American Electric Water Heaters
Review and Buying Tips

An overview of the American electric water heaters for heating potable water in residential applications. A review of the top features found on the most popular models from the ProLine group.

American electric water heaters are designed to supply homes and manufactured housings with hot water reliably and safely. The heaters are found in many sizes and capacities, which are different in quality and warranty terms.

Due to an extensive line of electric products, there is a product for every family; you can buy an economy model that fits anyone's budget or top of the line unit, which is more expensive but advanced and durable.

According to the manufacturer, the standard electric types' annual operating costs are around $400 (2020), and the maximum shower time is close to half an hour. These numbers are even better for the electric hybrid models; over $100 is the operation cost and close to one hour to shower.

Premium features of electric tank-type water heaters

• Blue Diamond Glass Coating – protects the metal tank from corrosion
• Self-Cleaning System – reduces the risk of sediment buildup
• CoreGard Anode Rod – protect the metal elements
• Commercial-grade heating elements
• Heat Trap Nipples – reduces heat loss
• Enhanced Flow Brass Drain Valve - allows easy and fast draining/flushing

American electric water heaters for residential use

This comprehensive line of American electric water heaters includes:

• ProLine XE
• ProLine Master
• ProLine standard models
• ProLine Specialty series

ProLine XE

The best American electric water heaters come from the ProLine XE series, which consists of electric hybrid models. These models heat water utilizing a heat pump technology and heating elements as the backup.

As the heat pump moves the hot air rather than heating the air, this type of electric water heaters is the most effective and efficient. These are the only type of American electric water heaters that are Energy Star compliant, saving energy and providing decent savings.

A great user experience results from of the included Electronic User Interface with the large LCD display that also helps in easy troubleshooting and four heating modes for various situations, such as extended absence or high performance.

Hybrid water heaters come in sizes of 50 and 80 gallons, heating average and large-size homes with the efficiency three times higher than the efficiency of the conventional electric type, delivering hot water to more fixtures and allowing almost two times longer showers.

Except for hybrid models, the ProLine XE series also includes high efficient models with the built-in Electronic User Interface, touchscreen display, and diagnostic capabilities for better user experience, smart port module, dry fire protection, and a 10-year tank warranty.

According to the manufacturer, the ProLine XE series is considered as "BEST."

ProLine Master series

The ProLine Master series features four sizes, from 40 to 55 gallons, all equipped with commercial-grade heating elements and premium features such as Blue Diamond glass coating, CoreGard anode rod, and a self-cleaning dip tube. The Master series comes with an 8-year warranty and is ranked as "BETTER."

Standard ProLine series

The standard series is the largest group of all American electric categories. It includes water heaters with capacities ranging from 30 to 55 gallons and three sizes; tall, short, and Lowboy - providing more flexibility in selection and later in the installation.

American electric water heaters from this group can operate not only in residential homes but manufacturing housing too.

Even rated as "GOOD," they still utilize premium features exclusively made by American; Coregard anode rod, Blue Diamond glass coating, and self-cleaning dip tube.

The standard warranty is 6 years.

ProLine Specialty series

The Specialty series consists of electric water heaters designed with storage tanks with capacities from as small as 2.5 to the largest 38 gallons and mainly used for point-of-use service.

Water heaters are grouped into several categories: Table Top, POU (point-of-use), Compact, and Lowboy, and due to their small and unique design, can be installed either in the kitchen, above, or below the kitchen sink, closet, garage, or in the utility room.

As for the above models, the ProLine Specialty series is also compliant with HUD standards for installation in mobile homes and manufactured housing.

You can also order a ProLine Mobile Home model, specifically designed for mobile homes, including side water connections for easier installation.

Conclusion

Before you consider buying any of the American electric water heaters, make sure to select the right tank size with the first-hour delivery and recovery rate that can suit your needs. According to this sizing guide, for the family size of 2-3 people, buy a 40 or 50-gal water heater, or for 4-5 people, get a unit with the capacity of 60 to 80 gallons.

Related

Popular articles