Many of our customers ask this question when it’s time to replace their water heaters, and the decision should be a well-thought-out one. The first thing to consider is how your home is currently set up for the water heater. Is it set up for a gas or electric heater? You can change from gas to electric or vice versa, but your home will have to be renovated to accommodate the new water heater type. Take this into account first and then consider the following by us here at Five Star Plumbing.
Gas Heater Pros
Gas heaters are more energy-efficient, which means they usually pay for themselves within one year. The savings to your utility bills will add to what you paid for the water heater in about 12 months. Gas water heaters work better for larger families, too, as they heat more water each hour. It only takes one hour to heat the water in a 50-gallon tank; it’ll take a few hours in an electric water heater tank. Finally, gas water heaters will heat your water even when the power is out.
Electric Heater Pros
Electric water heaters also come with plenty of positives. You have a better selection of tank sizes with electric water heaters, so if it’s just you or you and your partner in the home, you could opt for a smaller water heater tank to save money and water. Electric heaters only heat the water you are using when you turn on the hot water. Electric water heaters also take up less space and don’t need gas lines or the exhaust vents required when installing and using gas appliances.
Additional Considerations
All of this being said, where you live can also affect gas and electric water heaters’ efficiency. For example, if gas utility pricing is lower than electric utility pricing, you’ll likely save money with a gas water heater even though it uses gas to heat all of the water in the tank. If you love to take long showers, a gas water heater is the better option, as the electric heater will use electricity throughout the shower. If your home uses solar energy, electric is the way to go.
Five Star Plumbing can help you decide which water heating option is best for you. We are located in San Antonio, TX. We can discuss the water heating options with you and install whichever water heater you decide on.
