Are you considering a tankless water heater for your home, but aren’t sure whether to choose an electric or gas model? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we’ll compare electric and gas tankless water heaters and explore their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
How do tankless water heaters work?
Before we dive into the differences between electric and gas tankless water heaters, let’s take a look at how they work. Unlike traditional water heaters, which store hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows into the unit, where it’s heated by a heat exchanger before being delivered to your faucet. This allows for endless hot water and eliminates the need for a bulky storage tank.
Electric tankless water heaters
Electric tankless water heaters use electric heating elements to heat the water as it flows through the unit. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of electric tankless water heaters:
Advantages
- Lower upfront costs: Electric tankless water heaters are generally less expensive to purchase and install than gas models.
- No need for venting: Electric tankless water heaters don’t produce exhaust gases, so they don’t require a venting system.
- More efficient for small households: Electric tankless water heaters are typically more efficient than gas models for households that use less than 40 gallons of hot water per day.
Disadvantages
- Limited capacity: Electric tankless water heaters may struggle to keep up with high-demand households, as they have lower flow rates than gas models.
- Higher operating costs: Electricity is generally more expensive than natural gas, so electric tankless water heaters can be more expensive to operate in the long run.
- Longer wait times: It may take longer for electric tankless water heaters to deliver hot water to your faucet than gas models, especially if the unit is far from the faucet.
Gas tankless water heaters
Gas tankless water heaters use a gas burner to heat the water as it flows through the unit. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of gas tankless water heaters:
Advantages
- High capacity: Gas tankless water heaters can deliver a higher flow rate than electric models, making them better suited for larger households with high hot water demand.
- Lower operating costs: Natural gas is typically less expensive than electricity, so gas tankless water heaters can be more cost-effective to operate over time.
- Faster hot water delivery: Gas tankless water heaters can deliver hot water to your faucet faster than electric models, making them a better choice for households that value convenience.
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront costs: Gas tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase and install than electric models.
- Need for venting: Gas tankless water heaters produce exhaust gases that need to be vented outside, which can add to installation costs.
- Not as efficient for small households: Gas tankless water heaters may not be as efficient as electric models for households that use less than 40 gallons of hot water per day.
Efficiency and Energy Savings
When it comes to efficiency and energy savings , both electric and gas tankless water heaters offer advantages over traditional storage tank models. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, which can result in significant energy savings compared to constantly heating and reheating a large tank of water.
However, there are some differences in efficiency between electric and gas models. Generally speaking, gas tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than electric models, with some models boasting energy efficiency ratings as high as 98%. Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, typically have energy efficiency ratings between 95% and 99%.
While gas tankless water heaters may be more efficient than electric models, it’s important to consider the cost of fuel in your area. If natural gas is expensive where you live, the cost savings of a gas tankless water heater may not be as significant.
Installation Costs
The cost of installing a tankless water heater can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, your hot water usage, and the type of unit you choose. Generally speaking, gas tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than electric models. Gas models require a larger gas line and a venting system to exhaust combustion gases, which can add to installation costs.
Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are typically less expensive to install because they don’t require venting. However, they may require upgrades to your electrical system to handle the high amperage required to power the unit.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Both electric and gas tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. One advantage of tankless water heaters is that they tend to have longer lifespans than traditional storage tank models. While a traditional storage tank water heater may last between 10 and 15 years, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Maintenance requirements for electric and gas tankless water heaters can vary. Electric models typically require less maintenance than gas models, as they don’t have a gas burner that needs cleaning or adjustment. However, they may require periodic flushing to remove mineral buildup in the heat exchanger.
Gas models may require more maintenance, including cleaning the burner and inspecting the venting system for blockages or damage. It’s also important to have a professional inspect your gas tankless water heater periodically to ensure safe operation.
Performance and Capacity
When choosing between an electric and gas tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the performance and capacity of the unit. Gas tankless water heaters are generally better suited for larger households with high hot water demand, as they can deliver a higher flow rate than electric models. This means that you’re less likely to experience a drop in water pressure or temperature when multiple hot water taps are being used at once.
Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, may struggle to keep up with high-demand households. They typically have lower flow rates than gas models, which can result in longer wait times for hot water and a reduced overall capacity.
Environmental Impact
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your home’s water heater, both electric and gas tankless models offer advantages over traditional storage tank models. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than storage tank models, which means they can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
However, there are some differences in the environmental impact of electric and gas models. While gas tankless water heaters may be more efficient than electric models, they also produce exhaust gases that need to be vented outside. This can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don’t produce exhaust gases and are powered by electricity, which is a relatively clean energy source in areas with low carbon emissions from electricity generation. However, it’s important to consider the source of your electricity when choosing an electric tankless water heater. If your electricity comes from a coal-fired power plant, for example, the environmental impact of an electric tankless water heater may be greater than a gas model.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between an electric and gas tankless water heater, there are several factors to consider. Gas tankless water heaters may be more efficient and better suited for larger households with high hot water demand, but they are also more expensive to purchase and install and require venting. Electric tankless water heaters may be less expensive to install and better suited for smaller households, but they may struggle to keep up with high-demand households and require upgrades to your electrical system.
Ultimately, the best choice for your home will depend on your hot water usage, budget, and other factors specific to your situation. By considering the pros and cons of each type of tankless water heater and consulting with a professional installer, you can make an informed decision and enjoy endless hot water and energy savings for years to come.
FAQs
Are tankless water heaters more expensive than traditional storage tank models?
Tankless water heaters can be more expensive to purchase and install than traditional storage tank models, but they can also offer significant energy savings over time.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Tankless water heaters typically have longer lifespans than traditional storage tank models, with some models lasting up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Do gas tankless water heaters require venting?
Yes, gas tankless water heaters produce exhaust gases that need to be vented outside, which can add to installation costs.
Can electric tankless water heaters keep up with high-demand households?
Electric tankless water heaters may struggle to keep up with high-demand households, as they typically have lower flow rates than gas models.
Are tankless water heaters better for the environment than traditional storage tank models?
Yes, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank models, which can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. However, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of the fuel source used to power your water heater.
No comment