Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater: Gas or Electric
When the current water heater fails, homeowners must decide what to install in its place. The simple answer is to get a direct replacement for the current unit, but this isn’t always appropriate. Making this decision quickly may not be in the owner's best interest, so they should always take the time to understand their options and make the best decision for their home. Here are options for water heaters to help homeowners make the best decision regarding water heater replacement.
Gas Water Heater
The first choice a homeowner will need to make is regarding the utility of the new water heater. This means gas or electricity. Most homes or businesses are only wired or plumbed for a certain type of unit, and installing the necessary wiring or piping for a different type can be costly. Still, the decision is easier if the benefits of switching utility types are good enough.
The most popular choice of utility for water heaters is natural gas. Natural gas is still cheap as a fuel, making utility bills lower during operation than electric water heaters, but the upfront cost is higher. In an age of climate consciousness, gas water heaters can reach efficiencies of 96%, making them eco-friendly even though fossil fuels power them.
The downside of gas water heaters is that they are more dangerous than their electrical counterparts. Having natural gas service in the home means a potential for gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite these threats, gas water heaters are popular choices for water heater replacement.
Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are another option for storage water heaters, i.e., water heaters with a tank. As long as the appropriate wiring is available, these units are often cheaper to install. Electric water heaters are also safer and typically more compact than gas water heaters.
Instead of using a burner to heat water, electric water heaters have large heating elements that use electricity to heat water. The heating elements can drive up power bills and take longer to heat water than a cycle from a gas burner. This can mean a slower recovery period for an electric water heater, limiting the total volume of hot water.
About Water Heaters Only, Inc.
Water Heaters Only, Inc. specializes in water heaters. Their teams offer the best prices and the widest variety of water heaters for homes and businesses. Call today for water heater services in Phoenix, AZ.
