Consumers have many alternatives when it comes to a water heater replacement. Traditional water heaters can hold up to 80 gallons of hot water in a large storage container. When hot water is being used, cold water enters underneath of the tank and is then heated to a preset heat. This ensures that the storage tank is always filled with water.
A tank-less water heater, however, is a more efficient method of water heating. A demand water heater just heats the water needed for instant use. Unlike a tank water heater, this method comes with no energy loss. Home and business owners can choose from electrical, natural gas, geothermal, heat pump, fuel oil, propane, and solar energy water heaters. Of all these options, the one that has the most energy-saving method of hot water heating is a demand electric water heater.
Although the price differences between gas and electricity and the effectiveness of gas water heaters might persuade you to choose a gas water heater over an electric water heater, we will discuss a number of reasons why an electric water heater is better than a gas water heater:
- The cost of setup: With a gas water heater, you have to vent the exhaust through the flu. That means you must set up PVC tubing through your home and on your roofing. With an electric water heater, you simply install a particular outlet or bare wiring. There is no need to drill holes into your roof.
- Safety: Your chances of having an explosion in your house as a result of the gas leak is greater than electrocution from bad wiring to your tank. Also, the damage to your home after an explosion far exceeds many damages that an electric tank could inflict.
- Space requirements: Gas water heaters require at least 6-18 inches of ventilation on all sides and top, which means you cannot just install the tank in a closet. An electric tank can be set up in confined spaces without the fear of an explosion or gas buildup. There are even small electric water heaters that are used under the sink.
- The cost of purchase: Electric water heaters cost less than gas water heaters of the same size.
- Life expectancy: Since electric water heaters use fewer parts that are not subjected direct heat, they will last for many years beyond the lifespan of a gas water heater.
- Gas heaters no longer make the excuse that they can work even when the power is out: Now many gas water tanks make use of electric ignitions. When the electric power goes out, so does your hot water, except what is left in the tank.
- No Pilot Light: In line with safety, electric water heaters do not use a pilot light, so you do not have to be concerned about reigniting the flame if it accidentally burns out. However, many new gas heaters use electric ignitions, not pilot lights.
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