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Are you planning on investing in a water heater for your property in Australia? If yes, this is an excellent decision because installing a water heater has many undeniable benefits. With a hot water system, you can be assured of a constant hot water supply for daily use in your home or business.
There are different types of hot water systems available to pick from, with the most common ones being gas and electric heaters. To determine the best option between the two hot water systems, it's essential to equip yourself with knowledge of the working mechanisms and their benefits and shortcomings.
Let's take a deeper dive into both systems to help you make the right decision.
Gas Hot Water Systems
A gas water heater uses gas as a fuel source to heat water. Most gas heaters use natural gas; however, other options are available, including liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and propane. These gas water heaters feature storage tanks that come in various sizes translating to different storage capacities.
Keen to note is that your hot water needs primarily determine the size of your storage tank. Additionally, gas water heaters feature a pilot light whose primary role is to ignite the burner. When the pilot light is lit, it ignites the burner, which proceeds to heat the water in the storage tank to the set temperature.
The hot water is maintained at that temperature until you use it. Gas hot water systems have various advantages and disadvantages, as highlighted below:
Pros of gas hot water systems
- Reduced operating costs compared to electric heaters.
- Heat water faster than electric heaters.
- It can heat water even when there is a power outage.
- Easy to install.
Cons of gas hot water systems
- They require high-level maintenance compared to electric heaters.
- They are less efficient because of high heat loss.
- They produce carbon dioxide, so you need proper ventilation to vent out the fumes.
- You must install a gas line if there isn't one already connected to your property.
Electric Hot Water Systems
As the name suggests, electric water heaters are powered by the electricity supply on your property. They feature an electric coil designed to heat cold water as it flows through them. These heaters come in two types: tankless or tank-type electric water heaters. The tank type features a tank where the hot water is stored and used when needed.
Unfortunately, since the tank-type models come with a large storage tank, installing it might prove problematic if you have limited living space in your home or business. On the other hand, a tankless electric water heater doesn't store heated water; instead, it heats and delivers water only when required.
Pros of electric hot water systems
- They are available in tankless and tank models.
- Tankless models take up less space since there is no tank.
- Less costly to purchase than gas heaters.
- Safer compared to a gas heater because there is no risk of gas leaks.
Cons of electric hot water systems
- They can only operate on a strong and reliable electrical connection.
- Slower recovery time compared to gas models.
- At times, electric water heaters fail to meet the high demands of hot water.
- They take longer to heat water than their gas counterparts.
How Do Gas and Electric Hot Water Compare?
Here are some aspects to consider when deciding on your ideal hot water system. These aspects compare gas and electric water heaters to help you make an informed decision.
Installation process
Installing and replacing a gas hot water system is more daunting than an electric one. That is the case because besides connecting it to your plumbing, you should also connect it to the gas line. So, the installation process is also costlier and needs more skills than electric hot water system installation. To install an electric water heater, you need to connect the heater to your electrical system and the plumbing system.
Sizes
Both electric and gas water heaters come in different sizes. Consequently, it falls on you to choose the size that can hold hot water that meets your needs. However, gas water heaters are available in larger sizes than electric ones, so a gas heater is the best option if you have high hot water demand. You can get expert help from a plumber to accurately determine the size that best meets your needs.
Upfront costs
Regarding upfront costs, gas water heaters are costlier than electric heaters. They are expensive because you need a gas line hookup, which makes the installation process costly. On the other hand, electric hot water systems are less expensive to install because you only require a connection to your electrical system.
Operating costs
Regarding operating costs, electric hot water systems are costlier to operate than gas ones. This is because the total price of natural gas is lower than that of electricity, making it a cheaper option for heating water in your home or business.
Lifespan
Electrical hot water systems have a longer lifespan than their gas counterparts; thus, they are less costly in the long run. Consequently, despite the high upfront cost of your electric water heater, you can make up for the high initial price with proper care. This is because you will have it longer than a gas water heater.
Maintenance
Both electric and gas water heaters require basic maintenance. With proper care, your preferred system will work perfectly for many years and meet its expected lifespan. Additionally, you'll save money on otherwise costly repairs since your hot water system won't break down frequently.
However, a gas water heater requires more attention due to the high risks involved with gas, including gas leaks which are a fire hazard. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintaining your heater to keep it operating safely and efficiently.
Additionally, since regular inspections are advised, you could work with your plumber to create a schedule on when to inspect and maintain your system to ensure it works perfectly. The assessment also allows issues to be detected and rectified before they can escalate.
Safety considerations
When considering the safety of each system, an electric water heater is a safer option. This is primarily because it doesn't involve the risk of a gas leak or a fire hazard. Consequently, it's also less likely to cause a fire than a gas heater.
However, this doesn't mean it cannot cause an electrical fire if handled recklessly. Therefore, as a precaution, you should always follow the necessary safety instructions and have your system inspected regularly.
Both hot water systems have safety features, including pressure relief and temperature valves, to release excess pressure and effectively prevent explosions. They also have an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the heater overheats.
Heating rate
With a large family, it's essential to consider the heating rate of each system to guarantee your hot water needs are met satisfactorily. Gas hot water systems heat water at a faster rate compared to their electric counterparts.
This happens because the burners in gas water heaters produce more heat than the elements contained in electric units. As a result, if you have a large family, a gas heater should be your go-to as it can heat a large amount of water faster.
Energy efficiency
It's also important to consider the energy efficiency of both systems as it plays a vital role in your budget and impacts the environment. Electrical hot water systems do not emit combustion gases or lose heat because all the energy is used to heat the water.
This significantly reduces energy wastage, which is good for the environment and reduces energy bills. On the other hand, a gas heater loses a lot of energy through the gas byproducts, making it a less energy-efficient option.
Eco-friendliness
If you consider each system and its impact on the environment, electric water heaters are more beneficial than gas heaters as they:
- Do not have emissions.
- They are more energy efficient.
- Have a longer lifespan.
- It can be powered using renewable sources of energy, including wind and solar.
Should You Choose a Gas or Electric Water Heater?
Now that you have detailed information about the two hot water systems, you can comfortably choose what to install on your property in Australia. The overarching factor is to consider your energy needs and budget to know which system is ideal for you.
With the many initiatives by the Australian government intended to conserve the environment, it's advisable to buy an electric hot water system as it is more eco-friendly than its gas counterpart.
Energy efficiency is another vital consideration because this affects how fast you heat water and how much you save on energy bills. In this case, electric hot water is also a better option than the gas heater. However, when all is said and done, you get to decide which system best suits you.
Need Expert Help Choosing a Hot Water System?
If you are still deciding whether to buy an electric or gas hot water system, seek advice from the best plumbing contractor in your locality. Professional plumbers understand the working mechanisms of the various water heaters. Additionally, based on your hot water needs, they can accurately determine the best option for you.
The good thing is that the plumbers can also help to install, repair, inspect, maintain, and replace your chosen water heater. With their hot water services, you can be sure to enjoy hot water at all times because your system will be in top condition at all times.
