When your water heater breaks down and it is time to replace it with a new one, you will have to decide whether you are going to install a gas or an electric one. This is a very important decision you will have to think about deeply before settling on either alternatives because both systems have unique pros and cons. Therefore, you will have to base your decision on the one that will suits your needs in the long run.

Generally, different households have their own reasons for preferring either gas or electric water heaters. The following factors play a significant role when evaluating the pros and cons of both systems.

Energy Efficiency

One advantage that electric water heaters have over gas water heaters is that the former can help you save more energy because several gas water heaters have a constantly burning pilot light, which excessively wastes energy and gas. Even though some specific gas water heaters are fixed with a vertical pilot light, which a homeowner can turn off voluntarily to save energy, many people find it cumbersome to micro-manage their water heater in this manner. However, one disadvantage of installing an electric water heater is that its flow rate is lower than that of gas water heaters.

Costs

Generally, the initial cost of purchasing as well as installing an electric water heater is less compared to that of a gas water heater. With a gas-driven heater, you will have to supplement it with a gas supply line and a venting system. Such requirements make them less safe compared to the electric models, which also entail less maintenance because the installation of electric units can be done almost at any part of your house. However, the gas-powered models call for a suitable location, which includes electricity for vent models, a chimney, a vent system, and closeness to the outside wall. All these requirements raise their prices compared to the electric models.

Warranty, Maintenance and Service Life

When it comes to maintenance, electric water heaters have a competitive edge over the gas-powered ones because they demand minimal maintenance. Certainly, the only maintenance they need is the occasional cleaning of the inlet screen filter. However, gas-powered heaters require a licensed professional plumber to inspect them annually to guarantee efficient performance and safe fuel combustion because they have complex designs. If an electric water heater malfunctions, it is easier to troubleshoot and repair them due to their simple design, which makes them more durable as well.

Homeowner Preference

Some homeowners prefer an electric water heater to a gas-powered one due to safety reasons because natural gas or propane can easily spark fire in case of any leaks. Other homeowners may base their decisions on the availability and accessibility of electricity or gas in case an emergency, such as a natural disaster.