Gas water heater or electric water heater? Comparative review

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Do you live in a house where hot water is constantly turned off or is it not initially provided? Agree that living in such conditions is very unpleasant. In this case, you need to purchase and install additional water heating equipment that will save you from this problem. Today, the most popular are gas water heaters and electric water heaters.

Can't decide which is better for a gas water heater or an electric water heater? We will help you solve this problem - the article discusses the features of each of these types of equipment, and also carried out a comparative review of important parameters that are decisive in the selection water heater.

The content of the article:

  • Gas water heaters and their features
  • Briefly about electric water heaters
  • Comparison of gas water heaters and electric water heaters
    • Criterion # 1 - equipment dimensions
    • Criterion # 2 - performance of water heaters
    • Criterion # 3 - efficiency of devices
    • Criterion # 4 - service life and maintenance
    • Criterion # 5 - equipment installation
    • Criterion # 6 - device security
  • Conclusions and useful video on the topic
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Gas water heaters and their features

Today you will not surprise anyone with a gas water heater. This is a fairly popular equipment that is used everywhere. If in the past it was very large and inconspicuous, today these devices are distinguished by their relatively small dimensions and stylish design.

However, the principle of operation of gas water heaters remained the same as before. What is it?

The cold water entering the heat exchanger is heated with natural gas. The main advantage of this heating technology is that even a very large volume of water can be heated extremely quickly.

To read more about the principle of operation and the device of the column, please go to by this link.

Stylish boiler in an equally stylish interior

Many people cannot imagine even one day of their life without hot water. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones once and for all, it is worth installing a water heater

Another undoubted advantage that made gas water heaters an ideal option for most buyers is the low price of natural gas. The high performance of gas water heaters has allowed them to conquer a large part of the market in recent years.

On the open sale you can find gas water heaters of both domestic and foreign production, however, for those who I would like to purchase 100% high-quality equipment, it is worth giving preference to products from well-known world brands. Among them are the equipment of companies Electrolux, Neva, Oasis, Bosch and Aristonalthough many other manufacturers have proven themselves well too. We talked in more detail about the best gas water heaters in the following rating.

Typical gas water heater

If you live in an old house where there is always no hot water, then a gas water heater is your best friend. It is enough to choose the model you like and agree on the installation with a specialist

The commercially available speaker models differ in the way they are fired. Ignition can be either automatic or semi-automatic. With automatic ignition, the device starts working directly when the mixer tap is opened. To start equipment with semi-automatic ignition, you will have to use manual ignition of the wick.

Modern gas water heaters are equipped with both convenient and sufficiently informative displays and a variety of indicators. This additional equipment greatly simplifies the process of controlling the geyser.

It is worth noting that the columns, like boilers, are atmospheric (chimney) and turbocharged (non-chimney). If the first type of equipment uses a natural flow of air and its discharge into the chimney, then in the second, these processes are forced. The turbine is a built-in fan that is used to force air into the combustion chamber as quickly as possible. Also, a turbine is needed for the outflow of combustion products from the chamber.

Briefly about electric water heaters

An electric water heater consists of a water heating regulator, as well as a tubular heater and a heat-insulated tank. The water entering the tank is gradually heated and consumed. Some manufacturers' models are equipped with additional equipment.

Standard electric water heater

An electric water heater is the best helper for those who are afraid of gas equipment. However, this equipment is unlikely to appeal to those who already pay too much for electricity.

The principle of operation of an electric heater depends on what type it belongs to. There are flow and cumulative water heaters.

Boilers are available with "wet" and "dry" heating elements. The first type (“wet”) is a standard heating element in direct contact with water. Unfortunately, this often leads to corrosion and reduced efficiency.

"Dry" heating elements are located in a special structure, the surface of which is covered with thermo enamel. This unusual solution has made this equipment much more durable.

Electric water heaters are often bought both for supplying hot water to a residential building and any industrial facility. Since the heating elements work in automatic mode, you can easily maintain a certain temperature regime, and periodic heating will help save electricity. And the compact version - tap on the tap - installed in the kitchen of a summer residence or in houses for temporary residence.

Also, modern models are equipped with special thermally insulated tanks, so during heating, energy consumption is minimized. Models equipped with a stainless steel flask are especially popular. They are more durable and reliable.

Boiler parts

Even if the boiler fails, you can repair it at home. You just need to find the right parts and carry out repairs

Comparison of gas water heaters and electric water heaters

To decide which type of water heater is better to choose, gas or electric, it is necessary to take into account the conditions in which they will be used. Each type of water heating device has its own advantages and disadvantages. Next, we will conduct a comparative analysis of columns and electric boilers according to the main parameters that are important when choosing.

Criterion # 1 - equipment dimensions

The main advantage of the gas water heater is its compactness. This is extremely important for those who are going to install it in a fairly tight space. However, small speakers will not meet large needs.

Electric water heaters are quite large in size, so they can hardly be recommended to those who would like to install this device in a small one-room apartment.

Criterion # 2 - performance of water heaters

But gas water heaters will help provide the whole house with hot water in large volumes. Electrical equipment cannot boast the same high water heating rate and little time required to heat up.

Simple arithmetic: on average, a gas water heater can heat 17 liters of water per minute, and an electric boiler will take 20 minutes to heat the same volume of water. This is a significant difference that cannot be ignored. For example, to provide a small family with hot water for the whole day, you will have to wait 5 hours.

Kitchen as an ideal place for a gas water heater

Often, customers install a boiler directly in the kitchen. This is a perfectly reasonable decision. By installing such equipment in a living room, you can completely ruin the interior.

Criterion # 3 - efficiency of devices

Do not forget about efficiency. It should be noted that it is difficult to make a comparison in terms of the efficiency of equipment due to different power sources for gas water heaters and electric water heaters and different prices in the regions.

A wide range of water heaters

On the open market, you can find dozens of models that have minimal differences from each other. In order to choose the right model, you should carefully study the market

Therefore, in order to find out what is more profitable to install a gas water heater or an electric water heater in your house, you have to carefully study the prices for electricity and gas.

So, if you live in a region where electricity is very expensive, then it is more expedient to pay an impression on the gas type of water heater.

Criterion # 4 - service life and maintenance

Another advantage of gas water heaters is a longer service life.

However, gas equipment is considered more hazardous. The column should be checked regularly, but it is not recommended to do this yourself. You should seek qualified help - routine inspection, inspection and repairs will be carried out by specialists of the gas company with which you singed an agreement. Only a specialist can prevent gas leaks.

As for maintenance, the owners can clean the column themselves. We recommend that you familiarize yourself service methods do it yourself.

The gas water heater must be connected by an authorized specialist

The connection of the gas water heater can only be entrusted to a specialist. Do not install yourself if you have never done this before

Problems often arise with electrical equipment. For example, you have to keep a close eye on the voltage. If you live in a private house where power supply problems are often observed, then you will have to buy stabilizer - it will help to avoid problems associated with power surges.

Also, in an electric water heater, it is necessary to constantly remove plaque from the heating element. Otherwise, it can quickly fail and it will be required replacement of heating elements.

Criterion # 5 - equipment installation

Front installing a gas water heater you will have to collect an impressive package of documents. Only then can a permit for installation be obtained, and the installation work must be carried out by qualified specialists. They will install the gas pipeline, and also make sure that the ventilation system is fully functional.

Otherwise, it is extremely dangerous to use the equipment, and even such a user faces considerable fines for unauthorized connection.

In order to install a gas appliance, you will have to buy metal pipes. Gas columns heat up much more intensively, so plastic pipes may not withstand the load. It can be added that installing a gas water heater is an extremely difficult task, because gas the equipment must be fixed directly to the wall and the wall itself must be properly prepared.

Boiler room arrangement

You should not rush to repair if you do not understand this. First you need to study the internal structure of this equipment.

In the case of an electric water heater, everything is much simpler, because during the installation work, you can use cheap plastic pipes. Everyone can install electrical equipment.

You can cope with this task on your own if you have at least general information on how to connect devices to the electrical and water supply network. If you already have few free walls where you could install a water heater, then flowing the type of water heater will be the best option.

Criterion # 6 - device security

Gas water heaters are considered more dangerous due to the fact that gas leaks can occur. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with causes of explosion gas water heaters.

Electrical equipment can also be harmful to health, but this happens much less often.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

It is possible to give an unequivocal answer about the benefits of buying a gas or electric water heater only taking into account the purpose of purchasing this equipment and the characteristics of the premises where it will be installed:

In retail chains, markets and online stores, you can find a huge selection of water heaters for every taste and wallet. However, the most important thing is to take into account the specifics of the room where you are going to install this equipment. Do not forget about the purpose of the purchase, because if this equipment is needed only for a couple of days a year when there is no hot water, you should not buy a very powerful boiler.

Do not rush to buy - carefully analyze your conditions and needs, and then you can definitely find the right option for yourself and your family members.

What type of water heating equipment have you chosen? Share your experience with other visitors to our site, tell us if you are satisfied with your device or think that you made the wrong choice? Express your opinion, participate in the discussion - the comment form is located below.

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