What is better - a gas water heater or an electric water heater? Comparison of main parameters

Do you live in a house where hot water is constantly turned off or is it not initially provided? Agree that living in such conditions is very unpleasant. In this case, you need to purchase and install additional equipment for heating water, which will save you from this problem. Today, gas water heaters and electric water heaters are the most popular.

Can't decide which is better: a gas water heater or an electric water heater? We will help you solve this problem - the article discusses the features of each of these types of equipment, and also provides a comparative review of important parameters that are decisive when choosing a water heater.

Gas water heaters and their features

Today you won’t surprise anyone with a gas water heater. This is quite popular equipment that is used everywhere. If in the past it was very large and inconspicuous, today these devices are distinguished by relatively small dimensions, as well as a stylish design.

However, the principle of operation of geysers remains the same as before. What is it?

Cold water entering the heat exchanger is heated using natural gas. The main advantage of this heating technology is that even a very large volume of water can be heated extremely quickly.

To read more about the principle of operation and design of the column, please go to via this link.

Many people cannot imagine even one day of their life without hot water. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones once and for all, it is worth installing a water heater

Another undoubted advantage that makes geysers an ideal option for most buyers is the low price of natural gas. The high performance of geysers has allowed them to conquer a large part of the market in recent years.

You can find gas water heaters of both domestic and foreign production on open sale, but those who would like to purchase 100% high-quality equipment should give preference to products from well-known world brands. Among them are equipment from companies Electrolux, Neva, Oasis, Bosch And Ariston, although many other manufacturers have also proven themselves well. We talked in more detail about the best geysers in the following ranking.

If you live in an old house where there is always no hot water, then a gas water heater is your best friend. Just choose the model you like and arrange installation with a specialist

The models of speakers that can be found on sale differ in the ignition method. Ignition can be either automatic or semi-automatic. With automatic ignition, the device begins to work immediately when the mixer tap is opened. To start equipment with semi-automatic ignition, you will have to use manual ignition of the wick.

Modern geysers are equipped with both convenient and quite informative displays and a variety of indicators.This additional equipment greatly simplifies the process of controlling a gas water heater.

It is worth noting that the columns, like boilers, can be atmospheric (chimney) and turbocharged (flueless). If the first type of equipment uses natural air flow and its removal into the chimney pipe, then in the second type these processes are forced. The turbine is a built-in fan that is used to quickly pump air into the combustion chamber. A turbine is also needed to remove combustion products from the chamber.

Briefly about electric water heaters

An electric water heater consists of a water heating regulator, as well as a tubular heater and a thermally insulated tank. The water entering the tank is gradually heated and consumed. Models from some manufacturers are equipped with additional equipment.

An electric water heater is the best helper for those who are afraid of gas equipment. However, this equipment is unlikely to appeal to those who already pay too much for electricity

The operating principle of an electric heater depends on what type it is. There are flow-through and cumulative water heaters.

Boilers come with “wet” and “dry” heating elements. The first type (“wet”) is a standard heating element in direct contact with water. Unfortunately, this often leads to corrosion and reduced operating efficiency.

“Dry” heating elements are located in a special design, the surface of which is covered with thermal enamel. Such an unusual solution made this equipment much more durable.

Electric water heaters are often purchased both to supply hot water to a residential building and any industrial facility.Since the heating elements operate automatically, you can easily maintain a certain temperature, and periodic heating will help save electricity. And the compact version - faucet - installed in the kitchen of a summer house or in temporary residences.

Also, modern models are equipped with special thermally insulated tanks, so during heating, energy consumption is minimized. Particularly popular are models equipped with a stainless steel flask. They are more durable and reliable.

Even if the boiler breaks down, you can fix it at home. You just need to find the right spare parts and carry out the repairs.

Comparison of geysers and electric water heaters

To decide which type of water heater is better to choose, gas or electric, you must also take into account the conditions in which they will be used. Each type of water heating device has both its advantages and disadvantages. Next, we will conduct a comparative analysis of columns and electric boilers according to the main parameters that are important when choosing.

Criterion #1 - equipment dimensions

The main advantage of a geyser is its compactness. This is extremely important for those who are going to install it in a fairly cramped room. However, small speakers will not satisfy large needs.

Electric water heaters are quite large in size, so they can hardly be recommended to those who would like to install this device in a small one-room apartment.

Criterion #2 - water heater performance

But geysers will help provide the whole house with hot water in large volumes.Electrical equipment cannot boast the same high speed of heating water and the short amount of time required for heating.

Simple arithmetic: on average, a gas water heater can heat 17 liters of water per minute, and an electric boiler will take 20 minutes to heat the same volume of water. This is a significant difference that cannot be ignored. For example, to provide a small family with hot water for the whole day, you will have to wait 5 hours.

Often, buyers install a boiler directly in the kitchen. This is a completely reasonable decision. By installing such equipment in a living room, you can completely ruin the interior

Criterion #3 - cost-effectiveness of devices

Don't forget about efficiency. It should be noted that it is difficult to compare the efficiency of equipment due to different power sources for gas water heaters and electric water heaters and different prices in the regions.

On open sale you can find dozens of models that have minimal differences from each other. In order to choose the right model, you should carefully study the market

Therefore, in order to find out what is more profitable to install in your home, a gas water heater or an electric water heater, you need to carefully study the prices for electricity and gas.

So, if you live in a region where electricity is very expensive, then it is more advisable to consider a gas type water heater.

Criterion #4 - service life and maintenance

Another advantage of geysers is their longer service life.

However, gas equipment is considered more dangerous. It is necessary to check the column regularly, but doing this yourself is not recommended.You should seek qualified help - routine inspection, testing and repairs will be carried out by specialists from the gas company with which you are dealing singed an agreement. Only a specialist can prevent gas leaks.

As for maintenance, owners can clean the column themselves. We recommend that you read service methods with your own hands.

Connecting a gas water heater can only be entrusted to a specialist. You are not allowed to install it yourself if you have never done it before

Problems often arise with electrical equipment. For example, you will have to carefully monitor the voltage. If you live in a private house where there are often problems with the power supply, you will have to buy stabilizer - it will help avoid problems associated with power surges.

Also, in an electric water heater, it is necessary to constantly remove deposits from the heating element. Otherwise, it may quickly fail and will require replacing the heating element.

Criterion #5 - installation of equipment

Before installation of a geyser you will have to collect an impressive package of documents. Only after this can installation permission be obtained, and installation work must be carried out by qualified specialists. They will install the gas pipeline and also make sure that the ventilation system is fully operational.

Otherwise, using the equipment is extremely dangerous, and such a user faces considerable risks. fines for unauthorized connection.

In order to install a gas appliance, you will have to buy metal pipes. Geysers heat up much more intensely, so plastic pipes may not withstand the load.It can be added that installing a geyser is an extremely difficult task, because gas equipment must be attached directly to the wall, and the wall itself must be properly prepared.

Don't rush into repairs if you don't understand it. First you need to study the internal structure of this equipment

In the case of an electric water heater, everything is much simpler, because during installation work you can use cheap plastic pipes. Anyone can install electrical equipment.

You can cope with this task yourself if you have at least general information about how to connect devices to the electrical and water supply networks. If you already have few free walls where you could install a water heater, then flow-through the type of water heater will be the best option.

Criterion #6 - device security

Gas water heaters are considered more dangerous due to the possibility of gas leakage. We recommend that you read reasons for the explosion geysers.

Electrical equipment can also cause harm to health, but this happens much less frequently.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

It is possible to give a definite answer about the benefits of purchasing a gas or electric water heater only taking into account the purpose of purchasing this equipment and the characteristics of the room where it will be installed:

In retail chains, markets and online stores you can find a huge selection of water heaters for every taste and budget. However, the most important thing is to take into account the characteristics of the room where you are going to install this equipment.Do not forget about the purpose of the purchase, because if this equipment is needed only for a couple of days a year when there is no hot water, you should not buy a very powerful boiler.

Don’t rush into purchasing - carefully analyze your conditions and needs, and then you will definitely be able to find the right option for you and your family members.

What type of water heating equipment did you choose? Share your experience of use with other visitors to our site, tell us if you are satisfied with your device or if you think you made a mistake in your choice? Express your opinion, participate in the discussion - the comment form is located below.