A gas or electric water heater can meet your home’s hot water needs. If you are replacing your existing unit, our water heater service professionals can help you determine the best solution. We provide personalized advice and installation because every household is different. The factors explained in this article should help you understand whether a gas or electric water heater is better for you.
How Gas Water Heaters and Electric Water Heaters Differ
Both types of units are designed to supply hot water to plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances. Here are descriptions of how each type works:
- Gas Water Heaters: A gas-powered model burns fuel that’s delivered via a gas line. A pilot light ignites a burner that heats water to the desired temperature and maintains that level. Depending on the unit, it may use natural gas, propane, or liquid petroleum gas. Most gas water heaters have a storage tank where water is heated continuously.
- Electric Water Heaters: Instead of combustion, an electrically powered unit uses electric resistance coils to generate heat. It requires a connection to your home electrical system and service panel. While many electric water heaters use a tank, smaller tankless models are available and heat water on demand, saving even more energy.
Each type does the job effectively but has its advantages.
Factors That Determine Water Heater Selection
Knowing whether you’re better off with a gas or electric water heater requires considering many variables. Just as they can help when you call for water heater repair, a technician can explain the perks of each type based on your hot water needs, budget, space constraints, etc.
Installation Costs
Many homeowners are most concerned about the upfront cost of installation. Installing a gas water heater tends to be more expensive because it requires a gas line hookup and other equipment. However, an electric water heater is connected directly to your home’s electrical system. Unless you need a new breaker panel, you could save a couple hundred dollars.
Size Options
Depending on the size of your home and household, you may need a larger water heater. Gas and electric water heaters both come in many sizes. However, larger gas units are often available, compared to electric models, so they can meet a higher demand. Electric water heaters usually range from six to 50 gallons (some can hold up to 80 gallons of water). Gas models come in a comfortable size range of 20 to up to 100 gallons.
Ease of Installation
Electric water heaters tend to be smaller and easier to install. Nonetheless, you still need a professional because the job entails electrical work and properly setting up the appliance so it’s reliable and efficient. Gas water heater installation is generally more complicated, so tends to be more expensive. Running a new gas line, installing a venting system, and connecting valves and other components can add to the project cost.
Operating Costs
Knowing the long-term operating costs of your water heater can help with budgeting. But determining which type of unit you’re better off with isn’t easy. Electric water heaters tend to be more expensive to operate, since electricity costs more than natural gas in most places. However, gas prices can fluctuate. With the potential for them to keep rising, it can be hard to predict long-term operating costs.
Energy Efficiency
Efficiency is also an important factor when it comes to operating costs. Gas water heaters must ventilate combustion gases, which leads to heat loss. Therefore, a gas model can reach a maximum of 80% to 85% efficiency. Meanwhile, electric water heaters use nearly all their energy to heat water and can run at 98% efficiency or higher.
Water Heater Lifespan
The water heater’s lifespan helps determine if the cost of ownership is worth it. An electric water heater can last a bit longer than a gas model. This can make up for increased operating costs.
A gas water heater should last at least 10 years if you keep up with maintenance. If you’re intent on maximizing longevity and making up for higher upfront costs, consider installing a tankless water heater. It can last 20 years or more.
Speed/Heating Rate
Gas and electric water heaters offer similar water heating rates. However, gas units tend to produce heat more quickly and have a better recovery rate, so they can provide more hot water in a given period. While they produce a little less heat than gas burners, electric heating elements are still effective.
Safety
Electric water heaters outrank gas models for safety. They don’t have a risk of gas leaks, which can cause fires and explosions. However, electrical fires can occur if a unit malfunctions or isn’t properly maintained. Always follow safety guidelines and have your system inspected regularly by a professional.
Both types of water heaters have safety features such as automatic shutoffs in case of overheating. They also have temperature and pressure relief valves that release water if the unit gets too hot or water pressure reaches unsafe levels.
Reliability
Both water heaters are reliable. However, an electric model will only run if there’s electrical power. It cannot work during a power outage. Therefore, if outages are frequent in your area, a gas water heater is a better choice, especially one that doesn’t require an electric starter. It will continue to heat water even during a blackout.
Space
If your home is small, an electric water heater is better because it’s physically more compact. It can fit in a tighter space, out of the way of living spaces and areas of travel.
Maintenance
Gas water heaters have additional maintenance requirements. They have more parts than electric units, including flame burners, gas valves, and venting systems that must be serviced; otherwise, they can malfunction and break down. The process of burning fuel takes a toll on these components. Electric water heaters have fewer parts, so if lighter maintenance is a priority, you may be better off with an electric model.
The Environment
If you prefer a more eco-friendly solution, electric water heaters have an advantage over gas units. They are efficient, don’t produce emissions, and last longer, which is better for the environment. You can also connect your electric water heater to solar or wind power sources.
Conclusion
Both gas and electric water heaters have advantages. However, the best choice depends on your home and preferences. Gas units are suited for large households that consume lots of hot water. They also work better in colder climates and function during power outages.
Meanwhile, an electric water heater better suits a small household with limited space, especially if your hot water consumption isn’t that high. It is efficient in a mild climate and environmentally sustainable. Make sure your area has a reliable power supply before investing in an electric model.
The costs of each can vary as can the benefits. Consult with your local water heater contractor for advice on which type you’d be better off with.
Contact Monarch Home Services Today
Our licensed plumbers provide high-quality water heater replacement in Fresno, Bakersfield, and elsewhere in the San Joaquin Valley. They can install a tank-style or tankless gas or electric water heater. Our Home Protection Society membership includes maintenance and other perks to help care for your water heater. Our technicians install and service all major brands and models. To request an appointment, call (661) 452-8707.