When choosing a water heater, efficiency is a main concern because according to the department of energy, 14-18 percent of our energy use comes from heating water. There are two types of heaters that you can choose from: Gas and Electric. Gas water heaters use natural gas to generate the energy needed to heat water, while electric heaters use electric resistance coils. Though 60% of homes in the Unites States use gas powered water heaters, this does not necessarily mean that using a gas heater will be right for you and your family. You can often find the energy factor or EF number on the heater for both gas and electric. This number will help you compare the efficiency of the appliances that you are comparing. The bigger the number, the more efficient the heater.
Here are some of the differences between Gas and Electric water heaters to help you make the right choice.
Pros of Buying a Gas Heater:
Cons of Buying a Gas Heater:
The Pros of Choosing an Electric Water Heater:
The Cons of Choosing an Electric Water Heater:
Choosing a water heater can be difficult and ultimately, it comes down to the size of your family and the cost of electricity versus gas. These pricing differences can vary depending on where you live. For this reason, you should be sure to check the costs for your area. Gas and electric heaters often have similar installation prices and last the same number of years, so it can be difficult to make a decision. At the end of the day going through the homework to make sure you choose the right water heater will work toward saving you a lot of money in the long run. You can find out more about maintaining and buying a water heater by contacting Art Plumbing and AC.