A Spooky Season Survival Guide to Electric Hot Water

Halloween is the season for haunted houses, unexpected visitors and things that go bump in the night. But when you step into the shower after a chilly evening of trick-or-treating, the last thing you want is a spine-tingling surprise.

Between washing costumes, cleaning up pumpkin carving supplies and hosting overnight guests, your household’s hot water demand can rise quickly. Understanding your water heating options can help keep cold shower surprises away.

Tankless Electric Water Heaters: Hot Water on Demand

If storage space is limited or your household values endless hot water for the right application, a tankless electric water heater may be worth considering.

Rheem tankless electric water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit instead of maintaining a stored supply. Rheem Professional Classic^® models use electric immersion heating elements and offer digital temperature adjustment in 1°F increments. Electric tankless models also require no combustion venting.

Two factors help determine what a tankless electric water heater can deliver:

Flow rate: Measured in gallons per minute (GPM), this is the amount of water flowing through the heater.

Temperature rise: This is the difference between incoming water temperature and the desired outlet temperature.

For example, heating incoming water from 60°F to 120°F requires a 60°F temperature rise. Colder incoming water requires more heating at the same flow rate. Running several fixtures together also increases demand, so a model suited to one sink may not serve an entire household.

Before selecting a new tankless unit, have a professional evaluate the model’s performance chart, your simultaneous hot water needs and your home’s electrical capacity. A properly selected system can help provide reliable hot water for everyday use.

Tank Type Electric Water Heaters: Dependable Hot Water Storage

A tank type electric water heater stores heated water so it is ready when your household needs it.

Tank type electric water heaters use electric heating elements to heat stored water, with thermostats controlling operation. As hot water is used and cold water enters the tank, the system reheats the supply.

When comparing models, look beyond the tank’s gallon capacity. First-hour rating describes how much hot water a fully heated tank can deliver during the first hour of use, including water heated during that period. Recovery rate describes how quickly the heater can reheat water under specified conditions. Together, these ratings help you assess whether a model can handle your household’s busiest hour.

For homeowners who want added visibility and control, Rheem Smart Electric models offer connected features. Depending on the model, the EcoNet^® App lets you check hot water availability, adjust temperature, monitor energy use and receive service alerts. Select Prestige^® models with LeakGuard^™ also include automatic water shutoff to help protect against potential water damage.

These features can provide added convenience and peace of mind while helping homeowners stay informed about their water heater’s performance. Features vary by model, so review the specific product details before choosing a water heater.

Rheem Water Heater Booster: Increase Hot Water Delivery

If your existing tank is struggling during busy periods, replacing it with a larger tank isn’t the only option to explore.

The Rheem Water Heater Booster installs at the tank’s hot water outlet and adds heat as the stored supply cools. It monitors the water leaving the tank and activates when that temperature drops below the selected activation setting.

The result? Up to 60% more hot water from an electric tank water heater, based on Rheem’s stated testing conditions.* That provides additional usable hot water without increasing the physical storage capacity of the tank.

The Rheem Professional Classic^® RTEX-AB7 features a 7.2 kW rating at 240 volts and self-modulating technology that adjusts power to meet hot water demand. It can mount at the tank outlet or on a nearby wall, offering flexibility where space is limited. A professional should confirm compatibility and electrical requirements for your installation.

A booster supplements tank performance; it doesn’t create an unlimited supply. For households experiencing occasional hot water shortages, however, it can be an effective solution.

Find the Right Water Heating Solution for Your Home

Choosing between tankless vs. tank electric water heaters starts with understanding your home’s daily routine.

A compact tankless electric model may suit an application where on-demand heating and space matter. A tank type electric water heater offers stored hot water, with select models adding smart monitoring and leak protection. A compatible Water Heater Booster can help increase delivery from an existing tank.

Before making a decision, ask a professional to evaluate your peak demand, installation space and electrical setup.

Explore Rheem electric water heaters at Rheem.com and learn more about Rheem Water Heater Boosters.

*According to testing by an independent test agency, the Water Heater Booster can increase hot water delivery capacity from electric water heater tanks by as much as 60% when delivering water at 98°F or hotter to a 2.5 GPM standard showerhead. Actual results vary with installation and operating conditions.