Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have over 50 years’ experience installing different types of water heaters. If you’re looking for a plumbing repair service specializing in water heater installation, we are the team to call. In this article, we’ll compare electric water heaters to gas water heaters to help you decide which is the right choice for your needs.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters use electricity as their primary energy source to heat water. They’re equipped with a heating element, which can be either a resistant heating element or a heat pump. A thermostat controls the water temperature by switching the heating element on and off. Electric water heaters are available in tankless and tank options.

• Tankless Electric Water Heaters

Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters do not store hot water in a tank. Instead, they use electric heating elements to heat water only when you need it. They’re a great option for energy efficiency, especially in households with lower hot water usage. Tankless electric water heaters may come with a higher initial cost, but the potential energy savings over time can offset the initial investment.

• Storage Tank Electric Water Heaters

Conventional storage-tank water heaters remain the most popular water heating systems in homes today. As the name suggests, they feature a tank that stores heated water for later use. Compared to their tankless counterparts, storage tank models are more affordable to purchase and install. However, these water heating systems come with several drawbacks. Firstly, they continuously heat water to maintain a reserve, even during periods of low demand. Secondly, the amount of water available is limited by the tank size. If you run out of hot water, you’ll need to wait for the tank to reheat.

If energy efficiency is a top priority for you, a tankless water heater might be a better long-term investment. Reach out to the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for tankless water heater installation. We’ll assess your hot water needs and recommend a unit with the appropriate capacity to avoid insufficient hot water or wasted energy from an oversized unit.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane as their primary energy source to heat water, which is then distributed to various fixtures throughout your home. These water heaters are known for their efficiency and fast heating capabilities. That’s why these water heating systems have become commonplace in many households. Just like electric water heaters, gas water heating systems come in tankless and tank-type options. They can also be categorized into two types: non-condensing and condensing gas water heaters.

Non-condensing gas water heaters use a gas burner at the bottom of the tank to heat the water inside through a heat exchanger. The hot exhaust gases produced by the burning gas are expelled through a flue system that vents them outside your home. On the other hand, condensing gas water heaters capture the heat from the flue gases before they are expelled. This captured heat is then used to preheat the incoming cold water before it reaches the main burner.

The right type of gas water heater for your needs will depend on your budget, venting options in your home, and energy efficiency. It’s a good idea to consult with a qualified plumbing service to assess your needs and recommend the most suitable gas water heater type for your home.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing For Help

Looking for a professional plumbing service that offers top-notch water heater services? Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help you with all of your water heater needs. Whether you’re in need of water heater installation, water heater repair, or a tune-up, we are one phone call away.