You may have heard the age-old debate about which is better: gas or electric stoves? But have you considered gas vs electric water heaters?
Water heaters are the tanks of water, often tucked away into a closet, that daily provide us with a wealth of modern day comfort. Having accessible hot water is a luxury and sometimes a necessity. Hot water helps us with cleaning, washing, cooking, and bathing so having an efficient water heater is essential to daily life.
While both gas and electric heaters source hot water, each has its pros and cons. Whether you are looking to find the “best” option, or considering options for replacement, we will go through the details of each so that you can finish this blog better informed.
Energy Source
Both kinds of water heaters get their energy from different sources. As their names suggest, one gets power from gas, the other from electricity.
Gas powered water heaters will use natural gas and propane to function properly. Some homes are set up with a gas line already, which means the installation to source the gas is pretty straightforward. However, if there isn’t a gas line already in place, it can be quite expensive to install one.
For electric water heaters, they source their energy from electricity, which will be in essentially any home. Regardless of whether or not you have a gas line in your home, electric water heaters can be installed pretty much anywhere.
Initial Cost & Installation
If cost and budget are factors in deciding between gas vs electric, then it’s good to understand the difference between each before installation.
Gas water heaters may be a bit more pricey up front if your home does not have gas lines. But if your home already comes equipped, then you may find that gas is fairly cost-effective. For electric, the installation process can be very easy and tends to have a lower unit cost.
Energy Efficiency
When trying to determine monthly costs and usage of gas vs electric water heaters, there are some pretty significant differences that are good to note.
Electric water heaters don’t use as much energy to heat up water, though it may be a slower process since they don’t use venting for heating. However, electricity costs can often be expensive, meaning the monthly bill may be more than gas.
For gas-powered water heaters, they tend to replenish hot water more quickly than their counterparts, but they use up a lot of energy in the process. Though not the most efficient in energy-usage, natural gas is usually a cheaper alternative to electricity.
Performance & Recovery
Depending on how much hot water you and your family uses in a day, you should consider whether gas vs electric will be best for your household.
Gas water heaters are great at heating water quickly, so if you have a large household and are concerned about everyone getting a hot shower in a short period of time, gas is a great option. If you live alone or with a small family, electric water heaters still heat water well, albeit a bit slower, so they could be better suited for your needs.
Environmental Impact
If the environmental impact of your water heater is important to you, it’s good to know how each contributes to the impact.
Since gas-powered water heaters rely on propane and natural gases, these can use more carbon emissions than electric ones. Some of the newer models, though, are made with better efficiency, meaning less energy is needed to maintain the same functionality.
Electric water heaters can be greener options, especially if your electricity comes from a renewable source.
Lifespan
It’s important to invest in a water-heating system that is going to last you a long time. Whether you choose gas vs electric will determine how soon you will need a replacement.
Electric water heaters often last between 10-15 years, and gas-powered heaters last between 8-12 years. No matter which you have or choose, you should ensure that you provide proper and regular maintenance for your water heater to get the longest lifespan possible to get your money’s worth.
Gas vs Electric – Which One Is Best?
Whether you choose a gas vs electric water heater will often depend on your home, hookups, and budget. At S&B Plumbing, we offer water heater maintenance to keep your home feeling comfortable, regardless of the kind of heater you have. Whether you have a gas line or not, we can install a tankless water heater – a water supply that heats water on-demand wherever you need it – right into your home. Reach out to us for more information today!
