Water heating accounts for one of the major expenditures in our homes and therefore picking the right water heater is integral for controlling energy costs. Many families go for gas heaters which is a cheaper option than their electric counterparts.
Energy-efficiency Comparison
Gas heaters are not as much energy efficient as the electric water heaters. This is because the price of electricity itself makes the operating costs of an electric heater soaring. Heating water with electricity typically costs thrice the amount as heating it with gas.
Owing to its faster recovery rate, gas water heaters are more convenient than the electric ones. They are more fuel efficient and require only minimized energy and time to heat up the same amount of water that would be heated by an electric heater.
For instance, a gas water heater can heat up a 50 gallon tank in one hour, whereas, the latter can heat up only a 14 gallon tank, for the same amount of time.
If you have a large family, then gas heaters are the best pick as they are more efficient to meet the hot water needs of every family member. Unlike electric devices, gas heaters are also not vulnerable to power outages.
Cost-effectiveness Comparison
While conventional gas and electric storage heaters have almost the same initial purchase rate, using electricity costs higher than using natural gas. Thus, in the long run, electric heaters are more costly to operate. Setting up an electric water heater is also very expensive as it requires a 220 volt vent, and the necessary wiring associated with it.
In the case of gas heaters, the installation becomes quite easy if you already have a gas pipeline in your home. Electric water units may last a little longer than gas heaters, but this is mainly determined by the quality of water and how well the apparatus is taken care of. In regards to cost-effectiveness, gas heaters emerge the better option.
Tips for efficient energy usage
Having seen the comparison between the two in terms of the amount of water each will heat up in an hour, it is important to note the following tips as they might come in handy when trying to save on energy using either type of the heaters.
• Checking regularly for leaks can save water and energy.
• Replacing the normal shower heads with special water shaving ones helps you to utilize energy resourcefully.
• For garbage disposal, make use of cold water.
• Making good use of a sink stopper, while washing utensils, can reduce hot water usage and thereby save energy and money.
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