The standard lifespan of a hot water heater typically ranges between 8 to 15 years. In this regard, it’s only natural that the time will come when you have to replace it. Once you begin to research new heaters, you will be required to choose whether or not you want to purchase a gas vs electric water heater.
Although most homeowners will gravitate towards the type of water heater they had previously, you may be missing out on a hot water system that best suits your home. However, if you’re struggling with some repairs and installation with your water heater system, we have the best plumbers in Jackson MS. Our team of licensed professionals will inspect and fixed everything.
Furthermore, to help you choose a type of hot water system, we’ve summarized the advantages and disadvantages of both electric water heaters and gas water heaters. Let’s take a look.
Accessibility
When it comes to functionality, an electric water heater is typically easier to operate than the standard gas water heater. Since the system operates purely on electrical power, you never have to bother turning the gas on to start it. This makes the electric water heater much simpler to manage.
Water Heaters Efficiency
If you are comparing the efficiency of an electric water heater vs a gas unit, electric heaters are more efficient. Although gas hot water heaters are less expensive to run monthly due to the low cost of natural gas—a gas heater uses more energy to operate and releases waste into the environment. The gas byproduct takes some of the heat with it, making it less efficient than electric water heaters.
An electric heater, however, will use most of the energy it receives to warm water, making it more energy-efficient. With that being said, there are some high-energy-efficient gas heaters that use less energy overall. These systems will typically have an Energy Star label.
Cost
The total cost of gas vs electric water heaters is nearly identical. Gas water heaters average on a total of $1,300 – $2,600 in advance. This gives gas heaters a higher upfront cost. However, since the total cost of natural gas is low, you will pay an overall lower monthly utility bill. For electric water heaters, the cost is the opposite: an electric heater will have a lower upfront cost (with the average being $950 – $1,500) and a generally higher monthly cost.
Maintenance Requirements
If you’re analyzing the maintenance requirements of gas vs electric water heaters, you will discover that gas heaters require more attention. You will most likely have to get both systems flushed regularly in order to keep deposits from building up at the bottom of the tank. For gas heaters, the gas line and gas tanks will need to be checked periodically to prevent gas leaks or sediment buildup. In any case, we recommend having at least an annual checkup on both systems to ensure the longevity of your water heater.
Water Heaters Installation
The installation procedures for gas and electric water heaters is straightforward. On the other hand, it can be quite difficult to switch from an electric unit to a gas water heater. This process is more difficult because the gas lines will need to run to a new location. This requires creating another vent, which leads to cutting or drilling into the side of your home. This, in turn, increases the cost and timeframe of installation.
Environmental Drawbacks
Naturally, electric heaters are healthier for the environment. Since these systems are energy-efficient and can be powered through renewable energy sources, they wreak less havoc on the environment.
Gas water heaters, however, use natural gas which is retrieved from the Earth in a wasteful and destructive process. This releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases into the environment. For this reason, gas heaters are less eco-friendly overall.