Whenever your old electric hot water heater is continuously breaking down and you are in the decision process of replacing it instead of continuing to have repairs done by plumbers in Katy, Texas, you may want to consider switching from electric to gas. Below we go in depth between the pros and cons of gas versus electric hot water heaters.

The Pros of Gas Hot Water Heaters

  • Natural gas hot water heaters are more efficient in heating water than their electrical counterparts. A gas hot water heater can heat water faster and uses less energy in doing so, around 35% less energy in fact. A natural gas hot water heater will also recover around 65% faster than their electric counterparts.
  • Whenever you exchange an electric tankless water heater for a gas tankless hot water heater, the savings are even bigger. A gas tankless water heater can cost around 55% less to operate than an electric one. A gas tankless hot water heater also costs around 30% to operate than a conventional gas hot water heater.

However, not all households will be a candidate for tankless water heaters, but for those that are – the savings can be quite significant. Gas powered tankless hot water heaters can last for decades due to the availability of parts on some models. This will allow plumbers in Katy, Texas to extend serviceability for these models and extend their life cycles immensely.

  • Gas tankless water heaters also require very little space to install them in. This can be beneficial to homeowners that have very little space or nowhere to place a large conventional tank hot water heater.

The Cons of Gas Hot Water Heaters

  • The costs associated with purchasing a gas hot water heater are more than electric hot water heater models. If the household has never had a gas hot water heater, there is the additional cost for the installation of gas lines and an exhaust flue.
  • Conventional gas tank water heaters will require at least 18” on any given side between the tank and walls or other structure making them inconvenient for homeowners with very little space.
  • Though explosions are very unlikely, gas is a volatile material that does have the potential to explode. If there is a leak, a faulty burner or other failed safeties, it can end up causing an explosion. Even in the event that there is no explosion and enough gas has leaked into the home, the gas itself can be deadly to anyone in the home. Gas is a danger that is not encountered with their electric counterparts. Routine maintenance and prompt water heater repair from professional plumbers in Katy, Texas are essential for the safety of you and other household members.

If you are in the market to purchase a tankless water heater, our suggestion would be to purchase a gas tankless water heater. Electric tankless water heaters use massive amounts of electricity in order to produce hot water. Due to this, electric tankless water heaters are not Energy Star qualified, whereas gas models are.

  • Gas powered hot water heaters will require professional installation. All gas pipes, fittings and connections must be properly installed and tested with specialized equipment to ensure that there are no leaks. This is not a do-it-yourself project that should be taken lightly, due to the dangerous of working with gas. It is for this same reason that you should only seek out gas certified plumbers in Katy, Texas for the installation of gas water heaters and gas water heater repairs.

The Pros of Electric Hot Water Heaters

Due to the great efficiency benefits of gas hot water heaters, you may at this point considering going with gas. However, there are legitimate reasons for going with an electric water heater instead

  • Safety is the number one reason, and it alone is why some homeowners end up deciding to go with an electric hot water heater. Though, gas leaks are very rare scenarios, especially if the homeowner has annual or even bi-annual maintenance performed by professional plumbers in Katy, Texas. Nevertheless, the fact that an explosion is still possible – is enough to scare some homeowners away.
  • If a homeowner’s budget is tight, the lower cost of installing an electric hot water heater can be quite appealing. Electric hot water heaters do not require ventilation due to the fact that they do not produce carbon monoxide.
  • When it comes to repair, electric hot water heaters are quite a bit simpler, thus cheaper to repair. This is due to the fact that that there are no gas pressures to check, combustion chambers, or other safety regulated components to look at.
  • Electric hot water heaters can be installed in closets or other areas of limited space since they do not need that much extra space, whereas, gas hot waters do.
  • Electric hot water heaters can take advantage of the benefits of a timer. This enables you to cut down on the amount of time that the heater runs and when it is in operation.
  • Conventional electric tank hot water heaters will outlast their gas powered counterparts before they typically will need repairs.
  • The costs associated with purchasing an electric hot water heater are less than their gas powered counterparts.

The Cons of Electric Hot Water Heaters

  • Electric hot water heaters typically cost much more to operate than gas powered hot water heaters. However, with the usage of timers, insulating blankets and improved technology, electric hot water heater efficiency, including their recovery times is improving every year. However, gas still remains the champion when it comes to energy efficiency and electric remains the champion when it comes to safety.