Gas Or Electric Water Heater: Which Is Better?

When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with a gas or electric model. Both options have their pros and cons, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is better. In this article, we’ll break down the factors you should consider when deciding which is better, a gas or electric water heater.

Energy Efficiency

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a water heater is energy efficiency. After all, your water heater is responsible for a significant portion of your home’s energy usage, and choosing an inefficient model could result in significantly higher energy bills.

Electric Water Heater Energy Efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, electric water heaters have an edge over gas models. Electric water heaters are generally more efficient than gas models because they don’t lose heat through venting. This means that electric models can maintain a higher water temperature for longer periods, resulting in less energy waste.

Gas Water Heater Energy Efficiency

However, gas water heaters have come a long way in recent years, and some models now offer impressive energy efficiency ratings. Additionally, if you have access to natural gas, you may find that a gas water heater is more cost-effective in the long run. It’s essential to compare the energy efficiency ratings of different models and consider the cost of energy in your area when making your decision.

Cost

Another important factor to consider when choosing a water heater is cost. Gas water heaters tend to be more expensive to purchase upfront than electric models, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run. Depending on your initial budget, either a gas or electric water heater may be better.

Gas Water Heater Cost

Natural gas is often less expensive than electricity, which means that gas water heaters can be cheaper to operate over time. However, gas water heaters may require additional installation costs, such as a venting system and gas line installation, which can increase the upfront cost.

Electric Water Heater Cost

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, are generally less expensive to purchase upfront but may be more expensive to operate over time. This is because electricity is often more expensive than natural gas. It’s essential to consider both the upfront and long-term costs when choosing between gas and electric water heaters.

Availability

Another factor to consider is the availability of natural gas in your area. If you don’t have access to natural gas, a gas water heater may not be an option for you. In this case, an electric water heater is likely your best bet.

However, if natural gas is available in your area, it’s worth considering a gas water heater. Natural gas is a reliable and efficient source of energy, and gas water heaters tend to be more powerful than electric models. This means that gas water heaters can often provide more hot water faster than electric models.

Size

The size of your water heater is an important factor to consider. 

Gas Water Heater Size

Gas water heaters tend to be larger than electric models, which means that they may not be the best option if you have limited space. Additionally, gas water heaters require ventilation, which can also impact their size.

Electric Water Heater Size

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more compact. This means that they can be a good option if you have limited space. However, electric models may not provide as much hot water as gas models, which means that you may need to choose a larger electric model to meet your needs.

Installation

The installation process for gas and electric water heaters can differ significantly and can affect if you choose a gas or electric water heater.

Gas Water Heater Installation

Gas water heaters require a gas line and ventilation, which can make installation more complex. Additionally, gas water heaters must be installed by a licensed professional to ensure that they are safe and up to code.

Electric Water Heater Installation

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, are typically easier to install. They don’t require a gas line or ventilation, which means that installation is often simpler and less expensive. However, electric water heaters may require a dedicated electrical circuit, which can impact installation costs.

Safety

Both gas and electric water heaters can be safe when installed and maintained properly, but there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. 

Gas Water Heater Safety

Gas water heaters can pose a risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning if not installed or maintained correctly. It’s important to have a licensed professional install and maintain your gas water heater to ensure that it’s safe to use.

Electric Water Heater Safety

Electric water heaters don’t pose the same risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning as gas models, but they can pose a risk of electrical shock if not installed or maintained correctly. It’s important to have a licensed professional install your electric water heater and to have it inspected regularly to ensure that it’s safe to use.

Environmental Impact

Finally, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of your water heater. Both gas and electric water heaters can have an impact on the environment, but electric models are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly. If you are someone who is environmentally conscious, it may affect if a gas or electric water heater is better for you.

Electric Water Heater Environmental Impact

Electric water heaters don’t produce any emissions during use, which means that they don’t contribute to air pollution. Additionally, electricity can be generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, which can make electric water heaters even more environmentally friendly.

Gas Water Heater Environmental Impact

Gas water heaters, on the other hand, produce emissions during use, which can contribute to air pollution. Additionally, natural gas is a non-renewable resource, which means that using a gas water heater contributes to the depletion of a finite resource.

Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing a water heater, there are many factors to consider. Gas and electric water heaters both have their pros and cons, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is better. 

Ultimately, determining if a gas or electric water heater will be best for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. By weighing the pros and cons of gas and electric water heaters and considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and provides you with reliable and efficient hot water for years to come. Contact Dempsey Energy today if you are looking for help determining whether a gas or electric water heater is best for you. Don’t forget to check out what your neighbors are saying about us on our Google reviews!