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: How heavy is a water heater?

• <div><p>An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though&mdash;tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.</p></div>

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

• <div><p>When wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-breaker-for-water-heater.htm">what size of breaker for a water heater</a> is appropriate, the majority of hot water heaters need a 30-amp, two-pole breaker. Most residential water heaters use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts. If your appliance matches these measurements, a 30-amp breaker is likely perfect. Owners of point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts often find that a 30-amp breaker is adequate. Water heaters that use more watts than average may need a 40-amp breaker. Smaller units that use fewer watts could potentially use a 20-amp breaker.</p></div>

Q: Can you have a boiler and a water heater?

• <div><p>Boilers are used mainly for central heating, and water heaters are used for ordinary household water use. In fact, a conventional boiler works best if your home already has a water heater system in place. Sometimes a boiler can be combined with indirect water heaters. But there are also premade combination boiler heaters.</p></div>

Q: What do I need to replace after water damage?

• <div><p>Any item that can hold on to moisture and encourage mold growth should be discarded and replaced following water damage. Upholstered items, such as armchairs and couches, and soft items, such as mattresses, usually must be thrown away once they've taken on a lot of water. Soft furniture is difficult to dry out, creating an inviting environment for mold.</p><p>You may also need to replace hardwood furniture following water damage if you're unable to fully dry it out. If you have appliances and electronics that have been fully submerged in water, particularly sewage, you'll need to replace those, too.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Fairfield, NY

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Fairfield, NY 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 Fairfield, NY 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 29, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
I had a water pressure issue in my home. Called for help and Loren showed up. Found the problem. My pressure tank needed some adjusting and an old unused water filtration system needed to be bypassed. Loren did a great job and he was very pleasant. Highly recommend
DRAIN & MAIN PLUMBING CO. LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
They installed our water softener promptly and efficiently. They have recommended we upgrade to include carbon filter due how bad our water was. Excellence service would recommend to anyone
Pure Water Source
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Reviewed in April 2025
I added a room on to the back of my house. It require some new gutter installation plus some modified and reworked install. George came recommended from a neighbor. He answered my call promptly and drove over to my property to meet me and discuss solutions. Once we worked out a plan that he...
A & J Seamless Gutter
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Reviewed in March 2023
Rick advised me via text message what to do to get the system up for a soft restart right away. Then he came to my home, tested my water, and made all the necessary adjustments to make sure the system was working properly. I didnâ t buy the original system from Rick and now I wish I had. I...
Advanced Water
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Reviewed in February 2016
I used the scheduling option on the Angie's List website and received a call to confirm a time within a couple hours. Work was done quickly and most importantly, the issue was resolved. (He removed the water filter that ran from our well to our water softener. The water was so hard, it gunked...
Rfc Inc Contracting
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Reviewed in November 2015
Contractor showed up and time Covered the floor cardboard and plastic to protect it. Checked the walls for mold and asbestos. Began removing the fixtures and removing the old walls. Found some of the drywall very wet and removed and replaced with new drywall. Installed the new tub and all...
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Reviewed in October 2014
MJM did an excellent job. The owner - Mike - was consistently responsive, answering calls immediately and arranging for his plumber to arrive promptly. Dave, the plumber who did the work, was friendly, patient, and effective at problem-solving (given the complexity of the job). His work was...
MJM Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in October 2014
They initially came to install a water heater, but while doing it they damaged my wall baseboard. I have called them several times and set up several apointments for them to return and fix this damage but they either don't respond, cancel or show up late. They are very unreliable and I would...
Mile High Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in June 2014
I walked in they greeted me warmly, the place was warm and modern. They offered me a beverage and started the water for my pedicure. They had me test the water before placing my feet in the water and showed me how to work the lovely massage chair. The technician did a beautiful job on my feet,...
Ayrsley Nail Bar
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Reviewed in July 2013
He was very good came over and was on time inspected my heating and air outside unit .After the inspection was over we sat down he showed me the results of the inspection. At that time he stated what he thought of the units performance and his recommendations. He was very professional
Smoak's Comfort Control
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Find Water heater pros in Fairfield

Done Right With Him

Done Right With Him

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

Welcome to Done Right, proudly servicing Remsen and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to complete your project to perfection. We look forward to building long lasting relationships with the customers that we serve. Call us today! You will not be disappointed.

"Fixed the problem quickly"

Jim S on December 2021

"Fixed the problem quickly"

Jim S on December 2021

JMP Contracting

JMP Contracting

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Good guys great work for a young company"

Dtephanie M on March 2024

"Good guys great work for a young company"

Dtephanie M on March 2024

Cookinham Construction

Cookinham Construction

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

Cookinham Construction is owner operated out of the Deerfield, NY area. I can take on any job your home needs except for roofing. I take pride in all of my work and I guarantee customer satisfaction. I started working with my grandfather at a young age. Working is my life and I want nothing more that my business to be successful. Please call us or click for an estimate today!

"Cody is the best. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great work job well done. I’m keeping him on speed dial. 5??????????"

Thalia W on January 2022

"Cody is the best. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great work job well done. I’m keeping him on speed dial. 5??????????"

Thalia W on January 2022

Drew Alesia Farm & Home Service

10527 Roberts Rd

No reviews yet

Drew Alesia Farm & Home Service

10527 Roberts Rd

No reviews yet

21 years of experience

Small owner operated farm and home service business.

CC&D Construction

163 Forrest Street

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CC&D Construction

163 Forrest Street

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17 years of experience

Accept all major credit cards, cash and check.

American Plumbing & Heating Services

347 S. 2nd Street

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American Plumbing & Heating Services

347 S. 2nd Street

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

We offer all phases of plumbing with 35+ years of experience and knowledge. We are licensed and bonded.

Howe Does It Automotive

900 Kellogg Ave

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Howe Does It Automotive

900 Kellogg Ave

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

We are here affordable prices at competitive quality. We strive to be your car guys!

Pioneer Spray Foam

2200 Bleeker St

No reviews yet

Pioneer Spray Foam

2200 Bleeker St

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

Pioneer Spray Foam is a locally-owned and operated insulation contractor serving Utica, Rome, New Hartford and all of Central NY. Founded in 2010.

Healthy Home Experts

901 Broad St.

No reviews yet

Healthy Home Experts

901 Broad St.

No reviews yet

11 years of experience

Healthy Home Experts is a home improvement that performs home improvements such as spray foam insulation, window and door replacement. Beware of imposters and scammers MARCO RUBINO, PADRIAC BEARD. CHARLEY SHOVE

Adirondack Contracting

No reviews yet

Adirondack Contracting

No reviews yet

11 years of experience

Adirondack Contracting is an all around general contracting company doing anything from siding, decks, windows, flashing, interior/exterior painting to framing, plumbing, light electrical, flooring (tile, lam-anent, hardwood, carpet, sub), drywall, plaster, joint compound and much more. ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED TO MEET YOUR 100% SATISFACTION. QUALITY WORK, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE, HONEST AND RESPECTFUL.

Showing 1-10 of 40

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though—tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.

When wondering what size of breaker for a water heater is appropriate, the majority of hot water heaters need a 30-amp, two-pole breaker. Most residential water heaters use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts. If your appliance matches these measurements, a 30-amp breaker is likely perfect. Owners of point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts often find that a 30-amp breaker is adequate. Water heaters that use more watts than average may need a 40-amp breaker. Smaller units that use fewer watts could potentially use a 20-amp breaker.

Boilers are used mainly for central heating, and water heaters are used for ordinary household water use. In fact, a conventional boiler works best if your home already has a water heater system in place. Sometimes a boiler can be combined with indirect water heaters. But there are also premade combination boiler heaters.

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

Any item that can hold on to moisture and encourage mold growth should be discarded and replaced following water damage. Upholstered items, such as armchairs and couches, and soft items, such as mattresses, usually must be thrown away once they've taken on a lot of water. Soft furniture is difficult to dry out, creating an inviting environment for mold.

You may also need to replace hardwood furniture following water damage if you're unable to fully dry it out. If you have appliances and electronics that have been fully submerged in water, particularly sewage, you'll need to replace those, too.

The Fairfield, NY 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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