which one is better to have?
2006-08-27 06:38:46 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Check a few water heater manufacturers for estimates of annual operating costs. You will see that gas WH cost far less to operate.
GE and Rheem are just two brands.
Depending on your gas source, gas will require either an LPG or natural gas line to be run to your water heater's location. And an exhaust flue will be needed to vent the combustion gases. An electric water heater will require a 220-volt power line run to your water heater location.
You might also consider an on-demand 'tankless' water heater. These units, almost always gas-fired, don't heat and store 40 or more gallons of hot water -- they only heat the water when you need them. They are considerably more expensive than a conventional tank water heater, but might save you on the operating costs.
Get several plumbers to bid on your job to get some idea of the costs involved. And check with your local building deptartment for additional requirements. In California, all tank-style water heaters need to be strapped to a wall to protect the tank from flying around during an earthquake.
2006-08-27 06:54:32 · answer #1 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both do the same thing -- keep a 55-80 gallon tank of water hot.
The only drawbacks to gas would be in a retrofit, where you have to run new gas line and install a new exhaust vent in an existing house.
Other than that, it just depends on the utility rates where you are. Around here we have hydroelectric dams so our electricity is much cheaper than most of the nation; electric water heaters are cheaper to run than gas. For most areas the opposite is true.
If you're looking at getting a new gas water heater perhaps you should consider tankless. It heats the water as it's being used rather than maintaining a big tank of hot water. A bit more expensive up front but uses much less energy.
2006-08-27 09:47:18 · answer #2 · answered by Gitchy gitchy ya ya da da 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A gas water heater is vastly superior to an electric. Gas is also more efficient for cooking and heating your house, and for any other use that involves producing heat.
As long as we have oil company executives running the government, gas prices will sometimes be excessively high, but when we return to a democracy over the next couple of elections, gas prices will go back down.
Over the long haul, natural gas and propane will tend to be more economical than will electricity.
2006-08-27 06:53:02 · answer #3 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With gas prices right now you would be stupid to get a gas water heater. Electric is good because if you don't have a supply of hot water at the moment it only takes seconds for it to heat some up wheras a gas one would take about an hour. Your choice but my personal opinion is to get an electric, it saves money and time.
2006-08-27 06:42:50 · answer #4 · answered by boobface 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gas heaters recover faster but need a gas supply and a vent pipe.
Electric only needs a wire from the breaker panel.
Depending on the area of the country you are in, gas is usually cheaper. You need to compare gas and electric prices before you make you decision on energy costs.
2006-08-30 16:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by doug1kid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In one, water is heated by burning natural gas. In the other water is heated by an electric resistance element in the water tank. Electric costs more to operate. With gas you have to have a vent and a flue pipe.
Gas is faster at heating water. Electrics usually have more insulation.
The best option is a Rennai or Bosch tankless gas fired water heater. They heat the water as hot water is demanded. Rennai claims 70% savings on gas usage.
2006-08-27 06:45:13 · answer #6 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With electric I don't have a gas leak to worry about or a chimney going through the roof to worry about leaking.
I have heard that gas is cheaper to operate and you will have hot water when the electricity goes out.
2006-08-27 06:43:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One has electric heating elements, one uses a flame beyond that nothing. With gas is more reliable and efficient
2006-08-27 06:42:34 · answer #8 · answered by TIA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
huh the differance between gas and electric water heater??
maybe ones works by burning gas and the other by lets say electric
i am not sure whether u mean effeciancy or wat but it depends on where u live but a lot of the time its personal preferance
2006-08-27 15:20:00 · answer #9 · answered by hillbilly271 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gas is less expensive than electricity for heat-generating appliances.
2006-08-27 06:41:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋