Has your water heater seen its last days? Are you looking to update your current water heater? Are you building a new home and looking for the most energy-efficient water heater? One of the first choices you need to make in these situations is whether you want a gas or electric water heater. Here are nine factors to consider when choosing between gas and electric water heater models.
1. Available Utilities
If you don’t have access to gas for your home or existing water heater, electricity may seem like your only option. Many homes, though, are close to gas utilities or have gas elsewhere in their homes, so you can have a new gas line run to your water heater. Before you purchase a gas water heater to replace an electric model, check with your local utility company or a licensed, reputable plumber to find out how much a new gas line will cost.
2. Upfront Cost
Gas water heaters tend to be more expensive than electric models, yet you may be able to regain some of your investment in the long run. The experts at Air Unlimited explain what models of water heaters will fit your needs, and they can explain the differences in up-front costs, including the water heater and installation.
3. High Energy Efficiency
Gas water heaters tend to lose more energy compared to electric water heaters. Fortunately, with gas water heaters, you have a range of highly energy-efficient models to choose from for your home. Electric water heaters generally aren’t as efficient as their gas counterparts, so you’ll need to pay more attention to sizing the water heater appropriately for your home and budget to save money.
4. Heating the Water
Heating water quickly is a way to save money on utility costs and recoup some of your investment in a new water heater. Gas water heaters tend to heat water quicker than electric models with the same capacity.
5. Power Outages
Thunderstorms, weather, blackouts, and brownouts leave your family without the basics of home living. With a gas heater, the unit continues to operate even when you have no power. Electric models won’t run during power outages unless you have a back-up system, such as a generator.
6. Maintenance and Repairs
Costs over the lifetime of the unit is another consideration when choosing between a gas and electric water heater. Gas heaters typically need more maintenance compared to similar electric models. Electric water heaters do cost more to operate, though. An expert from Air Unlimited can show you a side-by-side comparison of maintenance and operations costs for any water models you’re considering for your home.
7. Safety Concerns
Although using gas in your home is generally safe, there are some considerations you should factor into your purchasing choice. With gas appliances, there’s a risk of carbon monoxide escaping into your home, especially if there’s poor insulation in the area where the water heater is installed. We recommend you have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home, including the area where the water heater operates.
8. Capacity
The good news is you can find a range of capacities for both gas and electric water heaters. You should make sure the water heater you choose serves the current needs of your family as well as any foreseeable changes, such as adding square footage or upgrading your bathrooms and appliances that use hot water. The technician from Air Unlimited guides you through this process so you choose the best water heater for your home.
9. Environmental Impact
If you have an eye on the environment and want to reduce your impact, electric water heaters are the best choice. Electric models don’t rely on fossil fuels, and they allow you to convert to renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. Gas water heaters tend to be less efficient from an energy consumption perspective and cannot be operated by alternative means.
Water Heater Experts in Liberty and Surrounding Areas
If you would like to know more about gas and electric water heaters, the experts at Air Unlimited can help. We offer services for all of your cooling and heating needs, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. We can also help improve indoor air quality and keep your garage warm this winter. Call us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We look forward to serving all of your indoor home comfort needs.