Gas Water Heaters Vs. Electric Water Heaters

Gas Water Heaters Vs.
Electric Water Heaters

Given a level playing filed---which in this case means a supply
of natural gas as well as electricity to your house---the
competition between electricity and gas is very one-sided.
The cost of producing a gallon of hot water is so much
cheaper with gas---whether natural or propane---than it is
with electricity that if you have the choice you should always
choose gas.
Can You Choose Gas?
If you don't have natural gas in your house, a natural gas
heater is obviously not an option---but a propane one is,
particularly if you are using it already for heating and/or
cooking. What's more, the savings on either fuel compared
with electricity are so great that unless your heater is going to
receive only light and occasional use, it will be worth your
while to pay to have existing natural gas or propane lines
extended to reach the heater.
Speed of Heating
Gas is a much faster means of heating water than electricity.
This means that, size for size, a gas heater is capable of
producing more hot water more quickly than an electric
heater.
Purchase and Running Costs
Electric water heaters are slightly cheaper than gas ones, but
natural gas is typically about half as expensive as electricity as
a fuel for heating water, and propane is also much cheaper.
Your maintenance costs are potentially somewhat higher for
gas, since you will need to have a professional to do it,
whereas it is possible to carry out routine maintenance on an
electric water heater yourself. Overall, though, the difference
in the actual cost of heating water is so great that gas wins
every time.

Safety
Because gas heaters involve combustion, whereas electric
water heaters don't, they are potentially more dangerous. The
process of burning gas uses up oxygen and produces toxic
byproducts. Under normal circumstances, the levels of these
that are produced are minimal and harmless. If you neglect
maintenance, however, that can change---and there is even
the small risk of explosion. Maintain your gas heater properly
to avoid these risks, and make sure that you have functioning
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed.
Capacity Isn't Everything
•Whatever type of heater you buy, bear in mind that there is
more to your choice than mere capacity. Every heater has
what is known as an FHR, a "first hour rating," that tells you how
much hot water it can produce in an hour of use. For most
people, this is a far more useful gauge of whether a heater will
give you the hot water that your usage patterns demand.
Warranties Tell You Something
•Paying for a heater with a longer warranty is usually a good
investment. The longer a heater's warranty, the better its
insulation and the bigger its burner or heating element is likely
to be.
The Bottom Line
•Gas is best if you can have it. Gas heaters are so much more
efficient that if you have gas available, you should always
choose one. They are safe if properly maintained, and will
heat your water more quickly and cheaply.
Article Source: Ehow
Image Source: The Gas Showroom Website