Gas Vs Electric Water Heater. Which Is Better?

Winter is here and I see a lot of my family members asking me for advice to buy geysers. In my home, we have two electric and one gas geyser. Our first geyser was gas based and I think there’s a fair bit of understanding a person should have before making the decision. I am listing out the factors and things that can help you make better decisions.

Operation: 

In my experience, electric water heaters prove to be more user-friendly compared to gas geysers. Simply switching on the power supply gets you hot water, whereas gas geysers involve the additional steps of turning on the gas and managing it properly. From an accessibility standpoint, electric water heaters are the more convenient option. Instant gas and electric geysers operate similarly, providing hot water on demand. Electrical geysers use a heating element to warm the water before dispensing, while gas water heaters employ a heat exchanger. The water pipes circulate around the heat exchanger, absorbing the generated heat to deliver hot water.

Efficiency: 

In my own experience, electric water heaters outshine gas heaters in terms of efficiency, heating water rapidly. I’ve noticed that modern electric water heater manufacturers incorporate advanced technologies such as Blue Diamond Glass Lining, Titanium Glass Lining, Nano-coated glass lining, etc. These innovations enhance the corrosion resistance of the inner container tanks, allowing the water to maintain its heat for longer durations. This makes electric geysers notably more efficient in my daily use.

Operational Costs: 

I’ve found that gas heaters take a bit longer to heat water, but their operational costs are notably lower than electric geysers. Considering the expense of electricity versus natural gas or LPG, the daily consumption of three to four units by electric geysers can add up. It’s worth noting, though, that while gas water heaters have a lower operational cost, they come with a higher initial price tag compared to electric water heaters, making the equipment more expensive in the long run. At my home, our family of 5, uses a gas cylinder in a gas geyser for 3-4 months.

Safety: 

In my personal experience, both gas geysers and electric water heaters come with their set of risks. Electric water heaters pose a potential danger of electric shocks, especially when the earthing is not properly done. On the other hand, gas geysers carry the risk of accidental blasts due to increased pressure inside, and the flammable nature of LPG or natural gas adds an extra layer of concern. However, geyser manufacturers take safety seriously. Electric geysers, for instance, are equipped with thermostats that cut off the power supply if the water temperature exceeds preset levels. Additionally, all geysers, both electric and gas, are designed with pressure release valves to dissipate excess pressure and prevent accidental blasts.

Initial Investment:

In my own experience, gas heaters come with a higher upfront cost compared to electric water heaters. Despite this initial expense, the ongoing operational costs are lower, evening out the overall expenses in the long run.

Final Thoughts:

Both gas and electric geysers are excellent choices. If you’re installing a geyser for the first time, opting for a gas geyser can be beneficial in the long run due to lower operational costs. However, it comes with a higher initial investment. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, electric geysers are a more affordable option. Additionally, they often require fewer changes to existing plumbing arrangements, just a separate electrical point and proper earthing. Ultimately, choosing the ideal water heater for your home boils down to your preferences and what aligns with your needs.