Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters
Before you decide on a water heater, you should consider what type of fuel the appliance will use. While there are a lot of factors when deciding between a tankless or traditional water heater, choosing what kind of fuel your water heater uses will come down to cost.
Electric water heaters are more efficient because they don’t need to vent as gas heaters do, which means electricity doesn’t lose as much heat over time. This efficiency, however, comes at the cost of higher bills.
On the other hand, gas water heaters cost less to use because they connect to your gas line. This connection also means that if you don’t already have a gas line, the cost of installing a gas water heater will be much more expensive, as you’ll need to install a gas line as well.
Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters
A tankless water heater can be installed in specific rooms and allows you the flexibility of only heating water when you need it. A tankless water heater accomplishes this by heating water like a traditional water heater but without needing to store it. By only heating when needed—such as when you start the dishwasher—tankless water heaters offer the following benefits over traditional water heaters:
- Quick Heating
- Lower Bills
- Longer Lifespan
Though the tankless water heater provides a wealth of benefits once installed, taking that first step can be difficult. The major con to tankless is a higher installation cost, especially if you already have a different water heater system. In contrast to tankless, traditional water heaters work by storing gallons (anywhere between 20 and 120 depending on the type of water heater) of heated water. Traditional water heaters offer their own pros, such as:
- Easier Installation
- Lower Cost
- Easier Replacement
One of the reasons traditional water heaters are still popular is because of their inexpensive installation, maintenance, and repair. At least compared to tankless water heaters, it will cost you less when it comes to hiring our plumbers to service your traditional water heater. However, that pro also introduces a con: A traditional water heater will cost you more in monthly bills. It will also take up more space and will only last between 10-15 years—a long time, but shorter than a tankless water heater.
Protecting Water Heaters During Winter
You should be mindful of freezing in the winter, depending on the type of water heater you have. For example, a tankless water heater doesn’t need preparation because the electricity prevents freezing even when you’re not using it. If your water heater utilizes a tank, such as with the traditional type of water heater, you’ll need to protect it from cracking or malfunctioning during winter. Frozen water heaters can happen in newark, where winter lows can reach the 20s and freeze pipes.
The best way to protect your water heater during the winter is to call our plumbers to inspect your unit situation. Whether you need to insulate your water tank or require emergency repairs, we’re here to help.
Interested in our water heater repairs and replacements in newark? Call us or click here to request a job estimate!