Gas or Electric, Tank or Tankless — Which Water Heater is Right?
There are many different kinds of water heaters available on the market now. With tankless water heaters rising in efficiency and popularity, even the decision to go tankless deserves consideration. Beyond that, there are other considerations, such as the heat source: electric or gas. This article will cover these considerations. Read on to find out what kind of water heater is best!
Most Common: Gas Water Heaters
The first is the most common type of water heater used today: storage tank water heaters that use natural gas as fuel. Natural gas is widely available at a relatively low cost, plus these units heat the water quicker than electric storage tank heaters (more on those later).
Gas water heaters are very simple units that are easy to maintain. Although they usually need more maintenance than their electric counterparts, the drawbacks are few but can be significant.
Since gas water heaters use gas, there’s always a chance of a gas leak, meaning ventilation is very important. They also don’t last as long as their electric counterparts. Some older gas water heaters will still work during a power outage, but most modern models need electricity to run. If the home is already set up for a gas water heater, replacing it with a similar model is probably the best option.
Safest: Electric Water Heaters
Electric storage tank water heaters also have their pros and cons. In the pros column, they are cheaper to purchase (lower upfront costs), and there’s no risk of a gas leak with an electric unit. As mentioned above, they have a slightly longer lifespan than gas models.
However, they are slower to heat the entire tank, although once it’s heated, electric units maintain the heat just fine — so long as they have power. In some places, electricity is slightly more expensive than gas, so running an electric heater may cost more than a gas one.
There’s little to no heat loss (unlike gas units), so the difference may be minimal, depending on several variables.
Longest Lasting: Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is the way to go for an even longer-lasting option (although more costly up-front). Instead of constantly maintaining hot water in a large tank, these highly efficient units heat the water when the tap is turned on.
Since they heat the water quickly, they can deliver it at about the same time as a traditional water heater. However, depending on the type of heater (gas or electric), the flow rate of hot water could be lower than with a tank heater. Since they can deliver hot water as needed, the household need not worry about running out.
Both tank and tankless water heaters require maintenance for optimal and continuous operation, but tankless water heaters are the clear winner in terms of lifespan.
Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, whereas traditional storage tank water heaters usually don’t last past 15. The upfront cost of tankless water heater installation is usually offset by its increased efficiency and longer lifespan.
But, as always, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional plumber about water heater installation before making a final decision!
About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service
Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has proudly served Evansville, IN, for over a century. Established in 1920, Bud’s has built a reputation for fast, quality service that is done right the first time. They provide cost-effective solutions and full transparency throughout the service. Contact them for water heater services in Evansville, IN.
