GAS vs. ELECTRIC water heater differences?
Today, I changed my gas water heater with an electric model because the gas unit was leaking! =:-o
This electric 40 gallon home water heater is seemingly keeping up with my current hot water needs.
Aside from the expected cost savings (with the price of natural gas staying on it’s record-high pace) what "differences" should I expect with an Electric unit in my house? %Does an electric unit take longer to heat up than a natural gas water heater? – Does the electric heated water seem HOTTER than gas-heated? – and is an electric water heater easier to maintain or is more maintenance and upkeep required to keep an electric unit up and running?
I use fresh well water in my home tapped almost directly nearby the Canadian River which runs through the Texas panhandle.
Thanks for feedback.
March 30th, 2010 at 12:54 am
You will see an increase in costs. It takes allot more energy to heat water with electric.
You will see a slower recovery time. Electric units take longer to heat
Heat should be the same as the thermostat controls that.
Maintenance should not be an issue
Even with the rising gas prices electric is not a wise economic choice unless your electricity is very cheap. I would guess that is no the case because you owned a gas unit in the past.
Call your power provider and the should have a comparison for gas v electric.
If you bought it a box store I.E. Home Depot or Lowes I would return it and replace it with a gas unit
March 30th, 2010 at 12:54 am
I don’t think you’ll notice much difference, except gas water heaters warm up faster, and have faster recovery. I thought they were cheaper to run, too, but gas isn’t very commonly available where I live. There isn’t much to go wrong with a gas water heater, and there isn’t with an electric heater for quite a few years, either, but when parts start to fail on an electric heater, it takes a little more troubleshooting, that’s all. The hot water "feels" the same, either way. For what it’s worth, a 40 gallon electric water heater sounds on the low side, most are 50 gallons or larger.
March 30th, 2010 at 12:54 am
tank life will be the same elements will be a tad short lived via mineral deposits gas is easier to shut down low for savings and short stays away less likley to fail during the ice storms elec, little slower on heat up, recoupin the 220 breakers an wire takes a while,, youll have less humidity in air from elec, little more convenient than calling truck out ,,
March 30th, 2010 at 12:54 am
i work on both and elec. definitely cost more to repair and brake down more often, and when the power goes out gas heaters keep on working. however elec. are safer and quieter.
March 30th, 2010 at 12:54 am
gas is better and cheaper if you have other gas appliances in the house