There are some essential differences between electric and gas water heaters that you should consider before buying.

A water heater is essential for hot water in homes. If you are looking for different water heaters, electric or gas water heaters are usually available. They are different in cost, efficiency and operation. By knowing their advantages and disadvantages, you can decide which type is best for your house.

Difference of Electric or Gas water heaters

Both heaters are used to provide hot water. When fuel is burnt through the gas line in gas heaters, heat is generated. The electric resistance coils are used to generate heat in electric heaters. Gas heaters are usually bigger than electric heaters.

Which is Better? Electric or Gas Water Heaters

Both heaters, gas or electric, have their advantages. But their choice depends upon users’ needs and the home they will be using.

Cost Difference of Water Heaters

For buying a gas water heater, you need to spend a hundred to two hundred dollars more than the same quality electric heater. Gas water heaters are cheaper to operate compared to electric heaters. That will reduce the annual bill amount and save money over time. But this can be different for different areas according to natural gas cost.

Keep in mind that the unit costs of both heaters can fluctuate fast. The price of heaters can vary from low to very high.

Information about Energy-Efficiency

According to the Energy Department of the U.S, water heaters use about 18% of per home’s energy. You can decrease your billing amount by using less water. Energy consumption is also different for both types of water heaters. 

See the rating of an energy factor. If you want a high energy efficiency unit, select a higher energy factor rating. Some units like tankless systems and electric pumps for heating can be very energy efficient. The more efficient water heaters are more expensive than regular water heaters. Purchasing and installation of energy-efficient water heaters are a bit expensive. Such heaters do not work in areas that face utmost temperature changes.

Tankless systems of water heating can be available in both gas and electric models. They have higher energy efficiency compared to ordinary tank-based systems where water is heated continually. That saves energy up to 35% of the household.

As everything has some disadvantages too, and So is Tankless systems. They also have some disadvantages. It is not very easy to install these systems. Their cost can be up to 3000 dollars. Water can be easily used up in these systems.

Gas tankless systems are more expensive than electric ones. By using electric systems, you can save on monthly bills.

Easy to Install: Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are easy to install as compared to gas heaters. As electric heaters are small in size, so they take less space than a gas heater. Professional should be hired to install this system as electric work is needed.

A local water heater contractor is needed to install a gas heater, as the work of venting and gas lines is a safety concern and not an easy task.

The installation of gas heaters can be more expensive and complicated if you have never used them before. It needs the new gas lines and installation of venting. A swap can cost about 500 dollars for the installation process. But making gas heaters from the beginning can cost up to 2000 dollars. You should not swap an electric system with a gas system unless any particular need.

Durability: Tie

As time goes by, gas water heaters may require more maintenance. There is no considerable difference if we talk about the length of service of both heaters. A well-kept gas water heater can last as long as ten years. An electric water heater can last a few more years than a gas heater.

Tankless water heater units may work for about twenty years. Even though their upfront and installation costs are higher, but you can use this system for a long time. That should be kept in mind while buying water heaters.

Whichever system you go with, you need to check on their annual maintenance to make sure units will last long.

Speed of Gas Water Heater

That can be quibble as the difference is not considerable, but gas heaters produce heat quickly compared to electric heaters. Gas systems provide more quantity of hot water in a given time. Their performance is relatively better in the first hour of usage.

Safety Measurements for Electric and Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heating systems are riskier than electric ones. There is a possibility of gas leakage or explosion. Carbon monoxide detectors can be installed for peacefulness.

Environmental Impact: Electric water heaters

Electric water heaters are environmentally friendly than gas heaters. They have more energy efficiency. They can use sustainable energy sources like wind, solar or hydroelectric.

Constant Power Outage: Gas water heaters

With an electric water heater, you need electricity. No electricity, no hot water. A gas water heater can be a reasonable precaution for areas experiencing a frequent breakdown.

Limited Space: Electric water heaters

Electric water heaters are usually smaller than gas systems with related specifications. If your home is small or you want to install the system in a tight space, the electric water heater is a better choice.