Electric storage water heaters

Standard electric storage water heaters use a heating element inside the tank to heat the water, just like an electric kettle. They are responsible for the most greenhouse gases of any water heater, so they are not recommended.

Small electric storage water heaters less than about 160 litres usually use peak electricity and are the most expensive of all to run.

Larger electric storage water heaters generally use cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs where available, heating water at restricted times (usually overnight).

To reduce the chance of running out of hot water, tanks are often oversized and overheated, increasing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. An electric storage water heater can indirectly produce as much carbon dioxide each year as the average family car.