Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are marvels of technology. They're not only safer than other types of water heaters, they're lower in cost and more environmentally friendly. Installation is less expensive too. Best of all, Jump River  Electric Cooperative has great incentives to buy one.

To save you money, electric water heaters are more efficient than ever before. In addition, your electric water heater can be managed so that it heats your water during off-peak hours when the cost of electricity is lowest. This results in cost savings for you. And, because electric water heaters are larger and better insulated, they'll keep all the water you want hot until you need it.

Compared to even the most modern gas water heaters, electric models are safer, cleaner and more convenient. Electric water heaters don't need venting. There's no flame and no fumes. Nothing to pollute the air inside your home. Which means everyone will breathe easier.

Q. What is electric water heater load management?
A. Load management is a means by which Jump River  Electric Cooperative is able to control, or smooth out the peaks and valleys in the demand for electrical power, hence allowing the generation of electricity at a less expensive rate. This cost savings is passed along to participants in the program by means of a reduced rate for a block of kilowatt hours used. Your savings would be approximately $3.00 per month on your electric bill.

Q. How does this work?
A. During peak periods of demand, your water heater is shut off via a radio signal transmitter from Dairyland Power Cooperative in LaCrosse, WI.   Once the peak is over, another radio signal is transmitted to restore power to your water heater.  We have nearly 2,700 water heaters on our Load Management Program.  Homeowners do not even notice that their water heater was controlled.

Q. What additional equipment is required?
A. A radio receiver is installed near your water heater by Jump River  Electric Cooperative at no charge to you. The receiver is not a time clock nor is it controlled on a daily basis.

Q. Won't I run out of hot water?
A. The period for which your water heater will be controlled is no more than four hours in a consecutive ten hour period. With a properly sized water heater, in good working condition, you shouldn't notice a change in water temperature.

Jump River Electric offers both     and     

Do you have more questions on electric water heaters or controls? Find more information about Marathon water heaters by visiting their Web site at www.marathonheaters.com or contact Dave or Tony at Jump River Electric Cooperative.  (An email can be sent to Dave or Tony by clicking on their names above.)

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Many members are now asking about tankless or instantaneous electric water heaters.  Here is what we have found in our research of these type of waterheaters....

Tankless Electric Water Heaters-the rest of the story 

Tankless (aka instantaneous) water heaters are a hot topic these days. Modern tankless water heaters incorporate computer chips, an array of sensors and high-powered inputs.  These briefcase sized tankless units only heat when the hot water tap is open.  The water is heated very rapidly as it flows through a heat exchange coil.  The manufacturers of these units are making claims about big savings from energy efficiency, etc.  'Why would anyone even consider an old-fashioned tank type water heater these days?'  Unfortunately, they neglect to tell you the 'down side' of the product.  Most Americans are unfamiliar with this type of equipment and they might not be prepared to handle the special demands of this complicated device.

Proper sizing is critical with tankless equipment. Tankless water heaters are sized by flow rate as measured in gallons per minute (GPM).  Typically, a bathtub needs 4 GPM, showers 2.5 GPM, washing machines 3 GPM, dishwasher e GPM, and each sink 2 GPM.  Flow rates from older faucets and showerheads may be much higher.  The size of unit needed is determined from your highest demand for hot water at any one time. Because tankless water heaters must heat water very fast, they have limited capacity and have difficulty supplying multiple hot water needs simultaneously.  Adoption of this new technology has been slow because busy American households often require several hot water appliances to operate at the same time.  Want to run the dishwasher or wash machine while showering?  You may not be able to. If your demand is too great, a second tankless unit may be required or an energy efficient storage water heater may be a better solution.  Also keep in mind that northern climates, the incoming ground water temperature is colder and tankless units are not recommended.

Water quality is also an important issue with tankless heaters.  The ads talk about long life, but in reality, unless the water is very pure, few will have longevity.  Because of the extremely high temperatures needed to heat the water in the short trip through the heat exchange unit, many minerals precipitate out of the water and deposit on the coils of the unit shortening its life.   This applies to both gas and electric units.  Most warranties are voided if water hardness is too high, others provide de-liming instructions when a warning light illuminates.  Moderately high dissolved solids (above 500 PPM) or moderately low pH are also problems.  You may also need to have your water analyzed for carbon dioxide, chlorides, copper, iron, and more.  Read the warranty and be sure hard water is covered.  Traditional electric tank-type units are much more capable of handling diverse water conditions across the country.

One of the issues that has implications for your utility and customers is the untimely load these units place on the system.  Family sized models require 240 volts and up to 150 amps capacity to operate!  This level of demand almost always exceeds that of most residential electric services.  In addition to the cost of the heater, significant wiring upgrades are usually required as well.  Unfortunately, all of that demand (14 to 30kw) is pure uncontrollable peak load.  Utilities are also faced with disgruntled customers who can no longer get by with their residential transformer and demand an upgrade.

These are not do-it-yourself installations and definitely not fix-it yourself products.  One major brand is sold and serviced only by 'factory-trained' technicians who carry 60+ page troubleshooting manuals and a treasure trove of electronic meters, pressure meters, and thermometers due to the sensors and electronics aboard.  Traditional electric tank-type water heaters have only four (4) service parts made up of only two (2) elements and two (2) thermostats.  Service calls are relatively easy and straightforward.  Parts are a lot cheaper than labor costs these days.  Wonder what a service diagnosis and an electronic circuit board on a tankless unit costs?  Can you even find a qualified technician to work on one? 

Tank-type water heaters are more forgiving.   The stored water acts like a buffer.  This is how commercial applications, like hotels, can service large groups of guests who are taking showers at the same time.  The same occurs in your homes during family visits, holidays, and other times of high usage.

How about all those promised energy cost savings? True, these microprocessor-controlled wonders do not lose much heat to 'standby' heat loss; however, unlike traditional electric elements, their efficiency drops with scale buildup.   Their savings figures also come from comparisons to 'low end', traditional steel heaters.  A full size Marathon water heater loses only about 5 degrees in 24 hours!  Not much more savings to squeeze out there!

Next time you hear someone wanting a tankless water heater, tell them the 'Rest of the Story.'  Twice the installed cost of a Marathon, more service (if can find it), short life, and no savings over a Marathon-some deal!  Wouldn't you prefer cost effective and hassle free water heating, with a Lifetime Warranty Marathon water heater.