Choosing between gas and electric is not always as clear-cut as it may seem, so let’s go over the differences between gas and electric water heaters.
Though it is vital, many people do not get regular maintenance checks for their water heaters. It’s the kind of appliance you only think about when it breaks and stops working.
Standard water heaters run on gas or electricity as their primary fuel sources. Although water heaters typically have a long lifespan, ranging from 8 to 15 years, you will have to upgrade them at least once throughout their lifetime. With this in mind, the difficulty of whether to opt for a gas or electric water heater will inevitably arise, regardless of whether or not your house is brand-new construction. Of course, each option has advantages and disadvantages, and you should weigh them carefully before settling on a course of action.
After reading this article, you will know the key differences between electric and gas water heaters. This way, you can make an informed decision about which type is best for you.
Gas Vs. Electric Water Heater: What Are The Factors To Consider?
Gas and electric water heaters each have their own unique advantages. Gas water heaters may have lower operating costs, but their installation may be more costly than electric models. Electric water heaters most certainly offer lower installation costs, but the possibility exists that their operational expenses will be greater. Even so, your water demands and plumbing connections at home or workplace are part of the factor to consider in these choices.
Tankless water heaters, heat pump systems, and traditional storage tanks are all additional options that need to be considered. Because so many aspects go into establishing the demands for your water heater, it is recommended that you depend on the experience of a professional plumbing Service before choosing the equipment. But what are some factors to consider when choosing between an electric water heater and a gas water heater?
The Cost of Installation
Installing a water heater that runs on natural gas may be the most cost-effective choice if your house already has gas lines installed. If not, installing new gas lines may come with a heavy price tag. Also, changing from an electric to a gas water heater necessitates having work done by a professional gas fitter specializing in gas fitting. For this, the pipework within the house will need to be altered with an appropriate ventilation system in place.
Further, the cost to run a gas water heater that is energy efficient is often lower than the cost of operating an electric water heater. Still, the water you use daily might affect your total operating costs. For this reason, you should always speak with a plumbing expert before beginning the installation of either a gas water heater or an electric water heater. A professional plumber can assist you in gaining the most incredible possible comprehension of the expected costs associated with installing a new gas or electric water heater.
The expected lifespan of a water heater
Naturally, electric water heater tanks do not degrade as quickly from corrosion, allowing them to serve their purpose much longer. This is not the case for a gas water heater. The Gas type heat cold water by placing a flame at the lower part of the tank. This, of course, may lead to catastrophic damage to the tank itself over time.
Also, the water from a private well is far more likely to have high levels of corrosive minerals and substantial concentrations of iron, both of which may build up in the reservoir tank. This can shorten the time an electric heater is expected to work well. For this purpose, homes with municipal water often have a better quality of water that allows electric water heater tanks to perform to their full potential.
The accessibility and ease of use
When it comes to regenerating lost heat in water, gas water heaters are noticeably more effective than electric heaters in terms of efficiency. Gas heaters can heat a tank nearly immediately after it is loaded with water. It is assumed to have an average recovery rate of around 50 gallons per hour. For this reason, switching to a gas water heater is probably your best option if you want to avoid running out of hot water.
On the other hand, electric water heaters often provide less hot water than their gas-powered counterparts. The bigger tanks have a recovery rate of around 14 gallons per hour. For this reason, it may be possible to build bigger tanks to compensate for the poor production. Even while larger water tanks can heat the water for a long period, they may cost more to operate.
Environmental Friendly
Naturally, gas is one of the fossil fuels that burn cleanest and is environmentally friendly. However, this is not the case for gas water heaters, as it contributes to carbon emission into the atmosphere.
On the other hand, the reverse is the case when using an electric water heater. The heater produces no emissions and, as a result, is seen as being more ecologically friendly. So far, it is possible to save money and reduce one’s influence on the environment by purchasing new Energy Star-certified water heaters and other home equipment.
All you need do is talk to a professional plumber about your environmental concerns and get advice on a suitable water heater.
The Energy Use Of Water Heater
Often, the choice of an electric water heater or a gas type is determined by the ease of access to either electricity or gas. Most homeowners simply choose to utilize whatever is already installed in their homes. However, these days it seems like every house has either electric or gas utilities. To this end, homeowners must know how the energy use of water heaters is calculated.
Input is a measurement that determines how much fuel a water heater uses in one hour, and it is used to grade both tankless and tank water heaters. Watts are the unit of measurement for electrical input, whereas British Thermal Units (BTUs) are the standard for measuring gas input. In either scenario, the energy put into the device determines how fast the water is heated.
How Can Homeowners Save Money On a Gas or Electric Water Heater Bill?
While you like the convenience of turning on your water heater whenever you want and keeping it running for a long time, we must agree that getting a high electric bill is not very enjoyable. Here are some more things you can do around the house to lower your monthly energy cost and save money, regardless of whether you are using an electric water heater or a gas type.
Always use cold water for laundry.
When using a gas water heater, doing your laundry with cold water will save you an estimated $67 per year. The same goes for doing laundry with cold water with an electric heater. This can save you an estimated $161 per year. This is a simple method to save money on your monthly power bill, especially considering that most of today’s detergents do not need the use of hot water to be effective.
Adjust the water heater thermostat to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Every 10 degrees Fahrenheit you lower your water temperature will result in a three- to five-percent monthly savings on your water heating bills. For the same reason, families with young children should reduce the temperature to no more than 120 degrees.
Invest In Shower Fixtures With A Low Flow Rate
Investing in shower fixtures with a low water flow is another option to reduce your monthly water heater bill cost. Investing in a shower fixture with a low flow will cut the hot water you use in the shower, saving you anywhere from 25 to 60 percent of your water bill.
Turn off the Water While Not in Use.
Leaving the water running as you wash your hair or brush your teeth might result in wasted water over time. For this reason, you must shut off the water shower while washing your hair and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
Final Thought
The choice of between an electric water heater or gas type centers mostly on two factors: cost and the amount of space that is available. Even though the initial cost of installing a gas water heater is higher than the cost of installing an electric water heater, the reduced cost of natural gas makes up for the difference within the first year of usage.
Despite this, there is a place for electric water heaters. If you only have a limited space to install the heater, your best bet is probably to go with an electric one. In the same way, if you cannot install the venting that a gas heater necessitates because of factors such as expense or the construction of your home, you will not be able to use one.
All in all, always consult with a professional plumber near you for the perfect option.
