When it’s time to upgrade your water heater, most homeowners decide to purchase the same type of system that is already installed in their homes. But this isn’t the only option. Each year, thousands of homeowners switch from electric to gas and vice versa. Depending on the location and occupants of your home, you may want to compare the disadvantages and advantages of electric water heaters vs gas.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Gas Water Heaters
As the name suggests, gas water heaters use natural gas as fuel to generate heated water. If you are comparing the differences between gas water heaters vs. electric systems, gas-powered tanks produce hot water faster than electric systems because they’re constantly heating the water. They’re also functional in a power outage. Gas water heaters may be a good option for those who often lose electricity from thunderstorms or other natural disasters.
Despite nearly 60% of homes in America choosing natural gas water heaters, there are a few disadvantages of gas units. If you are analyzing
The most common being that natural gas isn’t as efficient as electricity. As mentioned earlier, gas tanks continuously heat the water they hold. The model of your water heater will have an energy factor sticker that compares the fuel used to the amount of hot water generated. If you’re analyzing the benefits of gas water heaters vs electric, the rating of gas tanks will be higher than an electric system. Another drawback of natural gas is the possibility of a gas leak, which could be extremely hazardous.
Benefits & Setbacks of Electric Water Heaters
A few appealing benefits of electric tanks are that they require less space, heat water as needed, and last longer than their counterparts. If you are analyzing the drawbacks and benefits of electric water heaters vs gas heaters, it’s important to be aware that gas units require ventilation space for exhaust. In addition, an electric water heater features a life cycle of 15+ years while a gas system is equipped with a lifespan of 12 years.
Lower energy factors make electric units seem more appealing, but rising prices for electricity will almost guarantee that gas systems will cost less to operate. Additionally, if you use all of the hot water from an electric tank, it could take hours to generate more.
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4 Main Components of Gas Water Heaters
Water Tank
While gas water heaters are engineered with different components in comparison to electric heaters, both types of hot water heaters are equipped with a water tank that is made from high-quality steel to prevent rusting. In the center of gas tanks, alongside an area for exhaust fumes to escape through, a metal component captures heat and generates power to warm the surrounding water.
Pressure Relief Valve
The last essential component of natural gas water tanks is the safety mechanism called temperature and pressure-relief valve. As the name suggests, it properly restores temperature and pressure by expelling water through a tube.
Exhaust Pipe
A gas hot water heater features an exhaust pipe, which is also called a flue. This component warms water in the center and releases excess fumes outside. Due to the specific requirements needed to properly exhaust gas water tanks, if you’re switching from an electric water heater to a gas system, make sure it’s installed by a certified professional.
Gas Regulator
Before repairs are made, or in case of emergency, ensure the gas is shut off. You can access this on/off valve at the bottom of your system.
Water Heater Repair & Installation Services
If your gas or electric water heater needs repairs or will soon require replacement, contact the professionals at Fenwick Home Services. Our experienced technicians will assess and recommend the appropriate service. Our team of certified technicians will help you compare the differences between electric water heaters vs gas water heater models. We offer reliable water heater repair services to homes in Jacksonville and other areas of Florida. In addition, our staff of local plumbers offer water heater replacement services when an old system is not able to be fixed. Our team also offers other types of plumbing services such as sump pump repair, water line installation, and water softener repair. Trust our team to provide you with reliable plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services in Florida. Give us a call at (904) 217-5694 or submit a request online
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