So many of us have experienced the problems when we are trying to shower and have shampoo in our hair but the water runs cold or when we need warm water in our washing machine and no warm water is available. It means that you need to take on the journey of a new water heater. Be it gas or electric, but it’s the right time you spend money on a new heater.
When you are a homeowner , you just have to use and afterall replace a water heater yourself. Spending money this way has always been a part of our lives and our homes. As it is, nobody likes this occurrence much. If you replaced a heater and got a cheaper one , maybe you are in for a fortune depending on how often you have to replace it. But the real question that arises is: Electric or Gas water heater ?
What should be expected?
When considering a new water heater installation, your residential plumber might inquire if you prefer to power your new unit with gas or electricity.
Here is the difference between the two types of water heaters , so you can choose easily.
Conventional Water Heaters
A traditional water heater consists of a tank that warms water by utilizing high-voltage electric heating elements that are embedded within the tank and immersed in the water.
Previous models of water heaters were significantly less energy efficient compared to the options available from Plumbing One and other contemporary plumbing services today. In 2020, traditional water heaters can reduce your water heating expenses by approximately seven percent. These conventional units remain the most widely used type of water heater.
Conventional water heaters are called hot water tanks, and there are two main types – natural gas, and electric.
Electric Water Heaters
The cost of electric water heater is far less in purchasing than the gas water heater if one is asking and comparing among the two basic types of water heaters. And usually people would prefer going for something that is cheaper in price.
But many articles have shown that the water that is heated by an electric water heater , heats up rather slowly as compared to the gas water heater. And even though the size of electric heaters is smaller than gas ones, they still consume so much more energy than gas in the long run and for a longer period of time. They also have a wide range of sizes if one wants to choose. Electric water heaters can heat water in a tank, or be tankless, and can also heat water in a central location, or at the point of use. Electric water heaters can also be extremely energy-efficient by using a hybrid or heat pump system to concentrate existing heat from the air into the water.
What Is A Hybrid Electric Water Heater?
A very new and latest style of electric heater is the hybrid water heater. It heats the water by concentrating heat from ground surface and air and drawing it in, which makes them better at energy consumption.
The hybrid electric water heater, often referred to as a heat pump water heater, is an innovative technology that delivers hot water with enhanced energy efficiency. Unlike traditional and tankless water heaters that rely on a heating element, this hybrid model extracts heat from the surrounding air and ground to elevate the water temperature.
Imagine this technology as a refrigerator operating in reverse. Instead of expelling warm air to keep your food cool, the refrigerant in the evaporator coil of the hybrid water heater absorbs heat from the air, which is then transferred to the water through a heat exchanger.
This method significantly boosts the energy efficiency of the water heating process, as it minimizes the reliance on electricity for heating. By harnessing ambient heat, the unit consumes less energy overall, ensuring a steady supply of hot water for your home.
Consequently, a hybrid heat-pump water heater can reduce electricity usage by up to 60% compared to other water heater types, leading to substantial savings throughout the system’s lifespan.
Gas Water Heaters
A traditional gas water heater consists of a tank that warms water using a gas burner situated at the bottom. As the burner heats the water, it rises to the top of the tank, where it is then distributed throughout the plumbing system for various uses.
If we are talking about the cost effectiveness and the usage effectiveness for a longer period of time, then the answer is surely gas water heater. In some cases the price range of gas heaters is a bit higher than the electric ones. But it is the investment of life and most probably would suffice in the longer run.
Gas water heaters are known for their impressive recovery time. If you’re wondering what recovery time means, let me tell you—it’s a game changer for water heaters! For instance, in a bustling household where several family members take showers one after another, a quick recovery time ensures that hot water is available sooner between showers. This can make all the difference, turning what could be a chilly experience into a warm and comfortable one for everyone waiting their turn!
So Which One To Choose?
Installation
Either you are using a gas heater or an electric one , you need a permit to do so. Installation process varies from region to region and model to model.
Homes have or will have an already existing wiring and electrical connection for the heater area. If there is a need for a new one , an electrician can install the wirings and connections easily.
For gas , it can be difficult in some cases to bring gas into the house from the street. If there is availability of gas , plumber will make it possible to install the heater.
Size
The sizes can vary in electric heaters and you can get many options depending upon the size of your space at home or the place of installation, so you need not worry about the size . But if you do not have access to these , you can install point-of-use appliances in places far from the heating area. Most homes already contain a 40 or 50 gallon water heater. You may see a larger tank when homes have demanding hot water depending upon the usage and family size.
You can ask the installation company and ask them for the usage of gallons you need in your home depending upon the need , family size and use.
Safety
The absence of pilot light or gas line on an electric water heater makes it considered safer than a gas water heater.
Electric water heaters are installed with a 240-volt electricity connection, but they shouldn’t pose any shock risk when installed properly.
Requirement of an open flame to heat the water is a must in gas heaters, though modern models have an automatic ignition system that can help prevent gas leaks but traditional gas heaters have a flame and open flow of gas which can pose a risk for leakage of gas.
Conclusion
The installation of either of the heaters depends upon various factors in your home. They can range from family size, age of your kids, usage of water, space and much more. So choosing the water heater can be a tedious task but one has to do it by the end of the day and when you want to compare the two and take the risks, safety issues, installation guides into consideration , you can always come back here and see which one is the best for the requirements of your house and family.
