GE GE20L08BAR 18 Gallon Electric Water Heater: Compact & Efficient Hot Water Solution

A Hot Topic for Small Spaces

Finding the right water heater for a small apartment, condo, or even an RV can be a real head-scratcher. You need enough hot water for showers and dishes, but you don’t have the luxury of dedicating a huge closet to a bulky tank. This is where the GE GE20L08BAR 18-gallon electric water heater comes in. It’s a “lowboy” model, meaning it’s designed to squeeze into those tight spaces where a standard-height water heater just won’t fit. But does its compact size compromise its performance? Let’s dive in and find out.

The Lowboy Lifesaver: Introducing the GE GE20L08BAR

The GE GE20L08BAR is an 18-gallon electric water heater specifically designed for small spaces. Its “lowboy” design makes it shorter and wider than traditional models, allowing it to fit under counters, in crawl spaces, or in other areas with limited headroom. It’s a popular choice for apartments, small homes, and even mobile homes or RVs where space is at a premium. While 18 gallons might seem small, it’s generally sufficient for one or two people with moderate hot water usage.

Electric Water Heating 101: How It All Works

Before we get into the specifics of the GE20L08BAR, let’s take a quick refresher course on how electric water heaters work. It’s actually quite simple. Inside the tank, there are one or two electric heating elements (the GE20L08BAR has a powerful 3800-watt element). When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows into the tank. A thermostat senses the temperature drop and activates the heating element. The element heats the water until it reaches the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat, then it shuts off. Hot water, being less dense than cold water, rises to the top of the tank, where it’s ready to be drawn out through the hot water outlet pipe.

Inside the Tank: The GE20L08BAR’s Key Features

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that make the GE20L08BAR tick, and I’ll explain them in plain English, just like I would to any of my customers.

The Anode Rod: A Sacrificial Hero

Imagine a knight in shining armor, constantly battling a dragon to protect a kingdom. That’s essentially what the anode rod does inside your water heater. The “dragon” in this case is corrosion, the enemy of all metal tanks. Water, especially hard water, contains minerals that can corrode the steel tank over time, leading to leaks and eventually, tank failure.

The anode rod, usually made of magnesium or aluminum, is a “sacrificial” component. It’s more chemically active than the steel tank, so the corrosive elements in the water attack the anode rod instead of the tank. It’s a simple but brilliant piece of engineering that significantly extends the life of your water heater. It’s crucial to note that while some product descriptions might mention “stainless steel,” the tank itself is most likely steel with a glass lining, a very common and effective method of corrosion protection. The anode rod is still essential in this setup.

Bottoms Up: The Cold Water Inlet

The GE20L08BAR features a cold water inlet tube that extends to the bottom of the tank. This might seem like a minor detail, but it actually makes a difference in how efficiently the water heater operates. By delivering the cold water to the bottom, it minimizes mixing with the already heated water at the top. This helps maintain a more consistent hot water temperature and ensures that you get the most hot water possible out of the tank.

Temperature at Your Fingertips: The Adjustable Thermostat

The GE20L08BAR features an adjustable thermostat, usually located behind an access panel on the side of the unit. This allows you to set the desired water temperature, typically between 120°F and 150°F. Why is this important? Well, for one, it’s about comfort. Some people prefer hotter showers, while others prefer cooler ones. But it’s also about safety. Setting the temperature too high (above 120°F) can increase the risk of scalding, especially for children and the elderly. The adjustable thermostat gives you control over both comfort and safety. It works using a temperature sensor inside the tank, which sends a signal to the heating element to turn on or off based on the water temperature and your set point.

The Drain Valve: Simple Maintenance

At the bottom of the GE20L08BAR, you’ll find a drain valve. This seemingly insignificant component is crucial for maintaining your water heater’s health. Over time, sediment (minerals and other particles in the water) can build up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment acts as an insulator, reducing the efficiency of the heating element and potentially leading to overheating and premature failure. The drain valve allows you to periodically flush the tank, removing this sediment and keeping your water heater running smoothly.

Installation and Maintenance: Keeping the Hot Water Flowing

Now, let’s talk about getting your GE20L08BAR up and running, and keeping it in tip-top shape.

Easy Installation (with a caveat!)

The GE20L08BAR is designed for relatively easy installation, with standard water and electrical connections. This means that if you’re replacing an existing water heater, the process should be fairly straightforward, especially if you’re handy with basic plumbing and electrical work.

However – and this is important – there’s a caveat. Some users have reported that the wiring on the 240V model may not follow the standard color-coding convention (black, red, and green). Instead, it might have white, black, and green wires. This is a potential safety hazard if not addressed correctly. I always recommend hiring a qualified electrician for any electrical work, and this is especially true in this case. Don’t take chances with electricity. A professional electrician can ensure that the water heater is wired correctly and safely, complying with all local electrical codes.

Keeping it Clean: Flushing Your Tank

As I mentioned earlier, sediment buildup is a common issue with water heaters. Flushing the tank regularly – ideally once a year, or more frequently if you have hard water – is essential for maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of your unit. Here’s a simplified procedure (always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions):

1. Turn off the power: Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the water heater.
2. Turn off the cold water supply: Locate the cold water inlet valve and turn it off.
3. Connect a garden hose: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve.
4. Open the drain valve: Place the other end of the hose in a suitable drain (like a floor drain or outside). Open the drain valve. You might also want to open a hot water tap somewhere in the house to relieve pressure and allow the tank to drain faster.
5. Let it drain: Allow the water to drain completely. You might see some sediment coming out with the water – that’s a good thing!
6. Close the drain valve: Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve.
7. Remove the hose: Remove the garden hose.
8. Turn on the cold water supply: Turn the cold water inlet valve back on.
9. Close hot water tap: Close that hot water tap you had previously opened.
10. Turn on the power: Turn the circuit breaker back on.

Anode Rod Replacement: Extending Your Water Heater’s Life

The anode rod, as we discussed, is a sacrificial component. It corrodes over time, protecting the tank. Eventually, it will corrode completely and need to be replaced. How often you need to replace it depends on your water quality and usage, but a good rule of thumb is to check it every 2-3 years and replace it when it’s significantly corroded (usually when it’s less than half its original thickness or coated in a thick layer of scale). Replacing the anode rod is a relatively simple task that can significantly extend the life of your water heater. Again, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, but generally, it involves:

1. Turning off the power and water supply.
2. Draining some water from the tank (to relieve pressure).
3. Locating the anode rod (usually on top of the tank, under a plastic cap).
4. Using a socket wrench (usually 1-1/16 inch) to unscrew the old anode rod.
5. Installing the new anode rod (using Teflon tape on the threads).
6. Turning the water and power back on.

Safety First: The T&P Valve

Every water heater has a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). This is a critical safety device. If the temperature or pressure inside the tank gets too high, the T&P valve will open, releasing hot water and steam to prevent a dangerous explosion. It’s important to check the T&P valve periodically (at least once a year) to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by carefully lifting the lever on the valve – you should hear a hissing sound and see some hot water discharge. If the valve doesn’t open or doesn’t close properly after you release the lever, it needs to be replaced.

Beyond the Basics: Understanding Water Heater Efficiency

You might see a rating called the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) on water heaters. The GE20L08BAR has a UEF of 0.93. The UEF is a measure of how efficiently a water heater uses energy. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater. A UEF of 0.93 is relatively good for an electric storage water heater, meaning it will use less energy (and save you money on your electricity bill) compared to less efficient models.

A Brief History of Hot Water

The quest for readily available hot water is ancient. Early civilizations, like the Romans, developed sophisticated systems of aqueducts and bathhouses with heated water. However, the concept of individual, in-home water heating is much more recent. Early electric water heaters, developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were often bulky, inefficient, and even dangerous. Over time, advancements in materials, insulation, and heating element technology have led to the smaller, more efficient, and safer water heaters we have today, like the GE20L08BAR.

Hard Water and your Anode Rod

If you live in an area with hard water (water with high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium), your anode rod will corrode more quickly. Hard water can also lead to increased sediment buildup in the tank. If you have hard water, it’s even more important to check and replace your anode rod regularly and to flush your tank more frequently. You might also consider installing a water softener, which can significantly reduce the mineral content of your water and prolong the life of your water heater (and other appliances).

Conclusion

The GE GE20L08BAR 18-gallon electric water heater is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact and efficient hot water solution. It’s particularly well-suited for small apartments, condos, and RVs. While it’s not designed for large families or high hot water demand, it provides reliable performance for 1-2 people. Remember to address the potential wiring issue with a qualified electrician, and follow the recommended maintenance procedures to keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come. It’s a small appliance that plays a big role in your daily comfort, so taking care of it is a worthwhile investment.