Depending on your local utility costs, gas water heaters are typically cheaper to operate than electric. They also cost more upfront than an electric. However, based on energy savings, gas heaters generally make up the difference in price in about one year. Cost: $300 to $600 for gas; $250 to $500 for electric.
Furthermore, do gas or electric water heaters last longer?
For both gas and electric, tank water heaters last an average of 10 to 13 years, and tankless units last up to 20 years or longer. The average for electric heat pump water heaters is 12 to 15 years.
Similarly, is my water heater gas or electric? Remove the access panel on the side of the water heater and look inside for a blue flame. This is called a pilot light and indicates the presence of natural gas. If you see a pilot light, you have a gas water heater. Electrical water heaters do not have pilot lights.
Subsequently, question is, which is safer gas or electric water heater?
Electric water heaters are generally much more energy efficient, since a very high percentage of the energy used goes directly into the water temp. Conventional gas water heaters are much less efficient.
Are electric water heaters expensive to run?
electric water heater operating cost analysis, he says, gas is almost always cheaper than electric. Bluejay says gas water heaters typically cost about $30 a month to run, while electric water heaters run closer to $42 a month, depending on utility rates, of course.
19 Related Question Answers Found
How much electricity does a 50 gallon water heater use?
Calculating Energy Usage An average water heater runs three hours daily. A 50-gallon, 5,500-watt water heater with a . 90 EF and an electricity rate of $. 16 per kilowatt hour will cost $781 to operate each year.
What is the most efficient way to heat water?
Generally speaking, modern combi boilers are more energy-efficient than a hot water heater system with a tank or cistern. There are several other ways of water heating, including solar hot water systems, immersion heaters, electric water heaters, electric showers and, of course, kettles.
Should I switch from gas to electric water heater?
Can I change my gas water heater into an electric? Yes, you can. Your breaker box will need to have a space available for a two pole 220V breaker (in the US) and have the power load available for your new water heater. You will have to replace your gas water heater with an electric water heater, it is not convertible.
Why is my electric bill so high?
One of the main reasons your electric bill may be high is that you leave your appliances or electronics plugged in whether you’re using them or not. Anything with a clock, such as microwave ovens and coffee makers — and even older technologies, like VCRs — need power to keep time while turned off.
How much electricity does a gas water heater use?
Typically, a hot water heater that uses a tank will run for three to five hours per day. So, a 4,000-watt heater used for three hours a day at $. 10 per kWh will cost $1.20 per day, about $36.50 per month, or $438 per year.
Are electric tankless water heaters worth the money?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates gas-fired tankless heaters save an average of $108 in energy costs per year over their traditional tank counterparts, while electric tankless heaters save $44 per year. Rewiring your house can easily add as much as $5,000 to the cost of installing a tankless water heater.
How much does it cost to heat water?
Water Heater Installation Cost. Installing a water heater costs $800 and $1,506, or an average of $1,124, including the unit and labor. Tankless heaters cost about $1,000 to $3,000. Water heaters cost $300 to $2,000+ for the unit alone while plumber labor runs $45 to $150 per hour.
Why are water heaters so expensive?
Though they are more expensive regarding up-front costs, tankless water heaters heat water on demand (so they never “run out” of hot water), are more energy efficient, and last, on average, three times longer than ordinary water tank heaters.
What are the disadvantages of a tankless water heater?
Disadvantages include: Tankless water heaters usually can’t supply enough hot water for simultaneous uses such as showers and laundry. Unless the system is equipped with a modulating temperature control, it may not heat water to a constant temperature at different flow rates.
Are old water heaters dangerous?
There are two common ways a water heater can create a fire/explosion and become a dangerous bomb in your Atlanta-area home. Normally, your water heater shuts off or releases the built-up pressure through a safety valve. However if these safety mechanisms fail, the pressure can mount until the tank eventually gives way.
What are the cons of electricity?
Electricity can cause pollution if it is generated by fossil fuels, or nuclear energy. It can affect animal life if it is generated by hydroelectric dams or tidal power.
Are new electric hot water heaters more efficient?
The most efficient conventional gas-fired storage water heaters are ENERGY STAR models with energy factors between 0.67 and 0.70, corresponding to estimated gas use of 214 to 230 therms/year. A new electric water heater uses about 10 times more electricity than an average new refrigerator!
How do you reset the pilot light on a electric water heater?
How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot. When the flame ignites, continue to hold the gas knob or button down for a full minute.
Is natural gas safer than electricity?
Yes, natural gas is a fossil fuel, but it is also far more environmentally friendly than electricity. Its chemical structure is quite different to coal, meaning its emissions are much lower. In Victoria, a gas powered hot water system emits 83% less CO2 than an electric equivalent.
Can an electric water heater explode?
If the temperature is set too high or the pressure relief valve of a water heater malfunctions, a water heater can explode. This can happen with a gas or electric hot water heater. Although it is unlikely for water heaters to explode, when they do, they operate much the same as a rocket.
Will my gas water heater work without electricity?
Gas water heaters don’t use electricity as a fuel, and many homeowners assume they will work in a power outage. Even gas water heaters with electric pilot lights can continue to work as they don’t necessarily rely on mains electricity.
Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on water heater?
A device called a thermocouple is heated by the pilot light flame. As long as the thermocouple remains hot, gas is supplied to the pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, the gas is shut off and there is no danger of gas accumulating because the pilot light is out.
How much does a gas water heater cost per year?
Appliance Natural Gas Usage Appliance Typical Consumption Per Year (therms)* Cost Per Year** Outdoor yard light 302 th $320 Water heater 258 th $273 Gas fireplace with gas logs 72 th $76 Clothes dryer 69 th $73
Are gas water heaters dangerous?
A gas water heater that isn’t properly taken care of can also release carbon monoxide into the home. This odorless gas is virtually undetectable, and it’s also deadly. Just a few hours of exposure can have life-threatening consequences.