Deciding Between a Gas or Electric Water Heater

When it comes to the appliances you use every day in your home, there are probably a couple that come to mind right away. Your refrigerator, for instance, and maybe your dishwasher too. One appliance, however, that is often taken for granted is the water heater.

Your water heater works hard every single day to bring your entire household hot water for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and more. So when you’re looking at options for new  water heaters in Stafford, TX , it makes sense that you’ll want one that will work as effectively and efficiently as possible, to help you save money. But what factors should you consider when choosing a new system?

Would you believe that your water heater usage makes up almost 20% of the average utility bill? You can save energy, and subsequently save money, a few ways—by taking shorter showers, for example. But don’t you want to know how to choose a hot water heater that is energy efficient from the start?

First off, it would benefit you to discuss with a professional if a traditional storage tank water heater would be best for your home, or if you’d be better off with a tankless model. Generally speaking, tankless models work more efficiently, but it really depends on your specific home and needs. The next order of business is deciding between a gas-powered or an electrical-powered water heater.

Should I Go With Gas?  Gas powered water heaters generally have burners on the bottom of the tank, which is fed by gas from the municipal supply. These burners sit beneath the water tank and heat the water, with an exhaust vent removing toxic gases.

Most homeowners choose to go with a gas powered system due to the affordability of natural gas. Pretty much all you need is access to the municipal line.

Electricity is a Viable Option.  Electric water heaters use a different method to function. They don’t need a gas line to work, only the electrical grid within your home. You plug it in just as you would with any other appliance, and heated coils work to warm the water. Typically, electrical water heaters take a bit longer to heat the water. But, they also usually have higher capacity—and of course are far easier to use for homes that don’t have access to gas lines.

Another factor to think about is safety. Today’s gas-powered appliances are built with safety in mind, and you will almost never need to worry about safety hazards, especially if you have your water heater maintained on a regular basis. However, many homeowners opt for going electric because they don’t want to risk gas leaks or any other issues that gas-powered equipment might present.

When it comes down to it, there are pros and cons of both gas powered and electric-powered water heaters, just as there are with any other appliance. Give us a call and our expert plumbers will be happy to go over your options and help you understand what system will work best for your particular needs.

For “services you can depend on,”  contact Doug Turner Plumbing CO.  today.

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