Gas vs Electric Water Heaters

Gas water heaters require a gas line to operate so if your home does not have natural gas connections, then this will not be an option. However, if you do have natural gas, a gas water heater may be a good fit for your needs.

Gas water heaters have a pilot light that ignites a burner plate beneath the tank whenever the temperature of the water in the tank drops below the thermostat setting. Most modern gas water heaters have electronic ignition to ensure only as much gas as is needed is used for your system. Because a gas water heater burns gas, it requires an exhaust system as well. This means it needs to be patched into the chimney or a separate ventilation system. This can add to the installation cost if you do not currently have a gas appliance in your utility room.

Whereas gas water heaters use a burner plate, electric water heaters use electrical elements to heat the water. Like the gas water heater, an electrical model will turn on when the temperature drops below the thermostat setting. The elements will turn on and start to heat the water.

Because you don’t need to connect an electric water heater to a gas line or exhaust system, installation is less expensive and can usually be completed relatively fast. Additionally, you can install insulation upgrades like a water heater blanket that will reduce heat loss from the tank without worrying about the gas burners.

The trade-off of easier and less expensive installation is that an electric water heater is often more expensive to operate. In Salt Lake City, UT and the surrounding area, electricity is more expensive than natural gas and will likely remain that way for some time. So, you will pay more to operate your water heater if it is electric.

Ultimately, the decision on what type of water heater is best for your home depends on the size of your home, the relative cost of installation and what you currently have installed. If you only need a small water heater for a basement apartment, electrical might be your best option, whereas a full–sized gas water heater may be better for your entire home.

Whatever you decide, know that Scott Hale Plumbing, Drains, Heating & Air’s plumbing team is available to provide installation services for your gas or electric water heater in Salt Lake City, UT. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.