Residential Electric Tank
American offers more than 100 electric water heater models. From ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency options to affordable standard-efficiency units, there’s an American electric water heater for every home.
Residential Electric Tank Water Heaters
American electric tank water heaters are built with commercial-grade components for superior durability and reliability. Every residential electric tank model undergoes lab testing to ensure long-lasting performance, providing you and your family with peace of mind.
Rebates & Tax Credits
Local utility rebates available in limited geographical areas. For information on the Federal Tax Credit, go to: energystar.gov. Check with your tax advisor for applicability. Offer details and expiration may vary. See Rebate Center for details.
What Our Customers Are Saying
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Delivers up to 40% more hot water with Hot Water+
- 10-Year limited warranty
“Performs extremely well and constructed solidly for long service."
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Vacation mode—save money when away
- 10-Year limited warranty
"When you need to replace, American is the way to go."
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Plugs into standard 120V outlet
- 10-Year limited warranty
"Not having to worry about a high electric bill is great, thanks American!"
Benefits of Electric Tank Water Heaters
Easy Installation
Electric tank water heaters are simple to install when replacing a similar model with the same power requirements. For a fast and proper installation, American strongly recommends using a professional installer.
Hot water Storage Supply
Electric tank water heaters store a supply of hot water, making it available when you need it most.
Long Lasting
American water heaters are built to last with limited warranties that range from 6 to 10 years to help ensure that your home has hot water for years to come.
How Standard Electric Tank Works
Electric tank water heaters store and heat water using one or two electric heating elements inside an insulated tank. Here's how the process works:
- Cold Water Enters: When you open a hot water tap, water pressure pushes cold water into the tank through a dip tube that sends it toward the bottom.
- Hot Water Exits: The incoming cold water pushes hot water from the top of the tank out through your home's hot water pipes.
- Water Heats and Rises: The heating elements warm the cold water, which naturally rises toward the top of the tank as it heats.
- Temperature Stays Consistent: A thermostat monitors the water temperature and turns the heating elements on and off to maintain your set temperature.
The tank also includes a temperature and pressure relief valve to release excess pressure and a drain valve for maintenance. These components work together to keep the system running efficiently and safely.
Because the tank stores hot water, it's ready when you need it. This means you can run multiple fixtures at once—like a shower, dishwasher, and washing machine—as long as your tank is properly sized for your household's needs.
Still Have Questions?
Neither is universally better—it depends on your home's setup and priorities. Gas water heaters cost less to operate monthly but have higher upfront costs and require a gas line and venting system. Electric tank water heaters cost less to purchase and install, plus they don't need gas lines or venting. American electric tank water heaters have UEF ratings between .89 and 3.45. Gas models heat water faster, while electric models take longer to recover after heavy use. Most homeowners choose based on what their home is already equipped for.
While DIY installation is possible if you have plumbing and electrical experience, American recommends hiring a licensed plumber or contractor. Professional installation ensures the unit is installed correctly, safely, and meets local building codes. Improper installation can cause leaks, electrical problems, or code violations that may void your warranty or cause damage to your home.
Electric tank water heaters don't require gas lines or venting since they don't burn fuel or create exhaust. This makes installation simpler and more flexible. They typically cost less upfront than gas models of similar capacity. The tank stores hot water so it's ready immediately when you need it, letting you run multiple fixtures at once—like showers, dishwashers, and washing machines—as long as the tank is properly sized.
The right size depends on several factors: number of people in your household, typical shower length and frequency, bathtub size, groundwater temperature in your area, and how often you run hot water appliances simultaneously. A 40-gallon tank works for most 2-3 person households, while families of 4-5 typically need 50-80 gallons. Use American's online XPERT™ Product Selector to get a personalized recommendation based on your specific usage patterns.
No. Electric water heaters don't require any venting because they use electricity to heat water through heating elements. Since there's no combustion process, no exhaust gases are produced that would need to be vented outside. This is one of the key advantages over gas water heaters.
Featured Electric Tank Water Heaters
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Plugs into standard 120V outlet
- 10-Year limited warranty
- Grid-Capable via built-in CTA-2045 communication port
- Highly efficient with a UEF of 0.92
- 10-year warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Delivers up to 40% more hot water with Hot Water+
- 10-Year limited warranty
Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Tank Water Heaters
American’s hybrid electric heat pump water heaters are ENERGY STAR® certified, harnessing heat from the surrounding air to efficiently warm your water, reducing operating costs and maximizing savings.
Standard Electric Tank Water Heaters
Discover what model is right for your home. Compare energy efficiency, warranty length, and more.
