After four years of using the EcoSmart 60208 heating element, I can confidently say it’s a mixed bag. The copper sheath and 208V compatibility made it a solid replacement for my original EcoSmart 8 unit, which crapped out in under three years. This one lasted longer—almost four years—but started showing signs of wear, like inconsistent heating and longer warm-up times. Still, for the price, it’s a decent backup.

Installation was a breeze, even for a non-plumber like me. Swapping out the old element took minutes, and the new one fired up like a champ. It’s wild how a $50 part saved me from a $5,000 system replacement. But buyer beware: some users report it doesn’t fit the ECO 8 model despite the listing. Mine worked, but double-check your unit’s specs before ordering.

Hot water is back, but the lukewarm phase before it fully gave out was annoying. If you’re in a pinch, this element gets the job done—just don’t expect miracles. And maybe order two, because you’ll need a spare sooner than you think.