Electric Water Heater Installation Guide – Things You Must Know

Key Factors to Consider Before Installation

Space and Placement

There are electric water heaters with different sizes and options. Storage type heaters need to have a sufficient area to hold the unit and service it, whereas instantaneous heaters do not need a lot of space yet they might not be able to meet the demand. Sound position ensures safety in operation and reliability.

Electrical Infrastructure

Water heaters that use electricity consume a lot of power. The heater will require the electrical panel and wiring of the building as well as its circuit capacity. The costs of installation of older properties can go up as a result of upgrading. It is important to check electrical preparation prior to any installation.

Plumbing Compatibility and Water Pressure

Water pressure and plumbing plan impact performance and complexity of installations. High pressure has the ability to stress tanks and fittings; low pressure has an impact on flow rates. The design of plumbing also defines the use of a central system or point-of-use heaters.

Rules and Climate issues

Installation specifications are different in the UAE and the GCC region which in many cases encompass safety and energy efficiency requirements. Also, the hot climate of the Gulf ensures the incoming water is already hot most of the year, and thus the benefit of electric heating is less, and solar thermal options are more appealing.

Choosing the Right Capacity and Power Rating

Proper sizing will eliminate cases of shortages of hot water and will eliminate unnecessary use of energy.

Demand of hot water is derived according to the users and usage patterns. The normal daily requirements of residential buildings are between 30-40 litres per head and in commercial buildings, the capacity is far much higher. Demand is increased with multiple bathrooms, kitchens or laundry facilities.

The storage capacity and recovery rate should be balanced. Tanks with greater volume will be more immediate with hot water, and with greater wattage, the elements will be quicker in heating water. The typical range of electric water heaters is between 1.5 kW and 6 kW and above. An increase in wattage enhances performance at the expense of higher electricity consumption and demands.

The needs of the future should also be taken into consideration. Increased capacity may be appropriate in expanding households or growing businesses, whereas those concerned with saving energy in the long run might find energy saving products such as solar thermal systems appropriate.

Common Installation Mistakes

A few installation failures may undermine the safety and efficiency.

One of the most severe errors is improper installation of temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve. Each of the units should have an appropriate TPR valve installed with an outlet where hot water can safely be transported to space not occupied by people.

Wrong electrical connections, including undersized wiring, or loose terminals present fire hazards and lower its efficiency. Any wiring done should be manufacturer specifications.

The poor plumbing connections may lead to leaks and malfunction. Mismatch of materials, wrong sealants or inverting of the inlet and outlet conduits cause problems over time.

The thermal expansion in closed plumbing systems should not be ignored, because it may lead to hazardous pressure accumulation. Expansion tanks are required at points that have check valves or pressure-reducing valves.

Poor mounting and support can result in early breakdown. Wall mounted units need a strong structure to be mounted on the wall whereas floor mounted need level and stable surface.

The circumstances of hard waters that are prevalent in the Gulf region are usually not considered. Coating on heating elements causes a great decrease in efficiency and lifespan of equipment.

Essential Electrical Safety Measures

The issue of electrical safety is very important in the installation of water heaters.

The earthing is used to protect the user against being shocked when the insulation fails. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) should be rated correctly to eliminate overloads and Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) of 30mA sensitivity give life-saving protection against earth leakage.

Every water heater is supposed to work on its own circuit with isolation switches marked with clear labels to be serviced. The cables need to be shielded against moisture, heat and physical destruction especially in humid coastal areas of the Gulf.

Impact of Water Quality on Performance

Water quality has a major impact on electric water heater efficiency and lifespan.

Hard water causes mineral scales to form on heating elements and tank surfaces. Even minimal scale buildup can reduce efficiency by 10–15%, increasing electricity consumption. High mineral and salt content also accelerates corrosion, particularly in coastal areas.

Sediment accumulation reduces usable tank capacity and damages components over time. As a result, electric water heaters in hard water regions often experience shorter lifespans and higher maintenance costs.

While water softeners and descaling treatments can help, they add complexity and ongoing expenses. Solar thermal systems generally handle hard water more effectively, as they do not rely on high-temperature electrical heating elements.

Maintenance Requirements

There should be regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance.

The professional inspection would be done annually with tests of electrical connections, safety valves, thermostats, and anode rods. The anode rods are to be checked after every 1216 months in hard water conditions.

Leaks, corrosion, abnormal noises, or water discoloration are detected with the help of quarterly visual inspections. Heating components should be checked or changed after 2-3 years and tank flushing once a year should be suggested in the Gulf region to decompose sediment formation.

Although these recommendations are in place, most of the systems are poorly maintained until they fail, which adds to long-term expenses.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

Electric water heaters have relatively low upfront costs, but operating expenses dominate total ownership costs.

Typical households may consume 2,000–3,000 kWh annually for water heating. With UAE electricity tariffs and tiered pricing, this can result in significant yearly expenses. Efficiency degradation due to scale buildup further increases costs over time.

Maintenance, component replacement, and shorter lifespans add to overall expenditure. Commercial users may also face higher peak demand charges. Additionally, reliance on grid electricity increases carbon emissions, which is a concern for sustainability-focused organisations.

Solar Thermal: A Smarter Alternative for the Gulf

With solar radiation levels averaging 5–7 kWh/m²/day, the Gulf region is ideally suited for solar thermal water heating. These systems can reduce water heating energy consumption by 60–80%, often achieving payback within 3–5 years.

Over a 20-year lifespan, solar thermal systems typically offer lower total ownership costs and significant carbon reduction benefits compared to electric heaters.

SolarisKit’s solar thermal collectors are engineered specifically for Gulf conditions. Designed for flat roofs, they resist overheating during extreme summers and tolerate hard water more effectively than conventional systems, while remaining easy to install and maintain.

Making an Informed Decision

Selecting a water heating solution requires balancing upfront investment, operating costs, maintenance needs, performance reliability, and environmental impact.

While electric water heaters remain popular due to simplicity and lower initial costs, their long-term efficiency and maintenance challenges are significant in the Gulf region. Solar thermal systems, particularly those designed for local conditions, provide a future-ready alternative aligned with cost savings and sustainability goals.

Understanding these factors ensures you choose a solution that delivers reliable hot water, financial efficiency, and long-term value.