Electric Versus Gas Water Heaters
There are two types of water heaters that are generally used inside a household: gas and electric. While both provide hot water to the home they do so in different ways. A gas water heater requires the use of natural gas. It heats the water up by burning the gas in a covered burner which is located at the base of the heater.
Depending on your location, you may not have the option of using natural gas. In this case, an electric water heater will likely be used. The electric water heater uses household electricity through the use of electric resistance coils to heat the water and pump it into the home.
Which heater to use depends largely on personal preference, family size, and available energy resources. Generally, a gas heater can heat a tank of water faster than an electric heater. If you have a large family, you may want to consider a gas unit because an electric heater may have a hard time keeping up with the demand for hot water. Also, in the case of a power outage, a gas unit will still provide hot water to the home. Over the life of the unit, gas water heaters are more cost effective because gas is cheaper to use than electricity.
Some people may not like the idea of there being an open flame inside their heater and will opt for an electric water heater instead. Electric units are considered to be more energy efficient. They may also have a longer lifespan but this is largely dependent on owner maintenance and even local water quality.
Overall both units are similarly priced. If a gas line is present in the home, a gas water heater will be the cheaper option over the life of the unit. However, if you want to switch from electric to gas, it can be a pricey endeavor especially if it requires the installation of a gas line and exhaust fan.
Is your Vernon home in need of a water heater installation? Call The Water Heater Medic today at (860) 896-3342 for immediate solutions!
