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A hot water heater is probably not at the top of most people’s priority lists, however when the time comes to choose a new one, the decision you make could have a significant financial impact on your life in many ways. DJ Plumbing & Heating offers hot water tank repair. However, you’re hot water tank might not be able to be repaired. If that’s the case you’re going to need to think about purchasing a new one. The hot water heater selected affects the costs that you will spend on water each year, as well as the durability of the unit. But those factors are just a handful of the many that influence the importance of carefully choosing your new hot water tank.
One of, if not the, most important questions surrounding the purchase of a new hot water heater is whether to buy electric or gas. Both of the types of hot water tanks are available, and some people prefer one over the next. If you need more information to help you choose between the two options, here’s a quick review of the pros and cons of both choices, helping you to pick the right hot water heater to meet your needs.
Electric hot water heaters use resistance coils, reducing their environmental impact, and making them generally more efficient than gas models. Electric hot water heaters tend to be more expensive to install, and tend to be less predictable/have a lower storage capacity than their gas-powered counterparts. Electric hot water heaters have the advantage of using many different energy sources, including coal, nuclear, or gas power plant and wind power. They also have the advantage of more choices, since there are so many to pick from, as well as the lower cost of the two models. The drawback to that versatility however, is that Electric water heaters will not work in the case of power outages, making a potentially difficult situation should you ever be caught without your power for a prolonged period of time. Not only are you out of power, but you are also out of hot water, making it hard to do the simple things that we take for granted each day, like showering and the dishes.
Gas hot water tanks use natural gas as their primary, and typically solitary source of energy and efficacy to the environment in many ways. Gas hot water heaters tend to be more cost effective over the long haul, with an average savings of $1160 over thirteen years (approximately one hundred and twenty-two dollars annually) versus electric hot water heaters with comparable efficiency. Gas hot water heaters also carry the added benefit of continuing to function even when power to the home has been lost, so you never have the worry of being without hot water (and that wonderful shower that you enjoy every day) no matter what happens. Gas hot water heaters are usually able to reheat about fifty gallons of water per hour, significantly faster than electric counterparts, which reheat about fourteen gallons of water per hour. The gas model’s biggest disadvantage is that your home needs to be wired for such costs, or that is additional money that you will need to incur. Additionally, less models offer gas powered hot water heaters as compared to the electric versions.
Whether you prefer a gas or an electric hot water heater, it is imperative that you’ve taken the time to compare the various brands, makes, and models that are out there first. Today the options are numerous and without this research you lack the proper information necessary to make the best decision.
The Internet is a valuable source of information that is free of charge and available when you are, even from your mobile device. Learn more about the different types of hot water heaters. The information found online includes reviews of various tanks, which many people find helpful. But that is not all. Also on the internet you can find expert reviews, visit company websites, and so much more. Again, it is all free and beneficial, so do not miss out on this critical step.
Also, when choosing your hot water heater, make sure that installation costs are also tallied in. gas hot water heaters tend to be costlier to install than electric models, but this is not always the case and your job is to learn!
Be sure that you ask around as well. Perhaps a neighbour, a co-worker, or even friend or family member recently replaced their model and can give you the inside scoop. It never hurts to ask them, and if nothing else gave you a nice conversation for a few moments of your life.
When choosing your hot water heater, again, whether you choose a gas model or electric, make sure to choose one made by a brand that you know and trust, and one that is recommended by other people. When others are recommending a product, it has to be doing something right and is likely to provide you the same rewards. Therefore, it is so important that the time to do the proper research is taken before you spend your hard-earned money.
Both the gas and electric hot water heaters are good for about 12 to 14 years. Some models have extended warranties on them as well. If you are looking for a model with a longer lifetime, tankless models are also now available with an average lifespan of about 20 years, and sometimes more.
With all the factors laid out, you can expect to save a reasonable amount of money each year by going with gas hot water heaters over electric, but since this difference is still relatively small, there are still many good arguments for why going with an electric hot water heater would be more appropriate for your situation. If you are in a situation that greatly favors the use of one of the other, then that makes your choice. Either way, it is still best for you to take the time to compare the options and the differences so you know firsthand which model is best suited for your needs.
