If you’re getting ready to install a new water heater at your place, you’ll have many options to consider. One of the biggest decisions to make is whether you should invest in a gas or electric water heater. They both come with benefits and a few drawbacks, so you’ll have to think carefully about which one would suit you best.

Versatility

Electric water heaters are more versatile since they can be installed in any type of place, as long as electricity is available. In contrast, gas units need to be connected to a gas line. In some places, natural gas is not available. While people may be able to use propane as their fuel source, this adds another expense and may be difficult in certain situations. For example, some properties may be too small for propane tanks, and some communities may not allow them.

Safety

Appliances that use gas come with some degree of risk due to the possibility of gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and it can be extremely dangerous. That’s why it’s recommended that people install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

Efficiency

Electric heaters can work more efficiently than their gas counterparts. If efficiency matters a lot to you, take a close look at the expected energy consumption of the models you’re interested in.

Note that gas and electric water heaters are available as tankless units, also known as on-demand systems. In this case, they heat water only when you need it, rather than holding hot water in a tank. Because they prevent standby heat loss, they consume much less energy than traditional units.

Cost of Operation

We just mentioned that electric units typically use less energy than gas ones. However, how does this translate into what you pay each month for your utilities? Electricity is typically more expensive than gas, so you’ll likely pay more to use an electric water heater than a gas version.

Ability to Heat Water

Compared with electric water heaters, gas water heaters are known to heat water more quickly. This might be especially critical if you have a large household and/or use a lot of hot water. It can help you cut down on water consumption, too, since you won’t have to wait so long for the water in the shower to warm up.

Many Pros and Cons

In general, electric water heaters are more versatile, safer to use, and more efficient, but gas units are associated with lower operating costs and faster heating. You’ll have to decide which factors are more important. For assistance with your water heater installation in Fountain Valley, CA, call Carlson Plumbing.