Whether you’re building your home from the foundation, or you’ve lived in your home for years and are just looking to do a little home improvement, there’s always a looming question for the homeowner to ponder. What type of water heater should you install?
Most people aren’t thoroughly informed on the benefits and downfalls of gas versus electric when it comes to a water heater. If you’re one of those people, then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick overview of the facts pertaining to gas and electric water heaters.
The Benefits of Gas
The most important benefit of installing gas water heater in your home is the money you will save on your energy costs each month. Gas is far more efficient than electricity, and your water will stay hotter for longer periods of time. They are more reliable than electric units, because they will usually work even when the power is out. Natural gas is also safer for the environment overall.
The Downfalls of Gas
Although it seems as though there may be no contest and no reason to even consider anything other than a gas unit, there are plenty of disadvantages that come along with this type of unit. The first of those is actual installation. If you already have a gas line run to your home, then you’re going to spend a little less than electric. If you do not have a gas line, then the cost will skyrocket. Installing a gas line isn’t cheap. You should also consider the pilot light, and all the dangers that come along with it.
The Benefits of Electric
There are quite a few benefits when it comes to the electric water heater. It’s a bit safer, because there is no pilot light. The installation costs associated with an electric water heater are considerably lower than those associated with gas water heater installation. Electric units (if they’re well built) will almost always last a bit longer than a gas unit will simply because of they’re easy repair.
The Downfalls of Electric
Electric units will use more power, cost more money, and cause more harm to the environment in an overall sort of way. They have some safety issues in that there could be a dangerous wire shortage or something that causes a fire, but it’s really not that big of a risk. You should also consider the fact that your water will not heat quite as quickly when compared to the speed in which gas will heat your water. It won’t last as long, either. Also, if you don’t get a regulator on the electricity output of the water heater, it will steadily burn electricity twenty four hours a day.
