Water heaters: which is better gas or electric?
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Gas water heaters are more powerful and cheaper to run, i am biased because i am a gas installer, but a gas water heater can't be fitted in a bathroom and needs an outside wall for the flue, or be close to the roof to be able to flue vertically.
We have an electric one - it's a lot more energy efficient than a gas one and it works just as well - maybe even better!
i would say electric, that way you can put your part to stop global warming and conserve the earth.
That would really depend on what your definition of "better" is. The "pros" of an electric HW heater are: 1. they require no external venting (chimney etc.), 2. The heating elements are relatively easy to change if one goes bad 3. Their operation uses no combustible material 4. The new models are very energy efficient, unlike the older ones. Gas HW heaters have some "pros" too..1. They are usually less expensive to operate 2. They heat the water quicker However, gas HW heaters have some drawbacks.1. If improperly vented, they can produce carbon monoxide 2. They require an external vent (chimney etc.) 3. Many localities require that the natural gas lines be piped with black steel piping, which (for a new installation) require inspection and mercury testing for leaks.
There are power-vented gas HW heaters that can be vented with PVC piping through a foundation, however these are a bit more expensive than the standard gas HW heater.
Simple question simple answer
Gas is more expensive to buy, but much less expensive and more effiecient to run
Gas.
Gas is more efficient and heats water faster.
Gas water heaters heat water faster. As far as cost to operate, check the labels on new ones. They give the yearly cost to operate plus show the energy efficiency of the model you are looking at relative to others in its class.
When looking at the labels, it will state the cost of electricity or gas used for the calculations. Compare this to the cost in your area.
Gas water heaters cost more initially to purchase and to install. Of course you must have gas available. If not you can get a model which works on propane, but then you must install a tank, usually at a cost to you.
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