If you’re thinking about purchasing a new water heater, you’re likely to replace gas for gas or electric for electric, especially if you’ve been happy (until recently!) with the performance of your current Electric Water Heaters.
But since water heaters have a life expectancy of up to 15 years and sometimes even longer, it might be worth considering what it might be like switching to “the other kind” assuming, that is, that you live in an area where natural gas is even an option.
For starters, and no matter which style you choose, you can look forward to greater energy efficiency, even when compared to how your current water heater performed when it was brand new. Americans are increasingly green conscious and manufacturers have responded with ever increasing energy efficiency.
Another consideration, and this goes for both gas and electric models, is storage tank size. If, for example, the kids have moved out, it’s definitely worth considering replacing your 50-gallon tank with something smaller. It will cost you less to purchase and less to operate, and you’ll still have all the hot water you need.
Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters
Gas water heaters heat natural gas to heat the water inside the storage tank. The heating process is gradual, which tends to make gas a more energy efficient choice.
By Comparison, electric water heaters have built-in copper coils that change electric energy into heat energy. Electric water heaters heat the water faster than their natural gas counterparts.
On the Plus Side for Natural Gas Water Heaters
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Fast energy recovery: up to 100% faster than electric water heaters.
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Reduced operating costs.
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A safe choice, especially when maintained on a regular basis by a professional plumber.
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Of all the fossil fuels, gas burns the most efficiently, thus minimizing its environmental impact.
On the Plus Side for Electric Water Heaters
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Cost less to purchase than gas water heaters.
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Lower installation cost, too.
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Longer lifespan for even greater value.
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Zero greenhouse emissions, and that’s as environmentally friendly as it gets.
Not that simple of a choice, is it? And yet, that’s just one more way Norhio Plumbing can be of assistance. Because when you call us for a quote on a new water heater, we’ll provide much more than that. We’ll ask about your daily water heater usage and how that might be different even a few years from now. And, if you do have a natural gas hook-up to your home, we’ll even tell you about tankless water heaters and the several advantages they offer.
The point is, a water heater is a long-term investment, and we do our best to help you make exactly the right choice for your home and budget. So give us a call, and we’ll get all your questions answered.
