Eventually, the time will come when you need to install a new water heater in your home. Even the best water heaters will wear out over time, and usually have a lifespan of around ten to fifteen years.

If your aging unit isn’t heating water as efficiently as it used to, it will end up increasing your utility bills, as well as causing too many lukewarm showers.

If you’re interested in water heater installation in NJ, one of the major questions you should ask is whether you’d prefer a gas model or an electric model.

Both gas-powered water heater and electrical water heaters can be very effective and energy efficient, but the both have benefits and drawbacks.

Depending on your needs and your budget, either gas or electric might be a better choice for your household.

Gas Heater or Electric What Are the Differences?

As you probably know, gas water heaters use natural gas to heat water, whereas electric water heaters rely on electricity. Although both types can be equally efficient for many people, they can sometimes differ in cost and practicality.

Gas water heaters are usually a little less expensive than their electric counterparts. However, if you don’t already have natural gas in your home, installing the proper piping could increase the cost of installing a gas water heater.
Life expectancy. Both types of heaters actually last around the same amount of time, usually around fifteen years or so.
One of the advantages of gas water heaters, as opposed to electric water heaters, is that they have a faster recovery rate. With an electric model, you’ll have to wait longer after a shower for the water to heat back up. For some homeowners, especially single people and couples, this usually isn’t a problem. However, for larger households with several children or multiple roommates living together, the slow recovery rate can be a major inconvenience. If you don’t want to wait as long for a hot shower after your wife does the laundry, a gas heater can often be a better choice.
Gas water heaters are actually somewhat less efficient than electric water heaters. This is largely due to heat loss through the exhaust pipes and water tank walls. However, despite the lower efficiency, a gas unit can still cost less to run than an electrical run. In most places, natural gas costs are lower than the cost of electricity.

Overall, both electric water heaters and gas water heaters are efficient solutions for supplying hot water to your home. Although larger households often benefit from the fast recovery rate of a gas unit, electric water heaters aren’t necessarily an inferior choice.

Both types of water heater are available in many high quality, energy efficient models, and replacing your existing unit can help you save money on your utility bills. A new, Energy Star rated model is one of the best ways to cut your electricity or natural gas expenses.

This is especially true when you combine a great appliance with finding ways to use less hot water in the first place. There are many easy ways to do this, including installing low-flow shower heads, washing your laundry in cold water, and turning off the water when shampooing or brushing your teeth.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the benefits of gas and electric water heater installation, give us a call at QUEST NJ plumbing. Our skilled technicians can consult with you about the many Energy Star rated models that are on the market today, helping you find the perfect water heater for your needs and your budget.

With a new water heater installed, no matter which type you choose, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of hot water, along with long-term energy savings that are great for your household budget.