If you’ve ever had to take a morning shower without hot water, you’ll know how critical having a working water heater is.
If it’s time to replace your household water heater, you might be considering whether you should stay with the type you already have or go with something else.
If you’ve had the same appliance for longer than 10 years—the standard lifespan—it’s wise to consider replacing the machine before it quits performing and puts you in a challenging position.
Before shopping for a new water heater, you need to know which power source it will use, gas or electric.
Gas and electric are the main types of water heaters on the market, but they differ in operation, cost, and efficiency. Analyzing their pros and cons will help your decision-making regarding water heaters.
What are Electric or Gas Water Heaters?
Electric Water Heater
An electric water heater is a household appliance that relies on electricity, instead of gas, to heat the water used throughout a home. Electric water heaters heat water in a tank or can be tankless and heat water in a central location.
Gas Water Heater
A gas water heater comes in the form of a tank, heating water from a gas-fired burner sitting at the bottom of the tank. Hot water begins at the bottom, rising upward, pulled by a discharge tube.
Electric Water Heater Pros and Cons
Pros
- Safe
- Heats water efficiently
- Lower purchase price
- Wide range of sizes
- It does not need relighting (no pilot light)
Cons
- Will not work during power failure
- Higher operating costs
- Slower to heat water than gas models
- Longer recovery times
Gas Water Heater Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower operating costs than electric
- Heats water quickly
- Operates during power failures
- Heats water quickly
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Less efficient heating than electric
- Shorter lifespan than electric
- Less safe than electric models
- Smaller range of sizes
Installation
Both types of heaters typically require permits and inspections. While electricity is present in all homes, gas often is not. Because of this, electric water heaters are easier to install
Electric Water Heater
All homes have electric service; some even have a 240-volt connection to the water heater area. If not already in a home, a new circuit can be added to the home’s electric service panel.
Gas Water Heater
Not all households have gas service. If the home has no gas, bringing municipal gas from the street to the house can be costly. If the residence does have gas, a plumber must make the gas connections.
Size
Electric water heaters offer more sizes than gas, especially when considering micro-sized point-of-origin (instant demand) water heaters.
Electric Water Heater
The capacity of electric water heaters ranges from two to 20 gallons. Conventional tank electric water heaters start at 40 gallons, with a limit of 120 gallons.
Gas Water Heater
Gas water heaters’ capacities start at 20 gallons and max out at 100 gallons.
If you’re replacing your water heater but unsure what type to go with, we are here to walk you through the pros and cons. Gene Wagner Plumbing is proud of being one of the best plumbers in Milwaukee. Check out our profile on Expertise. For more information, contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.
