Hot water is something that everyone makes use of in their homes each day. Whether you’re washing yourself, your dishes, your food, or practically anything else, you probably rely on your water heater to work properly each day. Thanks to new innovations and upgrades to both tankless heaters and hot water tanks, there has never been a better time to get a new, high-efficiency water heater. Plenty of homeowners want the best possible water heater for their budget, but with the increased awareness of the environmental impact that corresponds with energy consumption, people are also in the market for the most efficient product they can find.
Gas or Electric Water Heater?
There are two main energy sources that power both tankless heaters and hot water tanks; natural gas and electricity. The main question we’ll be dealing with today is which one provides the highest amount of efficiency when powering a water heater. Below you’ll find a brief comparison of gas vs electric water heaters, and how each one performs in terms of overall efficiency.
No matter which one you prefer, you can rely on the expert residential electricians at BPM electric to provide top quality installation for your new water heater. We are also always available to perform regular maintenance and repairs on your existing water heater, so you can get the most out of it in terms of lifespan and, of course, efficiency.
Gas Water Heaters
Let’s go over some of the pros and cons when it comes to gas heaters and their efficiency.
Pros:
- Gas water heaters work much faster when it comes to heating the water supply. In fact, some of the latest gas heaters can work twice as fast as their electrical counterparts. This makes the gas-powered water heaters ideal for large households with lots of people. With a gas-powered heater, especially a tankless heater, no one will ever have to worry about running out of hot water in the shower again!
- Gas is cheaper than electrical energy in Vancouver and the surrounding lower mainland. Over time, people who own a gas heater will pay less to operate it compared to people with an electric water heater.
Cons:
- Even though over time gas heaters will cost less in utilities, they cost a lot of money upfront. The installation process is also a bit more complicated because gas heaters also require ventilation.
Electric Water Heaters
Pros:
- An electric water heater is much easier to install and cheaper to purchase upfront. This is because electric heaters can simply be connected to the electrical power in the house. This also makes them a little more compact compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
- Lower installation costs associated with electric water heaters are often the case because there are fewer components to install with this type of appliance. For instance, there is no ventilation required, meaning an electric water heater can be installed in many more locations around the house with ease. This is definitely a pro for homes with limited space.
Cons:
- While they are less expensive to purchase and install initially, the cost of running an electric water heater is higher over time. This is especially true if the heater is put to frequent use in a home with a large family.
- As the water gets used, the recovery of new hot water will slow significantly compared to a gas-powered heater. If you ever run out of hot water in your home, it is more than likely that you have an electric powered heater struggling to keep up with the demand for hot water. In this instance there is nothing to do but wait for the water to heat up.
Conclusion
In terms of overall efficiency, the gas-powered heater works faster and costs less to operate. That doesn’t mean there is no room for an electric water heater, even if you are looking for the most efficient appliance you can get. An electric heater makes a lot of sense for smaller homes where space is limited, and there are fewer occupants. No matter what type of water heater you choose, you can count on BPM Electric to handle any and all of your repair, maintenance and installation needs.
