How to Choose the Right Type of Water Heater

Different Kinds of Water Heaters: Picking the Right Option

Every home needs a high-quality water heater, but not every home needs the same kind. 

There are three primary kinds of water heaters homeowners can choose from, including gas, electric, and tankless models. Each type presents different benefits and drawbacks, so homeowners who need to replace or upgrade their existing water heater should familiarize themselves with the options available. This will help ensure they select the best type of water heater for their home and family. 

Read on to learn more about the three primary types of water heaters and how they differ.  

A Gas Water Heater: The Most Popular Choice

Gas water heaters are the preferred water heater option for many people because they heat water efficiently, making it quite affordable. They also heat water more quickly than electric water heaters can, and they’ll continue to work during power outages—something electric models obviously can’t do. 

On the downside, gas water heaters often cost more than electric ones. They are also less safe and last less time. Additionally, they must be connected to ventilation pipes so that the harmful combustion byproducts they produce can be pumped outside the house. 

An Electric Water Heater: A More Affordable Option to Install

While electric water heaters are not quite as popular as gas water heaters, they are the better option for some homeowners, especially those living in small houses. 

Electric water heaters are generally less expensive than gas water heaters, and installation costs less than gas-powered ones. This is mainly because electric water heaters don’t require ventilation—no combustion is involved in their operation, so no harmful gases are produced.  

On the other hand, electric water heaters cost more than gas water heaters, and they take longer to heat large amounts of water. It is also important to note that electric water heaters will not operate when the power is out for a home. This can leave the residents without hot water during an already inconvenient time.  

A Tankless Water Heater: The Most Efficient Solution

The final option for homeowners is tankless water heaters, which do not rely on a storage tank. Instead, they heat the water as it flows through a home’s pipes. This means there is less risk of leaks, an important consideration for homes with water heaters holding a large volume of water in a tank. 

Tankless water heaters have a longer expected lifespan than gas water heaters and can provide a nearly endless hot water supply.   

Nevertheless, tankless water heaters do present a few downsides. For starters, they cost more to purchase. Additionally, tankless water heater installation can cost more than conventional water heater installation. However, an electric tankless water heater doesn’t require the venting that a gas tankless water heater does, making electric unit installation slightly more affordable than gas-powered tankless heater installation.

About Great Day Plumbing and Air

From water heater replacement to HVAC repairs, the experienced service technicians at Great Day Plumbing and Air are ready to provide the quality work Hampstead residents need – often on the same day. Call them today for water heater services in Hampstead, NC!  

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