Q. We just moved into our home, and it is not brand new, so we know this heater has worked in the past. Do electric heaters have pilot lights? I can hear some activity when the water is running upstairs, but no heating occurs.

A. Make sure the breakers on the main electrical panel are turned on. There is also an overload/reset breaker on most water heaters. Remove the cover and reset this as well. If it still doesn't heat, the electric coil or coils are probably defective. These can be purchased for about $20-$25 each at Home Depot. Some water heaters only have one - some have two. Good luck.

Q. I was told that the electric variety of tankless water heaters suck up a lot more juice than their propane/nat gas counterparts. The reason I am considering electric is that I don't want an extensive installation - I just want to replace my old electric tank heater with a wall-mounted tankless one. Is it worth it?

A. Consider that an electric on demand heater will only draw current when in use. A regular water heater has to heat the water and then maintain that temperature. Yes, it's more efficient. The drawbacks to a tankless heater would be that you may not get as much hot water as fast as you want it. I have been looking into these lately myself. I have decided to go with gas because I want to be "off-grid" , however I suggest that you carefully consider your requirements for an electric heater and make sure that you get one that is powerful enough to fulfill your needs. I hate it when the shower won't get quite as hot as I like it. You must consider your climate and your water source. Some of these heaters will only heat water 50 degrees. That means that if your water is 32, after heating will only be 82. Not hot enough for a hot bath. I would get one if I were you, but I would get a good one. Don't get some cheap crap.

Q. Just wondering...I have seen so many electric water heaters on the market and I just want to know if they are safe with the excessive amount of power that is used to heat the water. What regulations/laws etc must be complied with in the design of an electric water heater?

A. Of course they are safe, however electric water heaters are not so efficient. Get a natural gas/propane thankless water heater. They use about 3000+ watts i think and are 220 VAC. I don't know the regulations that go into making one though.

Q. I need to buy a new water heater and it has to be electric. The way I am reading the requirements to be eligible for a tax credit, the electric water heater has to have an Energy Factor of 2.0 or greater. I'm not finding any electric water heaters with an Energy Factor above 0.98 though. Any specific brands and model numbers of a qualifying electric water heater will be greatly appreciated. I appreciate the answers. Thanks for your help.

A. I couldn't find any, either. Nor could I find any tankless water heaters that are energy star compliant, so there goes that theory. If you can't meet the federal requirement, check with your municipality and state. Many have rebate programs of their own that will gain you real dollars instead of a tax credit.

Q. My electric water heater is on it's way out, and I'm wondering if it is more efficient to replace it with a gas water heater than electric water heater. I looked into real time water heaters but for what they cost, I'd have to live in my house 22 years to get the savings, which isn't worth it.

A. Gas is generally a bargain compared to electric water heating. You can find out for certain by getting in touch with your elec co and gas co and asking them how much elec and gas is, then do some guesstimating to decide which is better.

Q. We need a new water heater and are very torn between a tank, a tankless gas, and a tankless electric. We're leaning towards the electric. Any advice?

A. Gas would save money over electric anyday but either way, electric or gas , i would go for the tankless. the tankless only heats water when needed, not all day and night like the conventional hot water tank so the savings are tremendous right from the start. you may have to upgrade electric to accomodate the requirements of a tankless unit. contact pro

Q. I have an electric water heater that is due for replacement. My range, and central heat is gas. There is no gas line piped to the location of the water heater. I am considering a tankless water heater. I am considering electric, because the house is already wired for it. If I go with gas, then I will have to run a pipe to it. What do you think? What do you think of hybrid (gas/electric) water heaters? Is a tankless water heater really better than a conventional water heater with a timer attached?

A. Stick with wut works.replace the electric heater.

Q. My electric water heater is only a couple years old, but I hear that gas heaters heat the water faster and cheaper. Are the potential savings significant enough to justify replacing a fairly new electric model?

A. In the long run, you will save money by switching. Perhaps you can sell your fairly newer electric water heater and cut your initial loss somewhat.