If you’re in the market for a new water heater in Utah, then you’re probably trying to figure out what which model type will be best for your home. Two common types of water heaters are gas and electric, and each has its pros and cons. Here’s what you should know when shopping for water heaters.
What’s the Difference Between Gas and Electric Water Heaters?
Gas water heaters use gas-powered burners to heat the water that’s stored in a large tank. Electric water heaters use electric coils to heat the water in the tank and are powered with energy from your property’s electrical system.
Gas Water Heater Pro: Larger Tank Capacity
Large families may want to consider having a gas water heater installed in their homes to have plenty of hot water at their disposal. Gas water heaters typically have larger tanks than their electrical counterparts, being more energy efficient.
Gas Water Heater Pro: Faster Heating and Recovery Times
Gas water heaters can heat water more quickly than electric water heaters. If having lots of hot water available almost immediately is important to you, then consider a gas water heater.
Gas Water Heater Con: Significant Installation Requirements
To safely install and operate a gas water heater, you’ll need to have multiple components installed. Your new gas water heater will require a gas water hookup as well as sufficient ventilation to make sure that carbon monoxide doesn’t build up in your interior. A skilled plumber can install a gas water heater for you
Gas Water Heater Con: Lower Heating Efficiency Level
Gas water heaters heat an entire tank of water and then keep it heated to that temperature indefinitely. As a result, they must burn a decent amount of gas to keep the water within at the desired temperature.
Electric Water Heater Pro: Greater Variety of Options
Since you can buy both tanked and tankless electric water heaters, you’ll have more types of electric water heaters to choose from than gas water heaters. Tanked water heaters, like their gas counterparts, store water in bulk in large tanks. Tankless water heaters are smaller than traditional units and heat the water as it comes into the unit, providing hot water on demand.
Electric Water Heater Pro: Safe and Clean Operation
Water heaters running on electricity don’t burn gas, so you don’t have to worry about gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure. You also don’t have to install special ventilation systems to handle excess fumes that you might encounter with gas water heaters.
Electric Water Heater Con: Slower Heating Rate
Due to their nature, electric water heaters warm water more slowly than their gas counterparts. If the speed at which your water heater warms water doesn’t matter to you, then this won’t be too much of a problem. However, if you frequently need a lot of hot water at your disposal, you might prefer a gas water heater.
Electric Water Heater Con: Requirement for Constant Electrical Connection
An electric water heater requires an electrical connection. If there is a power outage, your electric water heater cannot provide you with hot water. However, gas water heaters can operate during power failures to ensure hot water is available.
Quality Water Heater Installation in Bountiful, UT
At Rare Breed Plumbing, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional plumbing services to residents who live in Bountiful and the Salt Lake area. Our knowledgeable plumbers can take care of water heaters, sump pumps, garbage disposals, and plumbing system remodels. Whether you need quality water softeners, reverse osmosis filtering systems, repiping, or water line repair, we can help. Get in touch with us today if you want to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.
