The operation of a water heater can be compared, in simple terms, to that of an electric kettle: cold water inside the tank is heated by a heating element. Connected to your home’s plumbing system, the water heater then distributes hot water to various outlets (bathroom sink, kitchen faucet, shower, bathtub, etc.) to meet your household’s hot water needs. Replacing your old water heater with a newer model is a great way to improve comfort and save energy.
An electric water heater—often referred to as a hot water tank—generally works with a storage system. It doesn't heat water continuously, but rather stores a certain volume of hot water for daily use. It consists of an enamel-coated tank within a steel casing, a heating system, a heating element, a thermostat, and an anti-corrosion system. It works based on the principle of stratification.
Cold pressurized water enters the tank as it empties to meet hot water demand. The incoming cold water is heated by the electric element and gradually rises to the top of the tank. Just like air, hot water is less dense than cold water, so it naturally rises. Cold water, being heavier, stays at the bottom. This physical principle creates layers of water at different temperatures—hence the term "stratification."
The arrival of pressurized cold water could disturb this balance. That’s why many electric water heaters include a diffuser (or jet breaker) on the cold water inlet pipe, which disperses the pressure and preserves the natural layer distribution inside the tank.
The ideal set temperature is between 55°C and 65°C (not to be confused with the output temperature, which is mixed with cold water via the mixer tap to reach around 40°C). Once heated, the water is kept at temperature thanks to the tank's insulation. A regulation thermostat constantly monitors and adjusts the temperature: either activating the heating system when the temperature drops or turning it off when the ideal temperature is reached.
Water temperature should never fall below 55°C to avoid the growth of Legionella bacteria and rapid scale formation but should not exceed 65°C either to avoid scalding and unnecessary electricity use. All Atlantic water heaters are factory-set to 65°C.
The lifespan of your water heater is closely linked to the type of water in your region. Water quality can vary depending on local factors, seasons, and exceptional weather events.
There are four types of water:
Atlantic’s heat pump water heaters like Egeo, Explorer, and Calypso VM are equipped with patented ACI Hybrid anti-corrosion protection, which ensures long-lasting protection for the tank, regardless of water type.
Several types of water heaters exist. While their general function is similar, there are some differences:
At Atlantic, we offer a wide range of water heaters to suit all needs and budgets:
🔹 Comfort: Reliable hot water supply for all household sizes, from 15 to 500 liters with vertical or horizontal water heater options depending on the model.
🔹 Savings: Energy-efficient with smart features (Eco+ / Auto mode), connectivity (Away mode, consumption tracking), and especially with our thermodynamic models.
🔹 Durability: Best-in-class corrosion protection thanks to ACI Hybrid technology, extending the heater’s lifespan, even in the most aggressive water conditions.
