You need to buy a water heater, but do you go with gas or electric? There are positives and negatives to each.
The type that is best for your home will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home and amount of hot water you use. When it comes time to choose a new appliance, here’s everything you need to know about gas heaters vs. electric heaters.
Gas Water Heaters: Pros and Cons
Gas water heaters are extremely common and many homeowners prefer them for the following reasons:
- They are less expensive to operate than electric water heaters
- Gas heats the water faster than electricity
- High energy-efficient models are available
- Still able to heat water during power outages
There are some downsides to having a gas water heater, however. Some of those include:
- Cost more to install (average $1,300–$2,600)
- Higher maintenance
- Safety concerns with gas
- More energy loss
Electric Water Heaters: Pros and Cons
Electric water heaters are also common in homes, and they have many benefits, including:
- Lower installation cost (roughly $950–$1,500)
- Less required maintenance
- No safety concerns
- Less energy loss
The cons to electric water heaters:
- Higher monthly operating costs than gas heaters
- Don’t offer high-efficiency models
- Will not operate or heat water during power outages
- Takes longer to heat the water
Is Gas or Electric Right for Me?
In summary, gas water heaters have higher installation costs but cost less to operate while electric water heaters have lower installation costs but higher operating costs. Gas heats faster and works during power outages while electric does not, but electric models don’t require as much maintenance. In short, there are goods and bads to each and the question of whether gas or electric water heaters are better is one without a concrete answer.
The simplest option for replacing your water heater is to go with what was previously installed. If gas fittings are already in place, it will be cheaper and easier to stick with a gas water heater and vice versa. While most homes have easy access to both gas and electricity, some homes don’t have gas lines at all and rely solely on electricity. An electric water heater would be the only choice in this case.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to examine the pros and cons of available water heaters and decide which type you want to go with. This guide can help you find the right size of model for your home, and a professional plumber can take a look at your current setup and help you look at specific types of water heaters that would work well in your situation.
Quick Quality Plumbing Is Here
If you need a new water heater, Quick Quality Plumbing is here to help. We offer a variety of gas or electric water heaters as well as emergency plumbing services, leak repair, water main and sewer main replacement, and much more. We pride ourselves in being honest, dependable, and professional. We serve clients across Utah County in Utah including Lehi, American Fork, Provo, and Orem. Contact us today for all your plumbing needs!
