One of the most important requirements of any household is a water heater. Not only is cold water inconvenient but downright dangerous in changing weather conditions as it can leave you sick for days. The need for water heating solutions is central to ensure that all house chores are done comfortably such as bathing or doing dishes. There are multiple options available for water heaters that use different sources and technology. Two of the most commonly known types are gas or electric. In this blog, we will provide an in depth comparison of the two types of water heaters including the pros and cons for each type helping you choose the best that meets your needs and requirements.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters use natural gas, propane or even liquid petroleum gas to heat water. They come with a storage tank of varying sizes that hold a certain amount of hot water at all given times and when needed. In order for the geyser to work, a pilot light is ignited. And once the burner is lit, the water in the tank is stored and heated at required temperature.
Pros
- It provides faster water heating than electric heaters.
- Lower operating costs.
- Water can be heated during a power outage.
- It can be installed easily as compared to electric operated ones.
Cons
- It requires integration with the main gas line.
- It requires more maintenance.
- It should be placed in a ventilated area due to carbon emission.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters require electrical connection to power through. They have an electric coil that heats the water as it passes through it. Electrical heaters are again divided into two types – tank type or tankless. Tank type, as the name suggests, has a storing tank for heated water. On the other hand, tankless electric heaters don’t hold water but deliver when needed.
Pros
- With electric heaters, you have an option to choose from tankless and tank-types models.
- Tankless electric heaters do not require extra space for installation and are space efficient.
Cons
- It takes more time than gas heaters to heat water.
- Cannot heat water during power outage.
Factors That Further Differentiate Two Models
- The installation of a gas heater requires more time and labor given the integrated nature of it as compared to electric heaters that are less complicated to install.
- While both types come in a variety of sizes, gas heaters come with more options regarding sizes. Hence, it remains a good option for big families with high water demands.
- With regards to upfront cost, gas operated heaters are priced higher than electric heaters. While in terms of operating costs, electric heaters are deemed more expensive than gas models due to the difference of costs in gas and electricity.
- Electric heaters have a longer lifespan than gas heaters.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right kind of water heater is dependent on the unique and personalized requirements. Santana Bros Plumbing specializes in installing both gas and electric heaters responsibly and reliably. Call us at (713) 494-5504 for more details on our plumbing service in Pearland TX.