Electric Water Heater vs Gas Water Heater: All You Need to Know

A water heater has slowly become an integral part of every home. Unfortunately, most people don’t consider the better water heater until theirs stops working. A water heater usually lasts 8-15 years. Therefore, you’d have to replace yours at one point.

There are two varying types of water heaters; electric and gas. Both have features that make them unique, and we’ll be reviewing these features in this electric water heater vs gas water heater comparison.

Research shows that 60% of homes in the United States use gas water heaters while 40% use electric water heaters. If you’re wondering which the better option for you is, we’ll be exploring their positive and negative features to help you make the best decision for your home. On that note, let’s dive in.

Electric Water Heater vs Gas Water Heater – Factors to Consider

This section will consider the essential factors when determining the right water heater for your home. The factors shared in this section of the electric water heater vs gas water heater comparison will help you make the ideal choice; let’s take a look.

Performance

One of the top factors you need to consider is the water heater’s performance. Electric and gas water heaters perform very differently. While a gas water heater can heat a 50-gallon tank in just an hour, we can’t say the same for an electric water heater. More importantly, an electric water heater has a slow recovery rate when compared to gas water heaters after their performance.

One of the features that could affect the performance of an electric water heater is a power outage. While a gas heater would work in the event of a power outage, the electric alternative would not. Therefore, if your family has more than four or more people, a gas water heater might be the best option to keep up with demands.

Energy Efficiency

Another factor we need to consider in this electric water heater vs gas water heater comparison is its energy efficiency. Gas water heaters usually cost less to run due to the low cost of natural gas. However, electric heaters are more efficient than gas heaters because of their method of operation.

While a gas water heater must vent the spent gas, taking some heat with it, an electric water heater uses all the energy it receives to heat the water. Therefore, there’s less waste. Unfortunately, although high energy-efficient gas water heaters are available, they’re not so common.

Installation

Another feature you should consider when making your choice is the installation. Replacing a gas water heater with an electric or another gas water heater is pretty simple. The process is straightforward and doesn’t consume time. On the other hand, electric water heaters are not so easy to replace. They’re usually plumbed and grounded, which could take time and cost more.

Costs

Cost is one of the factors we cannot ignore in this electric water heater vs gas water heater comparison. Although an electric water heater costs less to purchase, it costs more to operate over time. Since they have fewer parts, installation and purchasing costs are usually low. However, the amount of energy consumed could easily add up over time. So, although you pay less upfront, the cost over time could be overwhelming.

On the other hand, gas heaters cost far more to purchase upfront. However, it tends to pay for itself through lower running costs. Note that the amount required to run a gas or electric water heater usually depends on how much heating you require, the cost of electricity or gas in your location, and the amount of heating you require.

Maintenance

Water heaters, whether gas or electric, are usually easy to maintain. As long as you regularly flush them to prevent the build-up of sediments at the bottom of the tank, it will last you for a long time. However, electric water heaters are far easier to maintain when compared to the alternative. 

Gas tanks usually need their vent frequently cleaned to prevent particulates from the gas from building up inside. Additionally, it’s crucial to inspect the gas lines periodically in case of a gas leak. When you want minimum maintenance, electric water heaters are your best option.

Environmental Concerns

If you want to significantly reduce your environmental impact, you might also be wondering which of the heaters in this electric water heater vs gas water heater. Electric water heaters are better for the environment. This is because they’re energy-efficient, and you can also power them through renewable energy sources like hydroelectric and solar power.

Alternatively, gas water heaters only utilize natural gas as their energy source. You have to extract this from the earth in a damaging and wasteful process that releases greenhouse gases into the environment. Gas heaters are less efficient overall and are, therefore, not eco-friendly. 

Safety Concerns

Are there safety concerns to be aware of between electric water heaters and gas water heaters? With gas appliances, there’s a risk of a gas leak and an explosion. Additionally, a gas water heater puts you at risk of having carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Therefore, there’s a need for proper maintenance on the vent to ensure no issues arise over time. Luckily, this is not an issue with electric water heaters.

 

Buy Best Quality >> Electric Water Heater on Amazon Here

Buy Best Quality >> Gas Water Heater on Amazon Here

 

Final Thoughts

That’s it, then. Now, you can decide which water heater is the best option based on the factors shared in this electric water heater vs gas water heater comparison. Each water heater has its strengths and weaknesses. Gas heaters have lower running costs and are quite easy to install. Additionally, they offer better performance for families of four and higher.

Although they might seem the way to go, electric heaters are more portable when you need a heater that fits very small spaces. They also require less maintenance, they’re energy-efficient and are environmentally friendly. In addition, they pose fewer safety concerns than gas water heaters.