Gas vs Electric Tankless Water Heaters – Which One is Best?
So, you have already decided to buy a tankless water heater. Naturally, the next issue to consider will be whether to get an electric or a gas-fueled version. The answer to this question is a little complicated.
Therefore, here is a look at some factors to consider as you evaluate the most appropriate fuel source for your demand-type water heater. As you will discover, there are personal circumstances that might make and electric tankless water heating unit a better option than gas-fueled alternative, and vice versa.
Installation Ease and Costs
If you want lower installation costs, and an easier installation experience, then the electric variant is what’s best for you. Gas water heaters are a little more complicated to install. They need things like proper ventilation to ensure their safety. An upgrade to the gas line might also be necessary, which adds to the installation complications and costs. In comparison, electric tankless water heating units are smaller, easier to install, do not need ventilation, and often don’t require that you upgrade your home’s electrical system.
You should determine how important is it that you contribute towards reducing greenhouse gases. In truth, even if you consider reducing your carbon footprint mildly important, then getting an electric tankless water heater is your best option. Electric tankless heaters are typically more than 15% more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts; and this source of energy is much cleaner overall.
Safety
Safety is always something you should consider when installing any system in your premises. And as far as gas and electric water heaters go, the electric version is simply much safer. A gas water heater comes with gas pipes, and many other parts and components. The gas heater is also susceptible to issues like leaks and other kinds of damage that can result in a full-blown fire incident. Electric systems, and by extension electric water heating systems, are considerably safer since they are not prone to similar safety risks.
Maintenance Demands
Hands down, electric water heaters are a lot easier to maintain, especially the tankless versions. This is one of the many reasons buyers are in the market searching for the best electric tankless water heater they can afford.
Gas water heaters have a lot more parts, and this compounds their maintenance demands. They also need regular inspections due to the grave security issues they pose to any premises; which adds to their already unfavorable maintenance costs. Additionally, electric variants are a lot easier to service and repair; unlike gas heaters that require experienced professionals to fix when issues arise.
Water Supply and Flow Rate
Electric demand-type water heaters can supply up to 5 gallons of hot water per minute. That is plenty of water for most household needs. However, gas water heaters can supply up to 8 or 10 gallons of water a minute. So, if you need above-average hot water flow rates, you might find yourself leaning towards gas-powered product.
Operating Costs
At the moment, gas prices are much more favorable than electricity costs. This might make gas water heaters more appealing to shoppers in need of a water heating system with the lowest possible operating costs. The problem is that these cost benefits might be marginal or nonexistent in some places.
More importantly, the future is likely to give us a scenario where gas prices rise while electricity costs fall. This means that even in places where gas is noticeably cheaper than electricity at the moment, in a couple of years, gas might cost as much as electricity in the not-so-distant future, if not more.
Summary
Whether to use a gas or an electric tankless water heater is a question that you will have to ponder based on your special circumstances. As the above discussion indicates, you have to evaluate your unique circumstances to arrive at the best option.
If you care about the environment, maintenance costs, safety and other important issues mentioned above, then use an electric tankless water heater. Otherwise, if price is the biggest priority for your, and gas happens to cost less in your area than electricity, then a gas-powered alternative should be right up your alley.
Contributed article are written by third-parties who have paid a fee to Woman Around Town for publication.
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