped off even in areas that are not used. Owner repainted some of the cabinet doors first year, but did not...
Crow Wing Cabinets
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Reviewed in December 2017
Jim was very prompt, fit us in quickly to his schedule. Price for installing water softener was very reasonable compared to other quotes we had received. We would definitely use him again!
Finken, Inc.
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Find Water heater pros in Backus

Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Paul did excellent work on replacing our pressure tank. Also, redid plumbing pipes by water heater."

Response time10 hrs

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's plumbing system for the fall, allowing me to video record the process. Luke's clear explanations, patience, and personal touch made the experience seamless. His dedication to customers is impressive. I appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about his background and family, which added a nice touch to the service. I highly recommend Steamboat Plumbing and Luke Ewert for exceptional service, expertise, and customer care. I will definitely use Steamboat Plumbing again in the future!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Lakes Area Water Works

4.8(

)

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater’s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.

The right way to vent a gas water heater is to have a pipe directly upward or slopes upward out of the house. Because hot air naturally rises, this type of venting will efficiently ensure that all gas moves out of the house. Your system may rely on fans or blowers as well.

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

Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power—this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion.

One of the primary benefits of a heat pump water heater is how cost-effective it is. How much you save will depend on your water usage and electricity costs. That being said, we can ballpark savings for the average home of between $100 and $500 per year. You can increase that savings rate by researching and applying available energy incentives available in your area. If you really want to focus on cost, consider a tankless water heater.

The Backus, MN 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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