Today’s question is about the age-old debate on gas vs. eclectic. How do we know which to pick when it comes to our home’s water heater? Is a gas water heater better than electric? Let’s see what Pete says.
The Question: It’s Getting To Be Time For Us To Replace Our Water Heater, So Which Is Better? Gas Or Electric?
Pete Says: This can be the quickest answer ever when you know one thing. Do you have a gas line going to your heater location? If the answer is no, then the choice is simple, an electric water heater is the choice because they are so close in most other things like cost and efficiency that you wouldn’t spend the money to run a gas line.
Okay, now let’s say it isn’t so clearcut and you have both electric and gas available at the water heater location. The fact is, that when it comes to efficiency, we find electric heaters are more efficient for our customers. Power costs here in Arizona are still relatively cheap and even though gas is less expensive monthly, gas heaters do use more energy overall.
What Are The Advantages Of A Gas Water Heater?
Gas water heaters are built to stand the test of time, are tried and true, and they have a great amount of water heated and ready to supply your home. It is true that they cost a little more up front, but the lower cost of gas compared with electricity means that these costs even out over time.
What Are The Advantages Of An Electric Water Heater?
Electric water heaters tend to be less expensive up front and many people feel safer with them because they don’t use a pilot light, which is a flame, and they don’t want to have to relight it when it goes out. Over time they are competitive cost wise, even with the higher monthly cost because they cost less for the upfront purchase of the unit. Also, many of them are smaller so if space is an issue, that can be a benefit.
Electric water heaters also tend to require less maintenance, but you always want to have an annual check up to ensure they are runny optimally.
What About Instahot?
Instahot is a great service to have right at a tap when you want instant hot water, but they aren’t for the whole house, they provide a great deal of function, though. It is really cool to have hot water at the touch of a button!
Another option I want to mention for a lot of homes is a tankless water heater. It takes up the least space and is a terrific luxury in the right situation. The water heats up fast and doesn’t use a tank at all. They can be gas or electric, too, so you’ve still got to pick! Feel free to ask us about any of these options.
So there you have Pete’s take on the great electric vs. gas battle. To find out which one is ideal for your unique situation, give us a call to schedule a free estimate. You can reach us at 480-388-6093.