A hot water system is considered a necessity for many homes. When you start looking for one to install, you may be torn between two types: gas or electric systems. Both have their benefits and setbacks, so it’s up to you to decide which one best fits your needs!
Efficient for use. Gas water systems are highly available and
More environmentally friendly. Gas emissions are significantly lower than other water systems.
Has several types. You can choose from stored gas water heating, insulated, and solar-powered ones! Both come with different benefits and setbacks, so make sure to do your research before you invest in one. However, it does provide you with more variety and flexibility.
Continuous. Continuous flow or instantaneous gas hot water systems will mean you never run out of hot water.
Only pay when you turn on the tap. Because gas water heaters are instantaneous you only pay for what you use. With electric water heaters, you’re paying to heat up your hot water even when you’re not using.
Compact. Gas hot water heaters are much smaller and more compact than electric water heater options allowing you to save on space and install the system in smaller areas.
Durable. You can expect your gas hot water heater to last twice as long as an electric hot water heater.
Fewer valves to maintain.
Cheaper running costs. Gas is very affordable and a lot cheaper to use in the home than electricity.
Consumers may have to deal with rising prices. Costs will always rise in the next decade, so you might have to invest in a more efficient gas water system to deal with the price.
Gas water systems are conventional and come with a myriad of benefits. It’s quick, environmentally friendly, and you can custom-fit your choice of gas heating to your needs. However, you have to buckle in for the long haul of paying off steadily rising bills.
Always available. There’s a higher chance your home is connected to an electricity grid more than anything else! An electric water heater will always be available for you to invest in today.
Cheap installation. The upfront costs are much cheaper compared to a gas water system. If you’re on a budget, consider an electric water system first.
More control. With electric water systems, you can get custom and more personal settings for ease of access and use.
Expensive maintenance. While the upfront costs may be cheap, maintaining an electric water system can be costly. You also have to factor in operating costs. You may be spending more money on electric water systems than anything else.
Heating time. The recovery rate and heating time of an electric water heater is slower than its conventional counterparts. It might take a while for your heated water to come to your bathroom.
Can suffer from power outages. Guess what happens when your power suddenly goes out? You’ve now lost access to heating. This can be inconvenient, so make sure you know what you’re going into and have a back-up ready.
Can run out of hot water. Electric water heaters can take longer to heat up so if you’re a family having back to back showers, its more likely you will run out of hot water with an electric system.
Risk of bacteria growth. Due to their heating elements and uneven heating abilities, electric water heaters can be the source of legionella and other bacteria growth.
Rising cost of electricity. Utility residential electricity prices have risen steadily in the last decade and will continue to rise in the future making electric water systems much more expensive to use.
Not space convenient. Electric systems are much larger than compact gas water heaters so you need much more space.
An electric water system provides you with as much flexibility and availability you’d want. If you’re wanting to control the heating as much as possible and would prefer cheap installation, then go for electric heating.
Aside from the cons we listed above, you also have to consider the phasing out of Australian electric hot water systems.
How effective is your system in heating up water, and how much energy does it use when doing so? Look into high-efficiency options! You want something that works well for you and is cost-effective.
Speaking of costs, investing in something as large as a water system can be pricey. While some of us may have the capacity to go all out – whether for gas or electric – it’s important to factor in a budget! Think about upfront installation, maintenance, and operating costs. In the end, it’s what you can afford and its quality that matters.
You’ve found an efficient water system and can afford it – but what if you don’t have space in your home? Take a step back and look into pipework, plus the possible space for a hot water cylinder. You also have to consider where you’d like the water system: indoors, outdoors, or both!
Wrap Up
Heating can be a tricky decision to make. We hope we’ve helped by explaining some pros, cons and factors to consider. Both gas and electric water systems have their ups and downs, so get one that’s the best choice for you and your situation.