Not sure whether you should buy a gas or electric hot water system? Sun City Hot Water & Plumbing Plumbing has the answer. Below is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of both gas and electric hot water systems. It is important to note that the advice provided is general based on average water usage.
If you need personalised advice on which hot water system is best for your household contact your local hot water specialists today on 1300 728 122. With no affiliation with a single hot water heater manufacturer, Sun City proudly offers unbiased advice on all major brands of hot water systems on the Australian market.
Gas vs Electric Hot Water Systems – Which Is Best?
Upfront Cost – Electric
One of the most common reasons why consumers choose electric hot water systems over their gas counterparts is the lower upfront cost. On average, an electric hot water system can cost around 20% less than a similarly sized gas hot water system.
Additionally, an electric hot water system is generally cheaper to install than a gas one. This is because an indoor gas unit requires an exhaust flue to be installed in order to release the exhaust gasses outdoors.
However, the lower running cost of a gas hot water system will generally make up for the higher upfront price within the first 2 years of use.
Running Costs – Gas
One of the main benefits of choosing a gas hot water system over an electric one is the lower running costs. This is largely due to the lower cost of gas when compared to electricity. Additionally, electricity tariffs can increase during peak periods, increasing the overall cost of water heating, whereas, gas prices are consistent at any time of day.
In fact, although gas hot water systems have a higher upfront cost, the additional upfront cost of a gas unit is made up within the first two years of installation due to its reduced running costs.
One way to reduce the running costs of an electric hot water heater is by using an off-peak system as off-peak electric hot water systems only heat water at off-peak times to reduce water heating costs.
Works During Power Outages – Gas
Another benefit of choosing a gas hot water system over an electric one is that you will still have access to hot water during a power outage. This makes gas hot water systems particularly useful in areas where big storms and power outages are a regular occurence.
Expected Lifespan – Electric
Although both gas and electric hot water systems have a similar expected lifetime, the average lifespan of an electric storage hot water heater is slightly longer. The average lifetime of an electric hot water heater is 13 years, whereas, the expected lifetime of a gas hot water heater is 12 years.
However, a gas hot water system could easily last 2 years longer than its expected lifetime, or an electric hot water system could fail 2 years earlier. Whether you have an electric or gas hot water system, to extend your water heaters lifetime it is important to have it serviced and maintained by a hot water specialist regularly.
Availability – Electric
Another benefit of electric hot water systems over gas hot water systems is availability as, unlike electricity, gas isn’t always available as only some houses have a connection to the gas mains. However, you can still use a gas hot water system without a gas line by using LPG gas bottles. The downside to this is that running a hot water system on LPG gas is considerably more expensive than running it off the gas mains.
Heats Water Faster – Gas
Gas hot water systems have a faster recovery rate once the whole tank of hot water has been used when compared with an electric hot water system. This is because a gas hot water system begins heating as soon as it is turned on. Conversely, in an electric hot water heater, the heating element takes time to heat up before the water can begin to be heated.
Which Is Best?
There is no right answer to the question “which is best – an electric hot water system or a gas hot water system?â€. The right hot water system depends on the size of your household and your average hot water usage, as well as the availability of a gas line connection.
If you’re looking for a hot water system with a low upfront cost that is readily available, an electric hot water system could be the solution. Alternatively, if you want a hot water system with lower running costs and a quick recovery time, a gas hot water system might be right for you.
For free, personalised advice on which hot water system is best for you based on your hot water usage and budget contact Sun City today on 1300 728 122. Sun City Hot Water & plumbing are your local hot water experts providing quality hot water system installations, maintenance and repairs Brisbane North & Sunshine Coast wide.
