Are electric or gas water heaters better in Florida?
When it comes to water heaters, there are plenty of things to consider. Although traditional water heaters were commonly used for many years, electric water heaters have been available for quite some time, and now, homeowners have various options.
If you are in the market for a water heater, it would be wise to do your due diligence in researching which water heater is best for your unique needs. Before you invest in a new water heater, here are some of the top factors to consider:
The following is a closer look at gas vs. electric water heaters.
At Red Cap Plumbing & Air, we install tank water heaters or tankless water heaters fueled by gas or electricity. We also install solar water heaters. With so many options, we’re sure to find the best water heater for you. Estimates are free when you install with us, so schedule one today by calling us.
Electric water heaters cost more to install than gas water heaters in Tampa.
Generally speaking, gas water heaters cost more to install than electric ones.
When comparing water heater installation costs, gas water heaters are more expensive to install. Gas water heaters require gas and a live flame to heat the water and produce combustion gasses, which means venting is essential to remove the gasses from a house. Not all homes can accommodate gas water heaters. In those cases, you will need to pay for additional modifications.
On the other hand, electric water heaters use electricity. Therefore, they don’t produce combustion gasses and typically don’t require the same types of modifications to accommodate the unit. If you currently have a gas water heater, you will likely need to pay for extra modifications to accommodate an electric unit.
Gas water heaters cost less to use.
In terms of operational costs, gas water heaters cost less to operate than electric ones.
Since a water heater is vital and regularly used, the power source it draws from plays a major role in its operational costs. Electric water heaters require electricity, which is more costly than gas in Tampa, so they cost more to operate.
No matter which type of water heater you purchase, you should be aware of potential safety concerns.
Let’s first clarify the misconceptions. Many homeowners think gas leaks and explosions are a major risk of owning a gas water heater. While there is the potential for a fire or a carbon monoxide leak, these risks are typically avoidable as long as the water heater was installed correctly.
Newer gas water heaters are regulated and must now include safety features to help prevent CO poisoning and potentially catastrophic fire/explosions.
Another notable safety feature is a thermocouple, a flame sensor designed to shut off the gas flow to the water heater whenever it senses combustion problems.
On the other hand, double-walled vents help direct flue gasses away from your home. Lastly, the thermal switch shuts off the power and gas flow to the water heater whenever flammable vapors are nearby.
Many people seem to believe that water heaters can blow up. Theoretically, the temperature inside of a gas or electric water heater could increase and spike the pressure, causing an explosion. Fortunately, new safety rules and regulations make this risk highly unlikely for either type of water heater.
Built-in safety features prevent pressure from building up. Water heater systems have plenty of opportunities to shut off to prevent dangerous pressure levels.
When it comes to convenience, electricity is more accessible since it doesn't require igniting gas, and you don't have to wait for it to combust.
Moreover, not all homes have gas lines and venting because most newer appliances are electric. If your home can't handle a gas water heater, an electric water heater will be more complicated to install.
A gas water heater is better if you use a lot of hot water.
When it comes to recovery time, gas water tanks have a faster recovery time. Once a tank empties, a gas water heater can heat up new water faster than an electric one. A shorter recovery time makes gas water heaters ideal for large households or households that use a lot of hot water.
On the other hand, an electric water heater may be your best bet if you don’t use much hot water in your home.
Contact Red Cap Plumbing & Air’s friendly team for a water heater installation.
No matter which type of water heater works best for your unique needs, Red Cap Plumbing’s team is here to serve you. With decades of collective experience, we are highly skilled in installing and replacing tank and tankless water heaters. For questions, comments, and quotes, contact us today.