Gas Vs Electric for your hot water installation?

Do you love cold showers? Neither do we. Buying a hot water heater is a commitment. Not quite a tattoo commitment but more like a 10 year, multiple energy bill and comfortable shower in winter commitment. So how do you choose whether to go gas or electricity? Wild Water Plumbing has outlined some of the pros and cons below to help you decide before your next hot water installation.

Wild Water Plumbing is available for all of your hot water installation needs. We check, repair and replace domestic and commercial hot water heaters. If its an emergency, we can be there to help you avoid a freezing cold shower and through regular servicing we can help you avoid the hair-raising experience altogether.

So here’s a quick run down on the for’s and against’s of the hot water installation front runners – Gas vs Electricity:

Is gas even available?

Electricity is available to most homes, gas is available to some. Before purchasing a new water heater for installation get in contact with your distributor to check whether gas is available to your home. If natural gas isn’t available LPG bottles are an option but are more costly and need somewhere to be stored safely.

One bill only

Electricity; one energy supply to rule them all. Electricity is the answer for all of your energy needs and can power every household utility. Natural gas will power a water heater and kitchen burners. If you already have an electric water heater it can be a very simple swap out and install.

Does Peak or Off Peak apply?

Gas water heaters are a slightly more expensive hot water installation, but are cheaper to run. Natural gas prices don’t vary based on time of the day like electricity. This means long term running costs are usually lower.

Gas is “greener”

Gas is more frugal. Gas is not only less expensive than electricity but also gas produces less greenhouse emissions than its electric counterpart.

Which is more energy efficient?

Gas water heaters have an energy efficiency star rating. Better energy efficiency reduces rates over time and the four and five star models will drastically improve your energy bills in comparison to electric water heaters. Electric water heaters that run on off-peak electricity reduce costs but you do risk running out of hot water at the end of the day. Off-peak electric tanks also need to be larger in order to hold more hot water and off-peak electricity isn’t available in all areas. Take a look at government regulations for reducing energy consumption with your hot water installation.

Hot water installation housing

Electric water heaters can be installed inside or outside the home. Gas water heaters are usually installed outdoors due to venting requirements, which means you need somewhere to house it. It’s best to get your local plumber in to handle any repairs or installation required on your new hot water whether electric or gas.

Safety of Gas Vs Electric

Electric tanks are safer due to their lack of combustible material. However if you’re using gas, Wild Water Plumbing’s certified Gas Fitter will come out to check your gas supply promptly when necessary.

If you are still in doubt Wild Water Plumbing can come to your home and assess the best water heating option for your household. We make time to learn about each client’s needs and tailor our services accordingly as we all know everyone’s needs are different. Contact us to make an appointment or call us for 24 hour immediate emergency response. Wild Water Plumbing can organise your next hot water installation.