Water heaters are responsible for the hot baths and hot water circulating throughout your house. They mainly come in two types; gas and electric water heaters.
Apart from having the same parts or components, both the gas and electric water heaters all work the same way.
● Coldwater enters the tank
● The heating elements heat it
● The hot/warm water rises from the top of the tank to the discharge pipe.
● It is released through the taps/ faucets and showerheads.
Although the gas and electric tankless water heaters work the same way, they differ in the following way; so while a gas tankless water heater uses a gas burner to heat the water, an electric water heater uses a heating element.
So, although both have the same function, they differ in so many ways. So how do you know which one to buy? Gas vs. electric, what type of tankless water heater suits you best? To find the answer, let’s look at what each of these water heaters offers to help know which one to get.
Ease of use
In terms of use, an electric tankless water heater is more straightforward to operate than a gas water heater. With a gas heater, you first have to start the gas. In contrast, the electric tankless water heater runs solely on electricity.
Size of water heater
Electric water heaters have more size ranges than gas water heaters. They have smaller and big sizes ranging from 2 to 20 gallons and 40 to 120 gallons.
Although gas tankless water heaters come in bigger sizes, from 20 to 100 gallons, they have limited smaller sizes.
Energy bills
Electric vs gas tankless water heaters? The gas water heaters take this round. Gas water heaters use natural gas, which is less expensive because of the low price of gas. On the other hand, electric water heaters use more expensive electricity when you consider the monthly bills.
Energy efficiency
Tankless water heaters gas or electric? When it comes to energy efficiency, electric water heaters are the winners. They use most of the power they receive to heat the water, making them more energy-efficient.
Although gas tankless water heaters are less expensive in energy bills and cost, they are energy inefficient. Gas water heaters use more energy to run and release a lot of waste into the environment. The gas byproduct takes away some heat with it, making it less energy efficient than electric tankless water heaters.
But although this is so, you can buy more efficient models of gas heaters that use less energy,
Purchasing cost
Electric tankless water heaters are less costly than gas heaters. So, if you are looking for a less costly option, electric water heaters are the way to go. But of course, they also have more expensive models.
Most electric water heaters range from $500 to $800, while gas tankless water heaters range from $600 to $800.
Maintenance costs
Gas vs electric tankless water heaters? The electric water heaters win this fight.
Although both tankless water heater systems need maintenance, gas tankless water heaters have additional needs. To prevent gas leaks, you have to inspect the gas pipes/line and gas tanks regularly.
Reliability
Which is more reliable; tankless water heater electric vs gas?
Gas water heaters are more reliable than their electric counterparts. As long as you have a gas supply, your gas heater will work. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, rely on electricity. So in case of power goes out or a blackout happens, your hot water supply will stop.
If your area experiences frequent power outages, gas water heaters may be a great choice.
Time efficiency
Electric vs gas tankless water heater? If you value time, then gas tankless water heaters could be your choice. Gas water heaters burn hotter and faster. They heat the water in a shorter time than electric tankless water heaters.
Safety
In the battle of safety, gas vs. electric tankless water heaters?
Electric water heaters take the trophy. There are many risks associated with gas. Leave alone that air pollution (gas leaks), gas water heaters are more susceptible to fires. To operate, they require a gas line and an open flame at the bottom of the heater. You have to use a lighter to relight the gas. And any mistakes can lead to fire and gas explosions.
On the other hand, electric water heaters only require a safe connection to a power source. That’s it—no relighting, which makes them safer.
Environmental friendliness
Electric water heaters are more environmentally friendly. Apart from being powered by hydroelectricity, you can use other renewable energy sources that are more ecologically friendly than hydropower.
In contrast, gas tankless water heaters use natural gas that is destructively extracted from the earth. The extraction of natural gas releases many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is harmful to the environment. That being said, natural gas can be compressed to 1% of its volume. While still considered a fossil fuel, compressed natural gas reduces carbon monoxide emissions by over 95%, so it is considered to be a cleaner fuel compared to some others.
Lifespan
Electric vs gas tankless water heater? Because of their clean operation, electric tankless water heaters last longer than gas tankless water heaters. They can last for 2-3 years more than the gas heaters.
Cost of changing (installation)
Switching from an electric tankless water heater to a gas tankless water heater is expensive. The installation comes with more costs and more work.
You will have to create a new location for the gas lines. And this will lead to the creation of another vent. And for this to happen, you will have to drill into the side of your home, which will increase the costs and timeframe of the installation.
To help you decide better. Here are;
The Pros (positives) and Cons (negatives): Gas vs Electric tankless water heaters
Pros of Electric tankless water heaters
● Safe
● Energy efficient
● Environmentally friendly
● Affordable
● Ease of use
Cons of Electric tankless water heaters
● Unreliable. It doesn’t work during power outages
● Slower to heat water
● Expensive utility bills
● Longer recovery time
Pros of Gas tankless water heaters
● Heats water quickly
● Low utility bills
● Reliable during power failures
Cons of Gas tankless water heaters
● Less safe
● Needs relighting occasionally
● Shorter life span
● Environmentally unfriendly
● High installation costs
Conclusion
So, gas vs electric tankless water heaters? Weigh the pros (positives) and cons (negatives) of each to get the one that suits you best.
For your best tankless water heater solutions, contact AHWA.