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Gas vs Electric Hot Water Systems: 5 Ways to Help You Decide

18 July

When no repair and professional plumber is enough to fix your hot water system or heat pump, well, it must have been many years already for your old system, and nothing lasts forever, so let’s take a closer look at and shop for a replacement. Let’s see the perfect new water heater for you at a reasonable price. Maybe a gas hot water heater or a gas continuous flow system? Or electric water heaters from the many choices available in electric models.

You can try cost-effective new models or stick to your old and tested brand. But you need to consider your budget. A hot water system is a significant investment, but you could save some on your bill rather than maintain a faulty one or buy a low-quality one.

You must also think about how much hot water you need, whether to have a water tank or go tankless. Take into account also your water usage, property and household size. And consider how energy efficient you want to be; consider greenhouse gas emissions.

For every model and type, there are advantages and disadvantages. So, without further ado, let’s see the pros and cons of gas or electric hot water systems. Are gas systems better for you? Or should you consider electric hot water heaters?

What Are Your Options?

What are your choices for your new hot water system? Will you go gas or electric for your water heaters? Let’s see if gas units or modern electric systems are the better fit for you in the gas vs electric hot water unit choices.

For most households, the running costs of heating water or heat pumps account for a quarter or more of the entire energy bill, not considering yet gas heaters and electric systems or any other type of hot water heaters like continuous flow hot water or instant hot water and solar hot water systems. Also, installation costs shouldn’t be set aside, which will dent one’s budget. It means the gas vs electric hot water question is one you need to get right.

Both gas hot water systems and electric hot water systems are available as hot water cylinders storage units or storage tanks, where heated water is stored in an insulated tank or instantaneous ‘tankless’ systems, and water is heated on demand.

Gas Hot Water System vs. Electric Hot Water System

1. Efficiency

Regarding efficiency, look at their respective energy factors (EF). The higher-efficiency heaters will have higher EF numbers. This number evaluates how effective a water heater is at producing hot water. It also measures how much fuel or electricity is required to heat your water.

Electric water systems win out from an efficiency perspective with an EF that can go higher than 0.9 compared to conventional gas hot water systems.

Most energy loss from gas water systems is during venting, which doesn’t occur in an electric hot water heater.

But with climate change now on everyone’s lips, households and governments are trying to spruik more efficient alternatives.

2. Installation

With an up-front price and because they’re easy to install or replace, electric hot water is still a prevalent choice.

Gas hot water system models cost more upfront and are more costly in maintenance and installation.

Gas hot water systems need a more complicated installation that includes a ventilation system. PVC pipes must vent through the roof if switching to a gas water heater. With no exhaust gas, they can be very compact. When replacing the gas system water heater, you will also need to perform regular maintenance and repair for this ventilation system.

3. Operating Costs

Despite the higher upfront cost, most gas water heaters make up for this price difference within a year, so long as they are well maintained. And your energy bills will likely be lower with a gas water heater.

You’ll likely spend less money overall if heating your water supply with gas. Natural gas is one of the cheapest energy sources, and in most cases, the cost of electricity will be much higher.

But technology is speeding ahead to make electric hot water options that involve off-peak rates to heat the water overnight, which is less costly.

4. Safety

Like any other appliance that runs on gas, water heaters are susceptible to gas leaks if they run on propane or natural gas. This can be a health hazard and threatens your property and safety.

However, with proper maintenance and periodic inspections, you can lessen the threat with your gas water heater. But you’ll never experience this with your electric water system. And electrical safety issues are less than the high risk of gas leaks.

5. Lifespan

A continuous-flow gas-powered hot water system has an average lifespan of 15-20 years with proper care. Electric hot water systems can last at least 8- 12 years, depending on whether it is a tank system or tankless.

How you care for your hot water system also weighs on its lifespan. If you maintain it well and promptly respond to issues, you can double the lifespan of your hot water system, be it gas or electric.

Which One Gets Our Vote?

Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. Our final piece is to answer these questions:

  1. What are energy sources available at your house?
  2. How many people live at your home?
  3. Summarise your day-to-day lifestyle.
  4. How much space do you have for hot water systems?
  5. Are you satisfied with your old hot water system?

With your answers, contact the friendly experts at Gold Coast Plumbing Company at 1300 792 041 for excellent service and upfront costs! We’ll be delighted to advise you on the highly recommended electric water heater or gas hot water system for your homes at the first phone call!

We can help you pick the best hot water unit for you and your home. And for maintenance and repair from instantaneous hot water systems to electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, and other plumbing problems, We’ve got your back. We do dozens of gas or electric installations and replacements in houses near you yearly.

We look forward to your call.

Not sure who to call for your malfunctioning hot water storage tanks? Reach out to our fully licensed local plumber for an excellent service at a reasonable cost. From the initial installation of a new system to fixing and maintaining your tankless water heaters, gas or electric hot water system, solar hot water system, and choosing the best hot water system for your home and the right hot water system for your business, you’ll save money with us!

We’re your expert plumbers with the best hot water service in the area. Call us now.