Electric vs Gas Water Heaters: Which Is Better for You?
Since electric and gas water heaters are both popular types of water heaters, there's a debate between them. Users of both electric and gas water heaters claim that their choice is more cost-effective and efficient. If you are trying to decide which one to buy, here are the pros and cons of each type of heater.
Electric Water Heater Pros and Cons
The most common type of water heater is an electric heater, which uses electricity to heat the water. In the US and UK, electric water heaters are becoming more popular. The advantages are that they're energy-efficient, easy to use, and have lots of bells and whistles. However, there are some disadvantages as well: They can be expensive to install and require regular maintenance.
Gas Water Heater Pros and Cons
As a cleaner energy source, gas is better for the environment. A gas hot water heater is also an excellent choice for people living in cold climates. These heaters are also usually cheaper to install than electric ones. Gas hot water tanks, however, should be checked for leaks regularly. They can be more expensive overall due to the cost of replacing them when they break down.
No Clear Winner
Gas and electric water heaters both have pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which is superior. They're also similar in many ways. With an electric water heater, for example, you can adjust the temperature with a switch, but gas water heaters also come with features like thermostatic controls, automatic over-temperature protection, and more that electrical ones don't have. Fortunately, specialty companies like Mr Waterheater can service either type of water heater you buy.
Other Types of Water Heaters
Besides these two options, here are five alternative types of water heaters to consider, too:
1. Heat pump water heaters: These do not directly use electricity to heat water.
2. Hybrid gas water heater: This is a water heater that has a tank that is at least two gallons.
3. Indirect water heaters: These usually use the boiler within the home as a heat source.
4. Integrated water heaters: These are water heaters and space heaters integrated into a single system.
5. Solar water heaters: These harness the energy of the sun to heat water.
How to Decide
It can be difficult to decide between electric and gas water heaters. You must consider a lot of things. These include the cost of electricity versus gas, the size of the tank, and the impact on the environment.
You should keep a few things in mind if you're not sure which type of water heater is best for you. Budget is the first thing to consider. You might be better off with an electric water heater if you don't have a lot of money to spend on one right now but would like to get one eventually. Another thing to consider is utility rates. If you live in an area where electricity is more expensive than gas (or vice versa), then you might use the cost to decide. Ultimately, keep your specific situation in mind when making a final decision.
