If you’re building a new home or are simply making improvements to your existing home, you may want to install a new hot water heater. Typically, most homeowners choose to maintain the same kind of system that is already in place. For example, if you already have the hookup for an electric hot water heater, it makes sense to simply replace or repair it. The same is true for a gas hookup. However, you may be looking to make a change. This is when it’s time to call an expert plumber in Florida.
Here, we will talk about the pros and cons of both electric and gas hot water heaters. We will also briefly discuss the various factors that will impact your choice of a gas hot water heater over an electric one. When you first meet with your expert plumber in Florida, you can ask them any questions you have about both types of water heaters.
We suggest that you meet with a professional before you make any final decisions. You need to consider the following things before you make a final decision:
- Desire for energy efficiency
- Size of your home
- What kind of flow capacity are you looking for
- Investment price
- Installation price
- Maintenance
- Ease of repairs
All these things need to be considered when you’re shopping for a new hot water heater.
There are Pros and Cons for Both Electric and Gas
As with any other type of product, there are bound to be pros and cons to both types of hot water heaters. The type of heater you go with will depend on a host of factors. For example, if you have a large home, then you would want to go with a gas hot water heater. Electric water heaters are better for smaller units such as a small home or a condominium.
Another factor that will influence your choice would be climate. If you live in a warm environment, it wouldn’t matter which type you pick. They work at optimal levels in warm weather. It is worth noting, however, that if you live in a cold climate, you may not want to choose an electric water heater. The flow rate for electric hot water heaters is less than half of capacity for colder climates.
One final factor you should keep in mind when choosing a type of hot water heater is your personal priorities. If you’re more concerned with keeping a small carbon footprint, then you would want to go with the electric option. However, if you’re more concerned with flow capacity, you would opt for the gas option.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Gas Hot Water Heater?
Before you make any decision on a home improvement, you should always consider the pros and cons of the various products. When it comes to a gas hot water heater, there are actually more cons than there are pros. Some of the pros include the following:
- Has a much higher flow capacity so it is great for larger homes
- Much lower operating costs
- Initially, the long-term costs are low but, over time, this will likely change
While the pros listed here are important, there are several cons that you need to consider. Some of these include the following:
- It is expensive to buy the actual unit
- It is also expensive to install
- A gas hot water heater requires proper ventilation
- Requires yearly maintenance
- Higher risks
If you decide to go with the gas hot water heater, you need to remember these cons. When you meet with your expert plumber in Florida, they can explain whether this is a good choice for you. It all depends on the side of your house and your household preferences.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Electric Hot Water Heater?
If you are considering installing an electric hot water heater instead, then you should investigate the pros and cons as well. When compared to the gas hot water heater, there are a lot more cons for an electric unit. Some of these include the following:
- It doesn’t cost all that much to purchase a new unit. The average price is only about $500 to $700
- The installation of an electric hot water heater is a lot easier than it is for gas
- An electric hot water heater can be used for any space, no matter how small
- It is really easy to fix, especially if you call an expert plumber in Florida
- These units have a high level of thermal efficiency
- This leaves homeowners with a very small carbon footprint
- It only runs if the power is on, so you aren’t wasting a ton of electricity
As great as an electric hot water heater may seem, they have their cons as well. Some of these are:
- An electric hot water heater does require a large amount of energy to run
- They have a much lower flow capacity than gas hot water heaters
- If you have a power outage, you will have no access to hot water
Now that you have seen the pros and cons of each type of unit, you should be able to make an informed decision. However, you shouldn’t move forward with your purchase until you talk to an expert. The last thing you want to do is spent hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a new hot water heater only to find out it’s the wrong kind for your home.
You Should Talk to an Expert Plumber in Florida Before Making Any Final Decision
If you’re ready to make a switch to an electric or gas hot water heater, it’s time to call an expert plumber in Florida. They can come out and give you a free estimate to help determine which type is best for your home. They can also answer any questions you may have. When it is time to install the unit, make sure you call a professional. This is not something you should try to install on your own.
