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October 15, 2024Deciding between a gas vs electric hot water system can be tricky. Both offer exceptional benefits, but which is right for your home? Factors like energy efficiency, cost, and installation play a key role in the decision.
In this guide, we’ll break down each option, helping you to put your dilemma to end.
Keep reading to find out, with tips from our hot water plumbing service experts to make things easy!
Pros and Cons of Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas hot water systems are a popular choice in many homes, and we’re about to see why.
In Australia, gas hot water systems are a popular choice for many households, and they typically come in three main types: solar water heaters with gas boosting, instantaneous or continuous flow gas water heaters, and gas storage water heaters.
Pros
1. Continuous Hot Water Supply
Whether you have a large family or just love taking long showers, gas systems ensure you won’t run out of hot water, as they can heat it quickly and as needed.
Unlike electric systems, which may need time to heat the water between uses, gas systems keep the water flowing hot, no matter how much you need.
2. Longer Life Span
Gas hot water systems generally have a longer lifespan. They have fewer electrical components that are prone to wear and tear.
Additionally, the sturdier build of gas storage tanks means they can withstand pressure and temperature fluctuations better, often lasting 10-15 years or more.
3. Cheaper Operating Cost and Water Savings
If you’ve ever asked, is gas hot water cheaper than electric? The answer is yes for the long run.
Gas systems are more cost-efficient to run because natural gas and LPG tend to be cheaper than electricity in many areas.
And if you want to save water costs, gas hot water systems can help with that too.
Since they heat water quickly, you won’t need to run the tap waiting for it to get hot, helping you avoid wasting water while waiting for the temperature to rise.
4. Diverse Power Options
Living in Melbourne or other Australian cities offers flexibility when it comes to powering your gas hot water system.
You can choose between natural gas, which is more commonly available in metropolitan areas, or LPG, which is often used in rural locations.
This allows you to select the most convenient and cost-effective fuel source based on your location.
Cons
1. Takes Big Space
If you’re opting for a gas storage hot water system, be prepared for it to take up a significant amount of space.
These systems require large tanks to store the heated water, and that means dedicating a room in your home or outdoor space to accommodate it.
After knowing how the gas hot water system works, you may consider continuous flow or instantaneous ones.
They offer a more compact option, as they don’t require a storage tank, but the trade-off may be slightly higher upfront costs.
2. Needs High Installation Costs and Complexity
Installing a gas hot water system can be more complex and costly compared to electric systems.
Homes without existing gas lines will need to have them installed, which adds to the overall cost.
Pros and Cons of Electric Hot Water Systems
When it comes to choosing between types of hot water systems, electric hot water systems are often seen as the more convenient option.
Electric systems use heating elements to warm up the water and, unlike gas systems, they don’t require a dedicated gas line or additional ventilation.
This makes them easier and cheaper to install initially, though the gas vs electric hot water running costs will vary in the long term.
Pros
1. Convenient
Electric hot water systems are highly convenient, as they don’t rely on gas supply lines or complex installations.
You can install them anywhere in the home and offer flexible options, whether you want a system with a storage tank or an instantaneous model.
Electric systems also tend to be easier to maintain, requiring fewer checks compared to gas systems.
2. Space Saving
If space is a concern, electric hot water systems can be a perfect fit. Unlike gas systems with bulky tanks, many electric options, especially the tankless models, are compact and can be installed in tight spaces like closets or under cabinets.
This makes them a great solution for small homes or apartments where floor space is at a premium.
3. Lower Upfront Cost
One of the major advantages of electric hot water systems is their lower initial cost.
They are generally cheaper to purchase and install than gas systems. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to get started, electric is the way to go!
Cons
1. Bigger Maintenance Cost
The heating elements in electric systems tend to wear out faster and may need to be replaced sooner than the components in gas systems.
When they need maintenance, it could mean costly repairs, especially if the system breaks down frequently. Over time, these expenses can add up, particularly if your household uses a lot of hot water.
2. Power Dependency
During power outages, electric systems will leave you without hot water, which can be especially inconvenient during colder months. Additionally, because electric systems need to heat water using electricity, they tend to take longer to heat up compared to gas systems.
If you’re wondering how long they take to heat up, electric systems can take between 60 to 90 minutes to fully heat a tank of water, while gas systems are much quicker.
It’s also worth noting that electric hot water systems, especially those with storage tanks, are more prone to experiencing low hot water pressure compared to gas systems.
This is because electric systems generally have smaller heating capacities and may struggle to maintain consistent pressure if the demand for hot water is high, or if multiple outlets are being used simultaneously.
Final Verdict
From upfront cost, space, to installation, you should learn things to consider before choosing between gas or electric hot water.
If you need a hot water system with cheaper operation costs and longer life span, gas will suit you best. But if you want a hot water system that is more space-saving and with a lower upfront cost, choose the electric one.
Still unsure? Contact Neighbourhood Plumbing today for expert advice on the gas vs electric hot water debate, and let us help you find the perfect solution for your home!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
