Electric vs Gas Hot Water Systems: Which is Better?

Both gas and electric hot water systems have advantages and disadvantages so the decision about what is best for you will depend on what you are looking for. Having an up to date and energy-efficient heating system is essential for any household. Whether you love long baths or you just want to be able to warm the house up when it’s cold, it’s important to choose the best system for you.

Electric water systems are usually easier to use than a gas-powered system which is one reason why they are popular. An electric water system can be a more compact choice, as it doesn’t need venting so if space is limited this could be an important consideration. This makes it a good choice for apartments and smaller homes. Because an electric system doesn’t need ventilation it can be an easier process to install an electric heating system.

This means that in the short term installation costs will be lower for an electric system. If you’ve got electricity, you will always have hot water if your home is connected to the grid though if there is a power shortage you will be out of hot water, unlike with a gas system. If you want a gas hot water system you will need to make sure your property is connected to a gas supply too.

Gas hot water systems are great for rapid heating, taking half the time an electric model would take. If you have any concerns about power outages, a gas hot water system doesn’t need electricity to run. You may need to consider the space that a gas hot water system takes up as it will need a ventilation system.

Gas can often be a cheaper choice to run than an electric system so though it may cost more to install initially you may see savings in the long term. A gas heating system also has a higher recovery rate which makes them a better choice for large households who use a lot of hot water. Gas systems also need to be regularly maintained so there are no risks of gas explosions.