For homes located in cold climates, having hot water on demand is a necessity. With a dependable water heater installed to provide your household’s hot water needs, bath time in the midst of winter is no longer a dreaded icy-cold affair but it becomes an enjoyable experience that everyone in your family can look forward to. When you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’ll have several different design options to choose from. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best option for you depends on your home, your needs, and your budget.
Today, homeowners have numerous options when they need a water heater replacement. From traditional tank water heaters to tankless options and even solar heating, consumers have many choices to consider. However, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is whether you want an electric water heater or a gas-powered unit.
Electric water heaters are environment friendly and are capable of using electricity generated from solar, wind, hydro and other renewable sources., Electrical wiring is easier to set up compared to a gas operated system. since electricity is readily available in most countries or regions. requiring no expensive gas lines, exhaust flue or on-site fuel tanks. Compared to other fuels, the cost of electricity is stable. By positioning the water heater very close to the tapping points, it reduces long pipework which reduces high heat losses. It not only benefits the environment, but also for your household budget. By heating water when demand for electricity is low and storing the thermal energy for later use, electric water heaters can save you money.
An instantaneous electrical water heater is a good option for a tankless water heating. From the convenience of never having to worry about keeping the pilot light on to the option to have on-demand hot water, there are several advantages to choosing electric water heaters for your home.
Electric water heaters are safer than fuel-fired water heaters because they avoid the hazards and problems associated with using a combustion process to heat water.
One of the benefits with a electric hot water heater include quicker heating and safety ratings that are higher, as propane or natural gas have the capability to result in explosions and fires.
Natural gas has a lot of advantages, but the major disadvantage is the concern over safety. Especially in older homes, if the piping or the ventilation does not work correctly, small leaks can turn into dangerous problems. Electrical safety issues tend to be less rare than those associated with natural gas, especially because your wiring must be checked before the installation of your new hot water heater. It’s difficult to put a price tag on peace of mind. In homes with younger children, many feel safer relying on an electric rather than a gas water heater.
Electric water heaters are simple. Most of the electric water heaters are simple because an electric connection is easier compared to a gas connection
Consequently, they are the simplest and most convenient way to heat water in both residential and commercial buildings.
Electric water heaters are convenient for use as booster heaters where higher-temperature water is required for special functions, such as dishwashing.
Since there are no extra pipes, vents, or complex distribution methods to worry about, the installation of an electric water heater can be done quickly. Even if your home is in need of electrical repair that interferes with the installation, a fairly rare circumstance, the time and expense is still less than what is involved with setting your dwelling up for a gas water heater. Electric water heaters are easily available in a variety of sizes, cutting down your need for special orders and additional waiting time.
The maintenance of an electric water heater is very simple. An electric water heater is easy to maintain because it has very few parts compared to a gas heater. You don’t have to worry about the constant repairs that come with complex water heaters. You can also be guaranteed that your electric water heater will last longer than the gas water heater.
Electric water heaters are usually cheaper than gas models. They also cost less to set-up because they don’t require the installation of a flue for ventilation. No ventilation also means electric systems take up less space and can be installed in a closet or other tight spot.
You don’t need a lot of space to install your electric water heater. Most of the electric water heaters can be mounted on the walls, and they will work just fine. With a gas heater, you might be required to create extra space for the sake of the safety. Because of this, you can put an electric water heater almost anywhere in your home or business, without worrying about being close to your natural gas line or propane tank. Electric water heaters are ideal for point-of-use water heating systems, where the water heaters are installed at or near the locations where hot water is required. Fuel-fired systems must be located where combustion air is available, and flues can be installed. Locating the water heater closer to the hot water usage points reduces piping costs and piping heat loss and reduces the wait for hot water at the fixtures. The need for recirculation loops and pumps is also reduced.
No matter what your choice is, a hot water heating system is an investment that is going to see a lot of wear and tear. It isn’t an expensive purchase, but one that is necessary. Obviously, you want the system you choose to last long enough to make the investment worthwhile. Many electric systems will last fifteen years or more, as compared to around a decade for gas. As time goes on and we become more and more concerned about the environment, an electric hot water system keeps things clean with no emissions. For most people, an electric hot water system is the responsible choice for the long-term.
Finally, if you are constantly running out of hot water, upgrading to tankless electric water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, is a great option. Tankless water heaters take up very little space, are cost-effective because they require less electricity to run, and you won't need to wastewater waiting for it to heat up.
If you have a large family, a tankless electric water heater is a great option.
With so many options available when it comes to hot water systems these days, there’s a lot to consider and compare, but the ultimate end result is to hopefully find the most efficient water heater for your requirements. Whichever option you lean towards, Vaillant is here to help you which is ideal to use depending to your needs.
Is it time for a new water heater? You’ll know when you turn on the hot water tap but cold water comes out or when the unit isn’t meeting increased demands for hot water. Though it’s clear that you need a new water heater, which fuel source should you get? Should you buy an electric or gas model? Both electric and gas have their fair share of pros and cons, so it’s more about finding the right water heater that meets your needs.
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Find a Water Heater InstallerAn electric water heater is a tank that heats water with high-voltage electric heating rods that run vertically through the tank. Water is heated starting at the center of the tank, radiating outward.
A gas water heater is a tank that heats water from a gas-fired burner located at the bottom of the tank. Hot water starts at the bottom and rises upward, where it is drawn off the top by a discharge tube.
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We’ve reviewed the best models from the best brands here and rated the top five that meet the most homeowners’ needs.
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Here we’ve ranked the best gas tankless water heaters and laid out the important considerations to make when selecting the best product.
Both electric and gas water heaters usually require permits and inspections. Electric water heaters are easier to install because electricity is present in all homes; gas often is not.
All homes have electric service. Some homes even have the 240-volt connection already running to the water heater area. If not, a new circuit can be branched out of the home’s electric service panel.
Not all homes have gas service. If the home has no gas, it can be costly to bring in municipal gas from the street to the house. If the home does have gas, a plumber must make the gas connections.
Electric water heaters offer a greater range of sizes than gas water heaters, especially when you consider micro-sized point-of-origin (instant demand) water heaters.
Electric point-of-use water heaters range from two to 20 gallons. Conventional tank electric water heaters begin at 40 gallons and max out at 120 gallons. Most tanks are 30, 40 or 50 gallons.
Since there are no point-of-use gas water heaters, all are tank models. Gas water heaters begin at 20 gallons and range up to 100 gallons. Most tanks are 40, 50, 80 or 100 gallons.
Electric water heaters are less expensive to purchase than gas water heaters. While it’s always possible to buy expensive water heaters in either electric or gas models, if you want a less expensive heater, it will usually be electric.
Most electric water heaters cost between $500 and $800. Of that, a majority are in the $500 to $600 range.
Most gas water heaters cost between $600 and $800.
Electric water heaters are safer than gas water heaters because there is no gas line, burner or pilot light.
Electric water heaters require a 240-volt connection for installation. Electric water heaters never need relighting.
Gas water heaters require a gas line and an open flame (at the bottom of the heater) to heat the water. Occasionally, the user must relight the gas pilot light with a lighter or a piezoelectric built-in lighter.
Gas water heaters have a faster initial heating rate and faster recovery times than electric water heaters.
With heating rods running from top to bottom, electric water heaters spread out the heat along the height of the tank. But the heating rods gain heat up at a much slower rate than with gas models.
A gas water heater’s open flame burns hotter than an electric model’s electric rods or elements. Plus, the burner location is more efficient since it is located at the bottom—heat rises.
Gas water heaters cost less to operate than electric water heaters—about 33% less.
Electric water heaters cost an average of $42 per month to operate.
Gas water heaters cost about $30 per month to operate on average. Gas is usually less expensive in most areas, compared to electricity.
Electric water heaters heat water more efficiently than gas water heaters.
While an electric water heater does heat water slower and more expensively than the gas models do, it heats the water more efficiently. The heating rods are submerged in the water in a sealed tank, so there is very little heat loss.
Though gas water heaters burn hotter, they are less efficient than electric water heaters because much of the energy output is wasted through the vent at top. The vent is necessary for discharging toxic gases.
Due to their cleaner operation, electric water heaters last slightly longer than gas water heaters. Electric water heaters can last anywhere from two to three years longer than gas water heaters.
Electric water heaters typically last from 10 to 15 years.
Gas water heaters usually last from eight to 12 years before they need replacing.
Electric and gas water heaters are roughly comparable in terms of their impact on the environment, with no clear winner between the two types.
Electric water heaters span the very best and the very worst types of electricity supplies. At the best, though still rare, is electricity supplied by solar or wind. At the worst is electricity supplied by dirty coal-fired or nuclear power plants.
Some areas may have a greater supply of clean, low-cost electricity, while others don’t. If an area’s electricity is supplied by modern, efficient hydroelectric power plants, then an electric water heater would be a good environmental choice.
Gas water heaters occupy the middle range for environmental impact. Gas is never as bad as electricity supplied by coal-powered plants, but never as good as wind or solar electricity. Gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel. While gas has long been thought of as a cleaner type of power than electricity, more recently some regions have enacted measures to ban the use of natural gas.
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