So many choices, so little time!
Although the decision to incorporate a gas, electric, or propane water heating unit may seem overwhelming it's actually quite simple. In most cases, the decision has already been made up for you just by using what already powers the rest of the home. If you live in a residence that uses electricity but not gas, a gas-powered water heater would be a rather ineffective choice. In any case, the options are available to you and each possess their own pros and cons, which we will be outlining in this section.
What's the Difference?
In reality, each of the three types of water heaters are very similar, even their installations are virtually identical. However, they do have some efficiency differences. Although small, earth or money-conscious consumers may be swayed by more sustainable options.
As we mentioned above, gas versus electric usually boils down to what system is already in place. Most modern homes have access to both gas and electricity, but in some cases electricity may be the only resource. Propane is also a viable option, as long as the unit has been converted to propane usage.
Initially, gas heaters tend to have higher installation costs, but they typically cost less to operate over time as natural gas costs less than electricity.
Input Ratings
Although gas may be the most cost-effective, it isn't necessarily the most efficient. Gas and electric water heaters are rated by their inputs. For either option, the higher the number, the more quickly the water is heated.
What Affects Energy Factor Rating?
Although electric heaters provide the best ratio of hot water to fuel, gas heaters are actually superior to electric when it comes to FHR. Meaning, that gas heaters have a higher output of hot water than electric heaters if all other variables are constant.
What have we learned from all of this? There are so many options when it comes to finding the perfect water heater for your home or business, but in the end what provides the most value is what works best for you. It's also always important to keep in mind that the biggest, most efficient, and highest quality heaters are always the most expensive. When it comes to water heaters, you get what you pay for.
Want to learn more? Click the button below and give us a call, we'd love to walk you through each of options to determine what works best for you!
Although the decision to incorporate a gas, electric, or propane water heating unit may seem overwhelming it's actually quite simple. In most cases, the decision has already been made up for you just by using what already powers the rest of the home. If you live in a residence that uses electricity but not gas, a gas-powered water heater would be a rather ineffective choice. In any case, the options are available to you and each possess their own pros and cons, which we will be outlining in this section.
What's the Difference?
In reality, each of the three types of water heaters are very similar, even their installations are virtually identical. However, they do have some efficiency differences. Although small, earth or money-conscious consumers may be swayed by more sustainable options.
As we mentioned above, gas versus electric usually boils down to what system is already in place. Most modern homes have access to both gas and electricity, but in some cases electricity may be the only resource. Propane is also a viable option, as long as the unit has been converted to propane usage.
Initially, gas heaters tend to have higher installation costs, but they typically cost less to operate over time as natural gas costs less than electricity.
Input Ratings
Although gas may be the most cost-effective, it isn't necessarily the most efficient. Gas and electric water heaters are rated by their inputs. For either option, the higher the number, the more quickly the water is heated.
- Gas models are between 30,000 and 180,000 BTUs, depending on the size.
- Electric models sit at 1,440 to 5,500 watts
What Affects Energy Factor Rating?
- The type of fuel
- Estimate yearly operating costs
- Estimated amount of energy used
- Energy Star certification
- Tank size (in gallons)
- First hour rating - the amount of hot water the heater can output in the first hour of the water being heated. The higher the first hour rating or FHR the more efficient the water heater.
Although electric heaters provide the best ratio of hot water to fuel, gas heaters are actually superior to electric when it comes to FHR. Meaning, that gas heaters have a higher output of hot water than electric heaters if all other variables are constant.
What have we learned from all of this? There are so many options when it comes to finding the perfect water heater for your home or business, but in the end what provides the most value is what works best for you. It's also always important to keep in mind that the biggest, most efficient, and highest quality heaters are always the most expensive. When it comes to water heaters, you get what you pay for.
Want to learn more? Click the button below and give us a call, we'd love to walk you through each of options to determine what works best for you!
