Gas and electric water heater: what is better, features, advantages and disadvantages

The most common types of water heaters for the home are gas and electric devices. They have significant differences in design, type of energy carrier, installation requirements. Consider the features of such equipment, advantages and disadvantages. What is easier to install, more economical?

Features of gas water heaters

Such equipment is divided into two types:

• Flow-through gas columns heat water only at the moment when it passes through it. However, it will not be possible to accumulate the volume of hot water in advance, since there is no tank for this. Such equipment is suitable when the gas pressure is sufficient.
• Accumulative gas boilers with a volumetric capacity. Often they are used at industrial facilities.

In an area where gas is inexpensive, it is profitable to install gas boilers. However, in most countries, a permit for the use of such equipment is required.

Advantages of gas columns:

• Water is instantly heated in unlimited quantities.
• Gas is inexpensive in most countries.
• The column has a small size, so it will fit even in a small kitchen and will not take up useful space.
• Most gas column breakdowns can be repaired.

Disadvantages of gas columns:

• There must be adequate gas pressure in the system or the fire in the column will not light or will go out.
• Will require a quality venting system and permits from gas utilities.
• Complex installation, which should be carried out only by specialists.

Features of electric water heaters

The familiar name of such equipment is a boiler. It comes in two types:

• A flow-through boiler is installed on the faucet. Water is heated only at the moment of supply and in a small amount.
• An accumulating boiler is equipped with a tank for water. If it is on all the time, the water is kept at the set temperature all the time.

Advantages of electric water heaters:

• There is no need to apply for permits to install the equipment.
• Installation is simple and inexpensive.
• Electric water heater is sometimes the only way to get hot water in non-gasified areas.
• The equipment can be placed under the ceiling, it does not take up useful space.

Disadvantages of electric water heaters:

• Requires sufficient water pressure for the liquid to flow into the storage tank.
• If the boiler has a large volume and high capacity, you will need the appropriate wiring. It is often better to run a separate power line for the boiler.
• Some boiler failures cannot be repaired.

Electric or gas water heater: which is better?

In terms of safety, both types of equipment are the same. They are equipped with protective systems. The column is disconnected if the gas supply or draught is lost. At the boiler, protection is triggered if a failure occurs and a critical temperature is reached.

Depending on the model of water heater and your hot water needs, a gas-fired heater may be more economical than an electric boiler. The cost of these types of equipment is about the same.

When choosing whether to install a gas or electric water heater, consider the cost of electricity and gas. Is there enough pressure in the gas pipeline system? Will it be possible to obtain the necessary permit for the gas heater? If gas is not available, a boiler is the best option for heating water.