When it comes to heating your home’s water, you have two main options: an electric water heater vs gas water heater. So which one is right for you? There has always been a war between gas and electric water heaters. Several people prefer using gas water heaters, and others rely on electric ones.
There is some major difference, advantages, and drawbacks of using gas water and an electric water heater. It can make it challenging for the homeowner to choose between both.
However, choosing an ideal one depends on a few factors. Beginning with the first one, think about how much hot water you use. If you have a large family or run a business, you’ll need a gas water heater to keep up with your demand.
On the other hand, if you’re not using a ton of hot water, an electric water heater might be the better option for you. They’re typically cheaper to install and maintain, and they also use less energy than gas hot water heaters.
Electric Vs Gas Water Heaters – What’s The Difference?
There are several key differences when it is electric vs gas water heaters. Let’s start with the basics:
Electric hot water heaters use electric power to heat water, while gas water heaters use either natural gas or propane. This is the primary difference between the two types of heaters.
Electric hot water heaters are cheaper to install, but gas water heaters are more efficient and can save you unnecessary charges on your energy bill in the long run.
Gas water heaters also have a higher flow rate than electric water heaters, meaning they can deliver more hot water faster. This can be important for large households or for people who like to take long showers.
Gas Water Heaters
So, you’re considering a new water heater for your home. Great choice! But how will you decide which one is right for you? In this section, we will highlight the efficiency, performance, cost, and lifespan of gas water heaters.
Gas water heaters are the best of the best options for many homeowners because they offer excellent performance and efficiency. In fact, gas water heaters can be up to 30% more efficient than electric hot water heaters. They also have a shorter recovery time, meaning they can heat more water faster.
Performance
Whenever you enter the market or a website to get a water heater, it is extremely crucial to consider the overall performance of the heater. Gas water heaters are excellent in terms of performance. However, their performance truly depends on the amount of gas they receive.
For instance, gas water heaters perform quickly when they get full or most gas. However, the case is the exact opposite when there is no minimum gas.
As per customer reviews, gas water heaters have a tendency to be more powerful than electric models, so they can heat water more quickly. If you have a large household or you require to heat a considerable amount of water at once for your daily chores, then a gas heater is a better option.
Efficiency
When it comes to estimating the efficiency of the water heaters, unluckily, gas water heater loses the game.
It is true that the operating cost of the gas water heater is way less than the electric water heaters, but their efficiency is way too less compared to electric water heaters. Also, gas water heaters typically have a longer lifespan.
However, they do always require a gas line to be installed in your home, which may not be feasible in some cases. A gas water heater typically uses more energy to heat up water. Ultimately, it also releases more waste into the environment, which makes it non-eco-friendly.
Cost
The next thing to consider while purchasing a new water heater is the total amount required for the purchase and the rough estimate of the maintenance required. There is no such difference between the retail price of gas water heaters and electric water heaters. But with the addition of electricity charges, there is a reasonable drop in the gas water heater.
Life Span
The life span of all home appliances strictly depends on how often you maintain them. Bi-annual maintenance of your gas heater will help you extend the overall life span of the gas water heater.
In comparison to the traditional water heater, the gas water heater will stay by your side for more than 10 years. At the same time, the lifespan of the tankless water heater is 2 times than that of the conventional gas water heater.
Electric Water Heaters
If you’re heading toward the market or scrolling the internet for a first-hand water heater, you might be wondering whether to choose an electric or gas model. Both have their aces and drawbacks, so it can be hard-hitting to select which is right for your home. Before moving forward, let’s lay an eye on the biggest differences between electric and gas water heaters:
Performance
The performance of an electric water heater is much better than that of a gas water heater. With the advent of technology, several companies have stepped forward with advanced and smart electric water heaters.
These smart water heaters are majorly electric water heaters in nature. In-built features like thermostats or temperature regulators make these water heaters worth purchasing. These features also aid in mitigating the overall electricity cost of the homeowner.
Efficiency
Evaluating the efficiency is the next most important factor to consider while getting a water heater. Electric water heaters also tend to come with energy-saving features like timers and temperature controls.
Compared to gas water heaters, electric ones are more efficient. The electric water heater comes with a vacation mode which enhances the overall efficiency of the heaters. It also makes them a smart water heaters.
Cost
The annual and bi-annual costs of the electric water heater can scare any person. However, the electric water heater may come at the same price as the gas water heater. Several people drop the idea after imaging the overhead electricity charges. But the electric water heaters with a vacation mode can help the homeowner eliminate the overhead costs from their utility bills.
Lifespan
In terms of lifespan, the electric water heater is irreplaceable. Electric water heaters typically last longer than gas models, so you’ll need to replace them less often.
However, it is still very important to weekly maintain and flush off the water heater more often. This will give a five-year life extension to your electric water heater.
Tips To Maintain Electric Heaters & Gas Heaters
You might be thinking about what is the best way to clean your hot water heater and keep it functioning for years. Well, this section reveals some proven tips that you can make part of your routine and ensure that your electric heater or gas heater lasts for a long time:
- Check the anode rod regularly and replace it immediately if necessary. The anode rod defends the tank from corrosion and deterioration, and if it’s not working properly, the entire heater could be at risk.
- The next is flushing the tank at regular intervals to eradicate sediment buildup. This will help improve the efficiency of the heater and extend its lifespan.
- Inspect the pipes and fittings regularly for leaks. If you find any, repair them immediately to avoid further damage.
- Keep the area around the heater debris free and clean. Doing this will surely help ensure proper ventilation and prevent fires.
Finishing Lines
So, what’s the bottom line? Should you go electric or gas if you’re in the market for a water heater?
Gas water heaters are cheaper to install, but electric water heaters are cheaper to operate. Gas water heaters have a longer lifespan, but electric water heaters are more efficient. Also, you can even go on with getting a smart water heater.
Ultimately, the decision is streamlined and focused on your budget and your needs. For those looking forward to getting an energy-efficient water heater that will save them considerable bucks in the long run, go with an electric water heater. So, when deciding on a perfect water heater that is easy to install and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, go with a gas water heater.
For more help, guidance, or installation, get in touch with Peni Accomplish water heater services to get the best recommendations.
