If your water heater isn't working like it should, then it may be time to replace it. While many homes rely on a 50-gallon water heater, 80-gallon water heaters are suitable for larger homes.
80-gallon water heaters are best for families with five or more people in their household and are frequently powered by electricity. If that's the direction you want to go, there are plenty of options to choose from, especially as water heater technology grows more advanced and affordable.
Keep reading to find the top 10 80-gallon electric water heaters for 2020. But first, check out the following frequently asked questions help you along your way of purchasing an 80-gallon electric water heater.
Table of Contents
80-Gallon Electric Water Heater FAQs
How Much Does an 80-gallon Water Heater Cost?
Your costs will vary, but you should typically expect to spend between $1,000 and $4,000 on a water heater this size. Heaters with lower price tags generally offer fewer features than their more costly counterparts.
How Long Do 80-Gallon Water Heaters Take to Heat Up?
This will depend heavily on the unit you purchase. As you shop, pay attention to two numbers.
- The First Hour Rating will tell you the total amount of gallons that the heater can warm in an hour if starting with a full tank of water.
- The Recovery Rate will tell you how many gallons the heater can supply in an hour if starting with an empty tank.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
Many 80-gallon water heaters are electric, an they can last an average of 15 years. However, your results may vary based on how well you maintain your unit and how much stress you place it under.
Are New Electric Water Heaters More Efficient?
Yes, legal requirements around energy consumption have forced manufacturers to begin creating more efficient water heaters. This is good news for consumers, as you can expect to save on your monthly energy bills after upgrading to a newer water heater.
Do Water Heaters Lose Efficiency Over Time?
Unfortunately, water heaters do lose efficiency over time. If you've noticed that your energy bills are creeping higher, it could be a sign that you need to invest in a new water heater.
Will a 80-Gallon Water Heater Be Enough Hot Water?
As a general rule, you can expect the draw efficiency to be approximately 70% of the tank size, or 56 gallons of hot water for an 80 gallon water heater. When hot water is being drawn from the tank it's replaced with cold water. If large amounts of hot water is drawn, the water heater is not able to heat the cold water fast enough, which is why an 80 gallon tank can only deliver approximately 56 gallons of usable hot water.
You should have enough hot water to draw four baths simultaneously, or run a load of laundry while three baths are running. In most cases, an 80-gallon water heater will deliver more than enough hot water for a large family.
Top 10 80-Gallon Water Heater Picks
These are our top 10 choices for 80-gallon electric water heaters:
1. General Electric - Electric Hybrid Water Heater
General Electric is one of the most respected names in the water heater market. Their flagship 80-gallon electric water heater could be just what you need to satisfy your home's hot water supply needs.
This electric water heater features 67-gallon first-hour delivery, the latest heat pump technology, and can save 3-4 person households between $370 to $490 on their annual electric bill. This is made possible by a design that's highly energy-efficient, with top-of-the-line insulation.
2. A.O. Smith Commercial Electric Water Heater
This electric water heater from A.O. Smith is one of the most affordable 80-gallon tanks on the market. And at such a reasonable price, it's hard to believe that you can purchase a durable water heater that's graded for commercial use.
The water heater uses a cutting-edge self-cleaning system, which reduces sediment build-up and extends the lifespan of the tank. It also includes Blue Diamond Glass Lining, which offers extra protection against leaks.
A.O. Smith Commercial Electric Water Heater
3. Westinghouse 4500-Watt Electric Water Heater
This 4500-Watt heater from Westinghouse is another excellent option. It can provide your family with all of the hot water it needs without racking up your energy bill. The stainless steel tank has been laser-welded to provide an impressive 98% thermal efficiency.
This tank's stainless steel design also makes it very durable. You'll find that the tank resists corrosion and features several smart technologies that can extend the life of your water heating system. It's one of the reasons why Westinghouse is among the top brands in the water heating market.
When you purchase this heater, Westinghouse will also provide you with a free lifetime limited warranty. This ensures that in the unlikely event that the heater stops working soon after you purchase it, you can get it replaced or request a refund without issue.
Westinghouse 4500-Watt Electric Water Heater
4. Stiebel Eltron ACC300 Electric Water Heater
If you're looking for an electric water heater that offers a high flow rate, the Stiebel Eltron ACC300 could be your ideal product. It was designed to allow families to use multiple water outlets at the same time without sacrificing temperature or pressure.
For example, with this tank, two people in your family could take a warm shower at the same time. Or, you could wash the dishes with hot water while another family member runs a bath. In addition, this unit can also reduce your hot water costs by up to 80% thanks to its efficient design.
5. Westinghouse 16,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Stainless Steel Tank
Westinghouse is one of the top manufacturers of electric water heaters. With this product, they've built a water heater that can meet the demands of virtually any household's hot water needs. The secret is in the tank's 16,500-watt heating element, which heats water much faster than some other 80-gallon models.
Like all Westinghouse electric water heaters, this one is also energy efficient, and both the inlet and outlet valves have built-in heat traps. This, along with the tank's stainless steel design, enables the heater to reach an energy efficiency rating of 98%, which means it could save you some serious money on your household's water bills.
Westinghouse 16,500-watt Water Heater
6. Rheem 12,000-Watt Electric Water Heater
Rheem is another respected manufacturer in the water heating industry. This unit stands out due to the high temperatures it can reach. The unit is capable of heating your water up to more than 180° Fahrenheit! That's sure to meet all of your water heating requirements.
Additionally, Rheem has built this 80-gallon water heater to last. It features the company's proprietary steel construction, which includes a coat of high-temperature porcelain enamel. This design makes the heater one of the most energy-efficient on the market.
Rheem 12,000-watt Water Heater
7. Westinghouse 5,500-Watt Electric Water Heater
Once again, you can't go wrong with purchasing a Westinghouse Electric Water Heater. This one is similar to the other two referenced in this article. Think of it as a middle option between the 4,500-watt Westinghouse water heater and the 16,500-watt unit.
This tank also gives you a great bang for your buck. It's a 100-gallon tank that could be an excellent choice for families who wish to keep more water heated at any given time.
As with the other Westinghouse models, this one also features a stainless steel tank, excellent thermal efficiency, and a limited lifetime warranty.
8. A.O. Smith Voltex Hybrid Electric Water Heater
If you're looking for a hybrid electric water heater, then this option from A.O. Smith could be your best bet. It costs a bit more than other heaters, however, it makes up for the increased price with several extra features.
For example, the tank has a vacation mode which reduces your operating costs and provides freeze protection during extended absences. The company also claims that this can provide you with a reduction in water-heating coasts that is 73% greater than standard electric water heaters.
A.O. Smith Voltex Hybrid Water Heater
9. Rheem Performance Platinum 80-Gallon EcoNet Hybrid
Rheem's Performance Platinum 80-gallon EcoNet heater is another excellent hybrid option. This tank features a high efficiency rating, ranging between 3.55 and 3.70 UEF. This can reduce your hot water heating costs by an average of $404 per year.
This heater also provides some quality-of-life features that many homeowners will appreciate. For example, it includes an LCD screen with a built-in water sensor alert, and an audible alarm. It also includes EcoNet WiFi technology that pairs with the company's free mobile app.
You can use this feature to take even more control of your water systems. It includes:
- Customizable temperature
- Vacation settings
- System monitoring
- Energy-saving features
In addition, Rheem also provides a free 10-year warranty.
10. Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Hybrid Water Heater
The Accelera 300 E can reduce your home's annual water bill by as much as 80%. It features a unique system that extracts heat from energy in the air. Because of that, your Accelera water heater will use less energy than a toaster while in operation, providing a best-in-class ENERGY STAR rating of 3.39.
This unit also stands out with its easy to use LED interface, which makes it incredibly simple to control the system and monitor it's performance at any given time. These features are what have made Stiebel Eltron the best-selling water heater brand in Germany for the past 40 years.
Make Sure Your Water Heater is Up to Speed
Water heaters are large investments which can be difficult for some homeowners to install. We highly recommend hiring a professional plumber to install your new heater. But before you write off your old water heater as needing to be replaced, it's a good idea to give it a second look.
If your electric water heater isn't functioning properly right now, that doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new one. Instead, you may just need a water heating specialist to come out to your home to take a look at your heater. They may be able to fix your water heater issues without breaking your budget.
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FAQs
Why is my electric hot water heater leaking from the top? ›
If you notice that the water seems to be coming from the tank itself, there's likely a tiny crack or hole in the top of the water heater. Unfortunately, that means the inner tank is corroding from the inside out and you'll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Why is my Rheem electric hot water system leaking from the top? ›A corroded water tank, sediment buildup, and high internal pressure are some of the possible reasons why your Rheem water heater is leaking. The only solution to these water heater issues is to replace your Rheem storage water heater with an upgraded model.
What's the average cost of an 80 gallon electric water heater? ›For homes with five people or more, you may need to consider a 75-gallon (average price of $900 to $3,000) or an 80-gallon (average price of $1,000 to $3,200) water heater.
Why are 80 gallon water heaters discontinued? ›This law applies to electric and gas hot water heaters. The gas hot water heaters are still available because the makers could make changes to the tanks that brought them into compliance. The 60, 80. and 100 gallon tanks are not efficient enough to meet the new energy requirements.
Why is my electric water heater leaking from the bottom? ›Leaks from the bottom of the water heater are either minor or require a replacement. Either the drain valve or the tank itself causes these water heater leaks. Drain valves usually need tightening, but if the tank has a leak, the whole thing needs to go. These replacements are expensive, but necessary.
Is it normal for electric water heater to leak? ›A water heater that leaks is almost always a problem. If you have a tank water heater and you notice water is pooling around the base, it's time to call for a licensed professional plumber to look at the system and find out what's wrong.
Can a leaking electric water heater be fixed? ›Although a leaky water heater can usually be repaired, whether it should be depends on the cause of the leak, the severity of it, and the age of the unit. Frequent repairs and major efficiency problems can end up costing a lot more than just replacing the unit with a new water heater.
Why is brand new water heater leaking? ›If your water heater was installed in a hurry or has a loose or otherwise faulty fitting, a poor connection could be to blame for your leak. In addition, plumbing materials can experience damage from issues such as expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, wear and tear caused by pressure, and more.
Do they make 80 gallon electric water heaters anymore? ›By the end of this year, 2021, they will be phasing out the traditional 80 Gallon Electric Water Heater and only be manufacturing their 80-gallon Aerotherm Hybrid Water Heaters.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable? ›The Rheem Marathon is the best electric water heater on the market today. Its guaranteed 40-year life-span implies it will be the last water heater purchased by homeowners, avoiding the need to replace a water heater every 10 years.
How long does it take an 80 gallon electric water heater to heat up? ›
Electric: The average 80-gallon tank will take about 2 hours to heat up.
How long does an 80 gallon water heater last? ›Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years.
Is a 80 gallon water heater better than a 50 gallon? ›Water Heater Sizes
The answer to this question will vary depending on the total number of kids you have. For example, a family of 3 to 4 people should purchase a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank.
If you assume that an 80-gallon tank has about 55 gallons of hot water to dispense before refilling, that means you have 27 or so minutes of total shower time before running out of hot water. Of course, if you have a tankless water heater, you don't have to worry about this at all.
Should I turn off my water heater if it's leaking? ›If you experience a leaking water heater, it is recommended to turn off the water to your tank. Your water heater tank should have a dedicated shutoff valve on the cold inlet pipes. If this is a gate-style valve (a wheel that turns), turn the valve clockwise as far as you can.
How long will a hot water heater last once it starts leaking? ›The length of life of your leaking water heater will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the leak. Most water heaters last from twelve to fifteen years. If yours is leaking, it doesn't mean your water heater is at the end.
Can I still use water heater if it is leaking? ›Yes, you can still use water if your water heater is leaking. The concern comes with the leak. The difficulty lies in determining the leak's exact location and how much it has spread to further damage or harm your home and property.
How can I tell where my water heater is leaking from? ›Check the Bottom of the Heater
The drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank, is the likely source of water heater leaks. Check the drain valve for escaping water. In the case that a small drip is occurring, a garden hose cap or sprayer makes a quick leak fix until the valve can be replaced.
Even a small amount of water leaking from your water heater can cause damage to your floors, sub-floors and walls. A significant flood could lead to hefty repair bills and damage to personal property. Water heater leaks can also be a health concern and lead to mold and mildew.
Can you use Flex Seal on water heater? ›Thanks for contacting us about your hot water heater repair. We recommend applying Flex Paste in temperatures between 0°F - 150ۜ°F. Once applied it can withstand a wide range of temperatures from -40°F – 200°F.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking water heater? ›
The typical range for water heater replacement is between $1300 to $5500, averaging around $1700. For the rest of the cases, the price tag on your electric water heater repair project, one of the most critical aspects, will be the specific part that requires work. The average cost of repairing a water heater is $506.
How many watts does an 80-gallon electric water heater use? ›With a 80-gallon tank and 1 element delivering 4500 watts, the ECT-80 delivers a first hour rating of 81 gallons at an Energy Factor of 0.86. The Coregard™ Aluminum Anode helps protect the tank from the corrosive effects of water, and is accompanied by a 6-year limited warranty.
How long will a 10 gallon hot water heater last? ›Water Heater Lifespan
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters: You've probably seen a single-family storage water heater before. In fact, they are the most popular home water heating systems. Holding between 20 and 80 gallons, they release hot water from the top of the tank and replace it with cold water at the bottom.
What water heaters do plumbers recommend? ›...a gas tankless water heater or heat pump water heater could work well for you. Both gas tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters work well for households who don't have a high demand for hot water at any given time. And both can provide considerable savings on water heating bills.
What is the number 1 hot water heater? ›Our best overall picks are the Rheem Performance 40 Gal. Natural Gas Tall Water Heater and the Rheem Performance Plus 50 Gal. Electric Water Heater, both of which offer large capacity, durability, and longevity.
Do electric water heaters have a reset button? ›Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation.
How do I know if my electric hot water heater is working? ›Test the wires to confirm the power is off, using a non-contact voltage tester. Check the heat setting on both thermostats; they should be at the same temperature. The recommended setting is roughly 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the temperature to the desired setting, using a flathead screwdriver.
How long does it take for a 10 gallon electric water heater to heat up? ›An electric tank hot water heater takes 60-80 minutes compared to 30 minutes that a gas tank heater requires to heat water.
Will a leaking water heater burst? ›A gas leak can also cause your water heater to explode because it is a tremendous fire risk.
Is it safe to use a leaking water heater? ›
Malfunctioning security features will contain the pressure inside the tank until the appliance explodes. Again, this is extremely rare, but it is a possibility. Leaky water heaters can be very dangerous and it's best not to take any chances.
Should I turn off water heater if leaking? ›If you experience a leaking water heater, it is recommended to turn off the water to your tank. Your water heater tank should have a dedicated shutoff valve on the cold inlet pipes. If this is a gate-style valve (a wheel that turns), turn the valve clockwise as far as you can.
Why is my brand new hot water heater leaking? ›If your water heater was installed in a hurry or has a loose or otherwise faulty fitting, a poor connection could be to blame for your leak. In addition, plumbing materials can experience damage from issues such as expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, wear and tear caused by pressure, and more.
Where do water heaters usually leak? ›The drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank, is the likely source of water heater leaks. Check the drain valve for escaping water. In the case that a small drip is occurring, a garden hose cap or sprayer makes a quick leak fix until the valve can be replaced.