A gas water heater is more cost-efficient than an electric model in the long run. So if you can swing the higher price tag up front, you may be thanking yourself down the road. Gas water heaters tend to boast a much quicker recovery time too.
An all-electric home would have been much more expensive. Depending on your local utility costs, gas water heaters are typically cheaper to operate than electric. They also cost more upfront than an electric. However, based on energy savings, gas heaters generally make up the difference in price in about one year.
It's generally much cheaper to heat water using your central heating system, rather than using electricity with an immersion. The exception might be during the summer, when you have your central heating turned off, or if you have an old inefficient boiler.
Downsides of Gas Water Heaters
While your energy bills will likely be lower with a gas water heater, gas models cost more upfront and they're more costly in terms of maintenance and installation.
Gas water heaters are much less expensive to operate long term. Overall, you'll likely spend less money running a gas water heater than using an electric water heater.
Gas water heaters are typically more expensive to install than electric ones, use more energy, and tend to last shorter periods. Electric water heaters are cheaper to install but use less energy and last longer. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Electric Water Heaters: Pros and Cons
Electric water heaters confer multiple benefits over gas units, including ease of installation, higher efficiency levels and safer operation. On the flip side, they have their own unique challenges, like slower heating and vulnerability during power outages.
Any energy savings from purchasing an electric water heater is likely eclipsed by a gas water heater in the long run because of gas prices. However, if your home is solar powered, it would make more sense to install an electric water heater since your solar PV system would generate power to offset your usage.
If the tank is too small, you won't have enough water, and your system will constantly heat new tanks of water. This will increase gas consumption and use more water than necessary. If your water heater is too large, it will take more gas to heat the tank, so you end up paying more on your energy bill.
The move in the final days of the administration will take non-condensing, natural gas-fired water heaters off the shelves by 2029 in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which climate change advocates and President Biden say cause global warming.
Electric water heaters generally have lower running costs and lower emissions than gas water heaters. Hot water heat pumps are the most efficient option, requiring significantly less electricity to run than traditional electric water heater systems. Hot water cylinders can be installed inside or outside the home.
It's better to leave the hot water heater on all the time, rather than turning it on and off. This is a very common energy saving myth. But in fact, you really don't need to be heating your water all the time. Your immersion heater or boiler will heat up hot water which is stored in a tank.
Compared to electric systems, gas water heating is much worse for the environment and can contribute greatly to global warming and climate change. The law stipulates that by 2025, no new home may have gas heating systems – showing the fact that the government believes electricity to be more favourable than gas systems.
Typically, a hot water heater that uses a tank will run for 3 to 5 hours per day. So, a 4,000-watt heater used for 3 hours a day at 10¢ per kWh will cost $1.20 per day, about $36.50 per month, or $438 per year.
It is certainly possible for a water heater to increase your utility bill. Several factors can reduce the efficiency, including a unit that is too small, too old, bad water, or an incorrectly set thermostat can increase the energy bill. Leaks and long pipes can increase your water usage.
According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends between $400 and $600 each year on water heating alone. This cost will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area and your water heating unit's efficiency.
What Uses The Most Gas in a House? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the majority of natural gas used in homes is for space heating, which includes both air and water. But whether homes use natural gas or not depends on the type of water heater and central heating system it has.
The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour. On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.
Overheating: Excessive heating can damage the heater and potentially cause burns or fires. Electrical Shocks: Faulty wiring or lack of electrical safety features can lead to electric shocks. Pressure Issues: High pressure can cause leaks or bursts, leading to water damage and appliance failure.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Tankless Water Heater Cons
Installing a tank-style water heater typically costs about $900, while the average cost to install a tankless water heater can exceed $3,000. Limited Flow Rates: Reduced flow rates can lead to poor heating efficiency and low-temperature water.
Energy Efficiency: Electric models can be more energy-efficient, as they don't lose heat through venting. Some models come with energy-saving modes and high-efficiency ratings. Safety: Generally considered safer than gas models since there's no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
But electric systems don't need gas pipes, nor do they need exhaust. This simplifies the installation process. Generally speaking, electric water heaters are much more efficient than gas heaters. The energy usage varies by model, but you can usually count on electric models to be the most efficient.