Gas Vs. Electric Water Heater: How Are They Different?
After using your water heater for a long time or maybe due to malfunctioning, it's time to change to a new water heater. Many factors, including family size, water quantity, cost, and more, can affect your choice of water heaters. Another major factor you might be considering is which fuel source you should get – be it a gas or electric model. While these two units function differently to produce the same result, they have their pros and cons to be considered.
Thus, to help you with your decision-making process, explore this article to learn the major differences between gas vs. electric water heaters:
Mode of Operation
An electric water heater operates with the aid of high-voltage electric heating rods installed vertically within the tank. As soon as the heating process commences, water heats in the middle of the tank before radiating outwards. On the other hand, in a gas water heater, the water heats up after being placed on a gas-fired burner. Because the hot burner is underneath the tank, the water heats up from bottom to top.
Performance Rate
A gas water heater takes less time to reheat a tank of water after the initial usage. For larger families, the fast recovery rate of the gas water heater is beneficial as it will efficiently meet the hot water demands of a large number of people. In addition, suppose a power outage occurs, a gas water heater will continue functioning as it doesn't need electricity. Thus, the gas water heater has the upper hand regarding recovery rate and ability to function during power outages.
Cost
Regarding water heater expenses for gas and electric units, there are two types of costs to consider: purchase and operating costs. While both electric and gas water heaters may have expensive models in the same price range, you can easily find affordable electric water heater models. However, considering the cost of operation of both water heaters, the electric water heater is a more expensive option. For consumers looking for a water heater with an affordable operating cost, the gas water heater is a cheaper option.
Energy Efficiency
Due to the mode of operation of the electric water heater, it heats water efficiently with minimum heat loss and has higher energy efficiency compared to gas units. While the gas water heater is convenient because of its fast heating and recovery rate, it also has high energy consumption. The storage tank of a gas unit experiences constant heat loss through its exhaust gases and walls, thus making it less energy efficient.
Safety
A gas water heater has components including a burner, gas line, pilot light, and more that could cause accidents and explosions if not properly handled. There's also a need to relight it before every use. On the other hand, the electric water heater needs proper installation by authorized personnel and is ready to use without needing to relight it, thus making it a safer option.
Purchase Your Top-quality Water Heater at Water Heating Direct
A vital factor to consider before purchasing your water heater is the quality and model of the products. It is essential to get the best water heating product with a long lifespan, energy efficiency, high-performance rate and top-notch functions. Water heating direct is your one-stop shop for the best products, accessories, and services designed to suit your needs. To learn more about our technologies and products, kindly contact us today!