How to Make the Switch: Gas vs Electric Water Heater
Image Credit: dayandnightair.com
Most of us take hot water for granted. You probably don’t think twice about how you get hot water when you take a shower or wash your hands – until the hot water doesn’t come out of the faucet. When your water heater stops working properly, you suddenly want to find the best water heater that will last a long time and improve the energy efficiency of your home. The type of water heater you choose significantly impacts your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating is the second largest home expense. Your water heater accounts for approximately 14-18% of utility costs.
If you have a gas water heater, you may consider getting an electric water heater this time around. You shouldn’t just get another gas heater since that’s what you already have. Don’t ignore the potential advantages of switching things up. Here some helpful tips for switching from a gas to an electric water heater.
Energy Efficient Water Heater Comparison
According to the DOE, electric water heaters tend to be more energy efficient than conventional gas-fired water heaters. This is because gas heaters lose heat via vents while electric heaters don’t. This will help you save money on your monthly utility bills. If you’re going to save money every month, hiring a plumber in St Augustine to help you switch to an electric water heater seems like a no-brainer.
When buying a new electric water heater, one number you’ll want to pay attention to is the first-hour rating (FHR). This number indicates how much hot water your new unit will deliver in a specific timeframe. If you have a family of three that uses 60 gallons of hot water simultaneously while showering in the morning, then you’ll want a water heater with a minimum FHR of 60. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the total gallon capacity of your heater. Generally, the minimum capacity you’d want is 30. We’ll help you determine what FHR and gallon capacity are ideal for your household.
Costs of Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Upfront costs matter as well. Most electric heaters are in the $1,375 – $5,272 range, while gas units generally cost between $1,376 – $6,548. Generally, electric water heaters are more affordable, which makes the switch an easy decision.
Installation Speed and Cost
Of course, when you purchase a new water heater, you’ll need to factor in installation costs on top of the price of the unit. We provide affordable installation for all water heaters, but electric is considerably cheaper than gas. When we install electric water heaters, we need to run an electrical circuit that is rated for the water heater if you’re converting from gas to electric.
Safety Considerations
One thing to think about is the safety benefits of switching to an electric unit. Gas water heaters are more dangerous because the fuel could explode or leak. If you don’t want to have a combustible unit in your home, go with an electric heater.
Average Lifespan of a Water Heater
Another important factor to consider when choosing a water heater is how long it will last. You don’t want to have to pay hundreds of dollars again sooner than necessary for another replacement. This is another good reason to switch from gas to electric. Electric heaters utilize fewer parts to operate, so you can expect them to last several years longer than their gas counterparts.
Space Requirements
If measurements are a concern, then you’ll notice gas heaters take up a lot of space. Gas water heaters require significant ventilation around it. You won’t be able to have a gas heater in a crawl space or closet. Thankfully, electric heaters are small enough that you can install them in confined areas.
Water Heater Pilot Light
Many gas heaters come equipped with pilot lights, which means you need to reignite the flame when it burns out. This can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous. On the other hand, you never have to worry about this when it comes to electric heaters.
NOTE: This article was originally published by Day & Night Air and can be read here.
From W Smith Plumbing
Now that you are familiar with pros and cons of the both types of water heaters we can help you decide which one is right for your home and your family. If you have any questions or concerns you can call our office at (904) 669-2514 and talk to our professional staff and plumbers. We provide free water heater quotes for any residential or commercial applications. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
