Gas or electric hot water

You may choose either side of the gas vs electric hot water debate depending on differences in cost or preferred functionalities. However, weighing all relevant pros and cons before choosing a gas or electric water heater would be best. This post will examine factors you should consider when selecting a gas or electric hot water system.

You can also learn about tankless, solar and heat pump hot water systems. In addition, you can read up on concerns to resolve on gas vs electric hot water heaters.

Basics of electric hot water systems

Electric hot water systems have electric elements that heat water. The water is then stored in a tank. Older electric hot water systems tend to be more expensive and inefficient.

On the other hand, modern electric systems can work with ‘off-peak’ electricity tariffs. This makes their running costs relatively cheaper. Electric heaters are a significant attraction because they have more affordable upfront costs.

Basics of gas hot water systems

Gas hot water systems use gas elements (LPG or natural gas) as their heat source. A significant attraction of gas hot water systems is that they are less costly than electric ones. This is understandably so because gas is cheaper to run compared to electricity. However, you should be ready to spend more on upfront costs. This is due to the cost of gas units, new gas lines, and gas fitting costs of qualified gas fitters.

Gas vs electric hot water considerations

Times to ask yourself gas vs electric hot water system questions include when you need a new hot water system installation or when you are replacing your hot water system. At such times, you need to make the following considerations:

Cost differences

The installation cost of gas hot water systems is higher than that for electric systems. You simply connect an electric hot water system to the power supply, whereas you need a licensed gas plumber (who is certified to perform gas plumbing) to install gas systems. They have to connect gas pipes properly and set up venting. Naturally, this is a reason for higher gas water heater installation costs.

However, you can more than make up for this difference in the long run. Electric hot water systems are more costly than gas hot water systems. It is possible to recoup the extra installation costs within a year or two as savings on running costs.

Meanwhile, you should factor in maintenance costs and the possible cost of emergency repairs in your choice of heater. For instance, you may choose more reputable brands, such as Stiebel Eltron, to avoid the costs of repairs impacting your savings.

Duration of occupancy

If you are sure you will be living in your current home for five years or more, you may decide to install a gas hot water system. The chance of getting back your money through savings on running costs is higher.

Energy efficiency

Gas hot water systems are typically more energy efficient than electric systems. This is due to the following reasons:

• The water heating speed is faster.
• You do not need to run them as often as electric models. The pilot flame continuously burns and can ignite the main burner when needed.
• They do not generally need large storage tanks. This makes for a smaller unit. This is even more so for tankless instant gas water heaters.
  

Tank or tankless

Regarding energy efficiency, you must also decide whether to go for tank or tankless systems. Your choice impacts the energy consumption of your hot water system. Systems with hot water tanks can store heated water when you need it. Unlike tankless units, tank hot water units need energy to heat the tank and keep the water hot.

Indeed, you can choose a larger-sized tank if you have a large household. However, it would help if you recognised that tank models have less energy efficiency than tankless models and do not provide instant hot water.

In other words, you can install a tankless water system if you have a small household and prefer a greener, more energy-efficient option. Of course, the tankless option of both gas and electric hot water units consumes less energy and saves money, as is evident in reduced energy bills.

Options beyond electric vs. gas hot water systems

You do not need to restrict yourself to choosing between gas and electric hot water systems. You can also choose from the options below:

Heat pump hot water systems

While heat pumps may be more expensive than standard gas or electric hot water systems, they have advantages. Heat pumps use an electric storage tank system that extracts environmental heat to heat the water tank. The system pumps hot air and heats the water. Unlike regular electric heat systems, electric heat pump systems can be noisy.

Solar hot water systems

Solar hot water systems are becoming more popular as a green energy water heating option. You can choose to install solar thermal panels that use solar energy to heat your water. In addition, you can use hot water cylinders and convert solar energy to electricity to improve the heating process.

Tankless instant hot water systems

You can choose this option with limited space. Interestingly, you can choose either electric or gas instantaneous hot water systems. As the name implies, this system provides hot water when needed.

Choosing between gas vs. electric instant systems

Gas continuous flow hot water systems use natural gas as their power source. Gas systems can also simultaneously provide you with hot water for several taps. This is because they have a higher flow rate. However, gas systems need proper ventilation, can release carbon monoxide, and are more expensive to buy and install. It would be best if you used a qualified professional for the installation.

Electric instant hot water systems run on electricity and have a lower flow rate. As such, you may not enjoy using them if you have multiple bathrooms. On the plus side, the installation costs are cheaper than gas systems. However, this advantage is evened out in more expensive running costs.
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Gas vs. electric hot water heater concerns

It is given that hot water systems are necessary during winter and other seasons. Before choosing between gas water heaters and electric water heaters, you need to resolve the following concerns:

• You should have a natural gas supply for a gas hot water heater.
• Gas instant hot water heaters are known to be more energy efficient compared to traditional storage models.
• Gas water heater systems have an attendant risk of gas leaks, fire, and explosion. Be ready to provide proper maintenance.
• This safety concern makes some people replace gas appliances with electric alternatives. An example is replacing gas cooktops with induction cooktops.
• Electric water heaters are easier to use and more reliable than gas heaters. You only need power and a water system connection to the tank.
• Be sure to get an appropriately sized hot water or storage heater to avoid running out of hot water frequently.
• For instance, you may use gas storage systems with faster recovery rates if you have a large household.
• If your house is particularly large with several showers and bathrooms and high water pressure demands, you may include hot water cylinders in the system.
• Going for instantaneous electric units helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since they do not come with storage tanks.

Get help from hot water plumbing professionals

This guide has considered various factors in choosing gas or electric hot water systems. You now know more about electrical hot water systems, gas hot water systems, and other hot water units.

While you may feel confident enough to put your knowledge to use in DIY hot water installation or repairs, it is not advisable. Plumbing professionals have the specialised knowledge and skills to perform effective and safe hot water unit services. That is why you can rely on them for various hot water issues.