Electric and gas water heaters are essential for having warm water in your home. Although both are devices that allow you to use warm water, electric and gas water heaters have some significant differences.
The differences between electric and gas water heaters include heating time, energy source, operation, device installation, and safety features.
This article will explore the key differences between electric and gas water heaters for having warm water in your house.
What is an Electric Water Heater?
Electric water heaters are a common type of heater found in urban homes because they are easy to install and require relatively little maintenance. As the name suggests, this type uses electricity as its energy source.
These devices are usually equipped with a thermostat to regulate the temperature and an automatic circuit breaker system to ensure safety. They work similarly to electric kettles, converting electrical energy into heat.
The electric element heats the water to the desired temperature, transferring the heat directly to the water. The disadvantage of electric water heaters is that they consume a significant amount of electricity when used continuously.
What is a Gas Water Heater?
Gas water heaters are a type of heater that has the advantage of heating water faster and saving electricity compared to electric water heaters. As the name implies, this type uses gas as its energy source.
To use this device safely, it usually requires proper ventilation to remove combustion gases. This device works by heating water through the combustion of bottled gas or natural gas.
When the hot water tap is turned on, a sensor detects the water flow to ignite the flame in the combustion chamber to heat the water. The disadvantage of gas water heaters is that they are complex to install and require proper handling.
The Differences Between Electric and Gas Water Heaters
An electric and a gas water heater are two types of water heaters that allow you to have warm water. Here are five differences between them:
1. Heating time
Electric water heater: Takes longer to heat water because it needs to convert electrical energy into heat.
Gas water heater: Heats water faster because it uses more efficient fuel and has a higher operating temperature.
2. Energy source
Electric water heater: Uses electrical energy to operate.
Gas water heater: Uses bottled gas or natural gas to operate.
3. How they work
Electric water heater: They work similarly to electric kettles, converting electrical energy into heat. The electric element heats the water to the desired temperature, transferring the heat directly to the water.
Gas Water heater: This device works by heating water through the combustion of bottled gas or natural gas. When the hot water tap is turned on, a sensor detects the water flow to ignite the flame in the combustion chamber to heat the water.
4. Device installation
Electric water heater: It has a simpler installation process; just plug it into an electrical outlet, and it is ready to use.
Gas water heater: It has a more complicated installation process because it requires a gas cylinder, hose, and air ventilation to ensure safety.
5. Safety features
Electric water heater: Considered safer as there is no risk of leakage. You only need to ensure that there are no installation errors so that it functions optimally.
Gas water heater: There is a risk of leakage and even fire if it is not supported by adequate pipe installation.
That’s the difference between electric and gas water heaters that you can consider when choosing according to your personal needs.
If you need a water heater that is simple to install and practical but requires slightly higher operating costs, an electric water heater is a good choice. However, if you need a water heater that heats up faster and is more economical but is slightly more difficult to install, you can choose a gas water heater.