Until they have a problem getting hot water, most homeowners don’t think about their hot water tank. However, if your system is more than 10 years old, investing in water heater replacement now could prevent costly breakdowns and inconvenient service disruptions later. When browsing options, most systems are powered by gas or electricity. To help guide your purchasing decision, the guide below briefly explores their differences.

3 Ways Gas & Electric Water Heaters Are Different

1. How They Measure Input

For a better idea of how much energy will be used to power the appliance, look for input measurements on the packaging. This lets you know how much gas or electricity is used per hour to heat the volume of liquid in the holding tank. When browsing electric options, the number is stated in watts, typically ranging from 1,440 to 5,500. For gas models, input is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), with the scale ranging from 30,000 to 180,000. When weighing options for your water heater replacement, narrow the selection to models with higher input numbers. This means they heat water quickly.

2. How Efficient They Are

Beyond input, you should also consider the energy factor rating of each model before making a final decision. This number calculates how much fuel the appliance uses each day to produce a specific volume of hot water. Although it’s possible to find gas systems with high energy factor ratings, electric systems generally have an edge over gas-operated counterparts.

3. How Reliable They Are During Bad Weather

During seasonal storms, downed power lines could leave your home without electricity for a few hours or longer. If you have an electric water heater, you won’t be able to use the appliance until service is restored. Keep this in mind if power outages are a concern. With gas-operated systems, the gas pilot light will continue to function so your access to hot water won’t be compromised. 

For professional help determining what type of water heater to install in your home, contact the plumbers at Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing in Lincoln, NE. Since 1952, the company has been the leading source in the area for fast, efficient HVAC and plumbing services. To schedule water heater replacement in the Lancaster County area, call (402) 467-­1111 or visit the company online for special offers. For advice to take better care of your plumbing system, become a Facebook fan.