Like most appliances, water heaters have improved greatly in recent years. Today’s models are much more energy efficient. That’s why you probably couldn’t replace your existing electric water heater with the same exact model…and yet, you probably wouldn’t want to. Instead, you may be able to purchase a more efficient water heater that will reduce your monthly utility costs and operate more reliably than your previous system.
Look at it this way: some cars get 15 miles to a gallon, while other, more efficient vehicles can go 30 miles or more on a gallon of gas. In the same way, some water heaters use energy more efficiently. Buy one of those and you’ll spend less money each month to get the same amount of hot water.
Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters
Gas water heaters use natural gas to heat water. A chamber filled with water is heated by burning the gas. The main benefit of a gas water heater is energy conservation; since the heating process is gradual, less energy is consumed. With a gas water heater, you also are able to control the rate and extent of heating.
By contrast, electric water heaters use a copper coil is to change electric energy into heat energy. Electric units can heat water very quickly and can reach very hot temperatures.
Advantages of Natural Gas Water Heaters
- Quick recovery. Gas water heaters recover twice as fast as electric units.
- Lower operating costs. Typically cost less to operate than electric storage tank models.
- Safety. Natural gas water heaters have an excellent safety record, especially when properly maintained.
- Minimal environmental impact. Of all the fossil fuels, gas burns the most efficiently.
Advantages of Electric Water Heaters
- Lower purchase cost. Electric water heaters cost up to $700 than gas models.
- Lower installation cost.
- Longer lifespan. Natural gas water heaters have built-in corrosive elements that typically shorten their lifespan when compared to electric water heaters.
- No greenhouse emissions. Electric water heaters are more environmentally friendly than gas.
Which type is right for you? It’s not an easy choice, especially when you factor in another popular option: tankless water heaters. We’ll cover these in a future article.
For now, count on the professionals at Eagle Service Company to help you decide what’s best for you among all available options. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate, including answers to all your questions.
