Compare Gas Vs Electric Water Heater

Gas water heaters are less energy efficient than electric heaters but the cost of electricity itself makes the running costs of an electric heater higher.

Compare gas vs electric water heater.

Electric water heaters typically have a lower upfront cost than gas water heaters. For both gas and electric tank water heaters last an average of 10 to. Gas uses the gas burner to heat water while the electric one or two heating elements. A gas heater must vent the spent gas which also takes some of the heat with it.

Gas models utilize a gas control valve with the integrated thermostat to control the gas flow and temperature while the electric has thermostats attached to the heating elements. Installation typically costs about as much as the water heater. Gas water heaters average in cost from around 400 to as high as 2 000 not including labor fees. While gas hot water heaters cost less to run due to the lower cost of natural gas electric heaters are actually more efficient.

If you see a pilot light or blue flame behind the access panel you have a gas water heater. Another difference between gas and electric water heaters is that a gas water heater will have pipes connected to it whereas an electric heater will have a supply cord. This is due to the way that the heaters operate. Gas water heaters also have a much faster recovery rate which makes them a convenient option for larger families.

However you will have to take the cost of the electricity used to operate the heater into consideration. Electric vs gas water heater average costs electric water heaters range in cost as little as 300 to as much as 1 500 not including installation costs. The style of water heater for example tank or tankless as opposed to the power source will determine how long it lasts.