Which is best: A gas water heater or an electric water heater?

You’re thinking… is this question even important to explore? You must realize that your water heater is responsible for approximately 20% of your utility bill. According to the Department of Energy, natural gas is cheaper than electricity so you can expect a lower bill. Is that all you need to know?

Choosing a water heater is about so many other factors based on your needs. Some of these factors include price, personal preference of energy source, space available for unit, municipality requirements and energy cost.

Let’s take a look at each and then compare them head-to-head.

Gas Water Heaters

A gas water heater heats the water tank using a natural gas burner. The warm water rises and is pushed through the pipes of your home to faucets and shower heads keeping you in hot water for bathing, washing and more.

Natural gas water heaters cost more to buy and install if the area in which they are to be placed are not already plumbed for gas. Even though they may COST more to install they are still quite EASY to install. Gas Water Heaters operate approximately 1/3 of the price of electric (as mentioned above) and replenishing warm water faster than an electric.

Natural gas burners tend to heat water more quickly than the electric coils of an electric water heater. These water heaters require exhaust venting through a flue system. Normal Life expectancy is anywhere between 8 to 12 years.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters cost less to install and have far fewer parts to break and in need of replacing. They also require less foot print space to install. Standard electric water heaters operate in much the same way as their gas counterparts except electricity heats a coil that is used to heat the water.

Since there are no burners, electric water heaters have no pilot light, which means there is no need to worry about them going out or relighting them. In some circles, because Electric water heaters have no pilot light and don’t run on natural gas, they are considered safer than gas water heaters. Normal Life expectancy is anywhere between 10 to 15 years.

The Verdict Gas vs. Electric Water Heater

Aside from the obvious cost savings of natural gas over electric, both types of water heaters contain mostly the same components, their lifespans are close, and costs are competitive. If you would like a new water heater installed in your home, you’d better call a pro. The Plumbing Pro!

We will send out an experienced technician who will be able to tell you which type of unit best suits your needs. They will then provide you with a quote to have it installed. Call now 816-763-8200.