A hot water heater is one of the most critical heating elements in your home. They are an energy efficient way to keep a consistent water supply in your home at a reasonable temperature while avoiding a significant hit to your utility bills. And, if you’ve had yours for ten years or longer, there’s a good chance you’re due for a new one, along with other heating repair services.
When it comes to replacing your water heater, you typically have two different options; will you go with a gas water heater or an electric water heater? The answer to this question may ultimately come down to what you are looking for and what works best with your home. Once you know the pros and cons of each of these environmentally friendly and cost-effective options, the decision should be fairly straightforward.
Gas Water Heaters
If you opt for a gas water heater, you’re more than likely looking to save money on your energy bills in the long run. While they may be a bit pricier initially than their electric counterparts, a natural gas water heater costs less to operate, with gas typically being cheaper than electricity from a utility perspective. If you are looking for something that improves energy efficiency, a gas heater is still a viable option. Most gas water heater brands, such as AO Smith, have condensing models that reuse energy to boost efficiency.
From a heating and cooling perspective, gas water heaters are ideal for people who don’t want to wait a while for the hot water to kick in. The combustion process in gas heaters allows it to produce heat quickly, producing more gallons of water per minute than electric water heaters. For this reason, those with larger houses or more people living with them prefer to go with gas water heaters.
Electric Water Heaters
For those with a green thumb, an electric water heater is most likely your preferred option. With plenty of energy-saving features, this is an efficient option that will give you results. One aspect of these units that homeowners take comfort in is transparency; electric water heaters will have labels denoting what type of fuel they are using, operating costs, estimated energy conservation and consumption per year, and more.
The safety and convenience of electric heaters are other draws for homeowners when it comes to these units. Since they are not gas-powered, there’s no risk of gas leaks that can put people in your home at risk — although it is easy enough to prevent gas leaks on a gas water heater as well. Electric water heaters are also easy to install, as they are compatible with most homes due to the widespread availability of electricity.
And the Verdict is…
At the end of the day, the type of water heater you go with ultimately comes down to personal preference. There is no wrong answer when it comes to which water heater is best; it all comes down to whether you are prioritizing your home’s energy or looking to save on your heating bills. However, you may want to consider which type of unit you had prior to your replacement, as in many cases, it’s best to stick with the kind you originally had for the sake of the installation process and integrating it into your home. If you would like to switch from one type to another, though, talk to your technician to see how you can work your new system into your home.
Schedule Your Water Heater Replacement Today
Whether you are opting to go with gas or electric, All Time HVAC is your go-to source for hot water heater replacements in Union County, NJ, and the surrounding areas. We strive to give you the most energy efficient models available and can discuss these options with you, so you know that you are making the right choice for your home. To learn more about our services, or to receive your free quote, give us a call today!
