If you are trying to contemplate to install a tankless water heater in your home, it is the perfect decision. These water heaters are becoming more and more popular each day among homeowners, mostly because of their incredible performance. A tankless water heater provides hot water continuously, on demand and as much as needed. Unlike traditional tank-type water heaters, the tankless water heaters don’t keep gallons of hot water heated throughout the day. These heaters only use energy when the water needs to be heated, which means no energy is wasted. This not only lowers your electricity bills but also reduces the effect produced by heating water in our environment.
Nowadays, there are two best choices available in the market when it comes to purchasing a tankless water heater—gas or electric. It all depends on individual needs and situation which one to choose between these two. However, there are a couple of factors (listed below) that you should consider:
Total Cost of Installation
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
These water heaters cost about $1000 or more, excluding the installation cost. The price varies according to the manufacturer and added equipment.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Comparatively, this water heater costs lower. Whole house electric tankless water heater can be purchased within the range of US $500- $700, excluding the installation fee.
Operating Cost
Electric Tankless Water Heater
These water heaters are more than 98% efficient because of the higher efficiency of the electric unit, cheaper installation, and their long service life. Another factor that incorporates the better efficiency of these heaters is stable electricity prices. Gas prices fluctuate more often, thus impacting the operating cost significantly time-to-time.
However, the annual maintenance cost of electric tankless water heaters is relatively higher.
Gas Tankless Water Heater
The efficiency of these water heaters usually peaks at a maximum of 85%. Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity, but it largely depends upon the differential between electricity and natural gas cost in your area. If your area has a better supply of gas than electricity, Gas Tankless water heater is always a better option.
Installation
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Especially in a confined space, these water heaters have complex combustion and venting air supply requirements as existing ducts and lines cannot be used. In case, your home requires sidewall venting, it can get even more complicated. All these special requirements make installation of Gas Tankless water heater quite expensive. Before purchasing be sure to check out the best tankless water heater reviews for more details.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
These water heaters are small in size (almost one-third of the size of Gas Tankless water heaters), and can be installed in locations where installing a Gas Tankless water heater is next to impossible, like in a closet or a crawl space, under a sink, etc. The installation of this water heater is generally cheaper unless an electric service/system upgrade is required.
Miscellaneous
Gas Tankless Water Heater
These water heaters have a higher capacity than electric, up to 11 GPM. Not only capacity but also their capability to heat water is higher. In addition, these heaters need to be vented properly so there is no scope for any damage.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
It boosts the existing system and is perfect for low usage households. But it has low heating/flow capacity. Besides, it is not good for a large household or extremely cold environments.
Preference of Homeowners
Due to safety reasons, many homeowners don’t feel comfortable using a Gas Tankless water heater to power their household equipment. In such instances, installing an Electric Tankless water heater is always a better choice to make for peace of mind. On the other hand, some homeowners have preferences for a specific type of heater they want to use, mainly because of the availability of energy resources in their area. Some people are also conscious of the environment. So, it all depends on the user if he/she wants to install an electric or a gas tankless water heater.
Conclusion
Due to the high installation cost, shorter service lives and warranties, maintenance, and inherent complexity requirements of the Gas Tankless water heaters, choosing Electric Tankless water heater is always a wise decision as it is more economically feasible. However, each homeowner should read electric tankless water heater reviews to find the best and evaluate the benefits and cons of both the alternatives against their own needs to figure out what works best for them.
Author: Carolette Alcoran
