Having a water heater is essential in every home because of the varying weather conditions. For instance, in winter, bathing with warm water can be challenging while in summer, you would need a cool water bath.
However, what kind of water heater is preferable? A gas or an electric water heater?
About Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters use gas as the source to heat your water, using a gas burner which is situated at the bottom of the tank. When the water is heating up, it rises to the top and is discharged through the hot water discharge pipe while the cold water stays at the bottom to be heated.
This type of water heater is generally safe and is more effective in areas where there are frequent power outages.
About Electric Water Heaters
The electric water heater works similarly to the gas heat with the major difference being the heat source. Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the cold water and pass it out through the hot water discharge pipe. Electric heaters are generally safer than gas water heaters and require less maintenance.
3 Differences Between Gas and Electric Water Heaters
While these two types of water heaters are quite effective in producing hot water, they have several differences that make people prefer one to the other. Here are three differences between gas and electric heaters:
1. Cost
Both the gas and electric heater have an upfront and operational cost. The gas heater has a higher upfront cost and a lesser operational cost as the cost of natural gas is less expensive. However, the electric water heater has a lower upfront cost with a higher operational cost. Running your electric water heater with electricity has a significant effect on your bills.
2. Maintenance
Both water heaters require some basic maintenance periodically, however, the gas water heater requires more maintenance compared to the electric water heater. This is because the gas lines and tanks need to be properly maintained to prevent gas leaks.
3. Efficiency
Although gas water heaters can heat water faster than electric heaters, the water quickly loses the warmth from the walls of the storage tanks. While electric water heaters are more efficient in retaining hot water.
About B&B Family Plumbing
Are you in Rock Hill, SC and need a professional plumbing service to install your water heaters? Look no further than B&B Family Plumbing.
B&B Family Plumbing has a team of highly-trained plumbers who can install any water heater of your choice effectively.
Call 803-431-0764 to get a free estimate.