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Is a Gas Water Heater Better Than Electrical Hot Water Heater?
Gas Water Heaters-Gas is the fastest way to heat water.It's the most economical way too.And it's the way homes and establishments across the world heater water.One gets to save as much as 66 percent on water heating and also gets hotter water much faster with gas.The rush of hot water in the shower is a refreshing and invigorating way to begin the day. Water heaters also make it easy and convenient to launder clothing, sanitize dishes, and wash hands. When considering which type of a water heater to install in your home, electric vs gas is one of the leading concerns. Our plumbers at Dent explain the differences in gas vs electric water heaters so that you can decide what type of water heater is best for your needs.
Energy Efficiency of Water Heaters
Conventional gas storage units are relatively inefficient because of the heat loss from exhaust gases and walls of the storage tank. Water is kept hot at all times, and while this is a good convenience, it means energy is constantly used/lost. However, modern units are increasingly efficient, and top-of-the-line condensing units are very energy efficient. Two inches of foam insulating around the storage tank can significantly increase efficiency. See the table below for specific numbers.
Electric heaters are much more energy efficient than gas units, but the savings in actual energy consumption are mitigated by the higher costs of electricity as opposed to gas. Electric heat pump units are vastly more efficient than any other option, however, they remain relatively rare and have high installation costs.
Cost of Water Heater Installation
Installation of a gas water heater may be a little more costly than electric. This is because of the need to extend gas service to the location of the water tank. Electric water heaters simply plug into an outlet. Either type of water heater may require plumbing work, which is why it’s important to have a licensed and experienced plumber perform any water heater installation.
Operating Cost of Gas VS Electric Water Heater
In most localities, operating a gas water heater costs less than operating an electric water heater. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for around 18 percent of monthly utility costs in a typical home. To lower the cost of operating a water heater, you can purchase an insulating blanket for the tank, choose an Energy Star rated model, and look for a unit with the highest EF that you can afford.