by Roy De Souza

Created on: August 02, 2011   Last Updated: August 03, 2011

Choosing an electric water heater can be a difficult task. The choice between gas vs. electric can involve a variety of factors. Should you go for lower costs or ease of operation? Safety first or care for the environment first? Here are a few points to bear in mind when you decide to buy a water heater.

Costs

One of the main factors to bear in mind is, of course, how much each is going to cost. With a gas heater you will need gas lines. If your home is not connected to the grid you will have to install them and this could be costly. With an electric water heater, on the other hand, all you need to do is plug it into any available electrical outlet. When you install an electric water heater you will find that your electricity bill has increased considerably. Natural gas or propane is less expensive and, despite the initial outlay, will not increase your heating bill.

Safety

Both gas and electric water heaters are safe if they are adequately maintained and you observe safety precautions. A gas water heater normally produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, both harmless to humans. If there is a malfunction, however, it can produces carbon monoxide and this can lead to nausea, tiredness, and even death in some cases. Electric water heaters do not produce any harmful residues and this is why many doctors recommend its use, especially in cases of illness.

Utility

Tankless water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient because water is heated only on demand. Since this type of water heater can be found in both gas and electric versions, this is an advantage shared by both. Heaters that use a tank to store heated water need to constantly reheat the water when a sensor detects a fall in temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills.

Eco-friendliness

Electric heaters are more eco-friendly because they leave no residue. When operated from a renewable power source such as solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectricity, they leave practically no carbon footprint. Gas heaters need either natural gas or propane and therefore can contribute to global warming.

When choosing between gas vs. electric water heaters you should consider all of these factors. You will have to decide between the initial low costs of an electric water heater and the high costs of installing gas lines in your home. One advantage is that you can convert most of your home appliances to gas. Stoves, water heaters, heating systems, and even refrigerators can be found that use only gas. Your heating bills will be considerably less than your electricity bills. The ease of operation and maintenance of your electric water heater and other electrical appliances should also be taken into account.

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