Tankless water heaters are way more advantageous compared to conventional heating methods, but depending on the specific type of the device and the exact needs and preferences, users may enjoy even more benefits or miss out on some potential advantages. The two types that are generally available in the market are the gas and the electric tankless water heaters, so the difference is the type of “fuel” that provides the energy. Here are the main points that a buyer should consider before making a choice.
Availability
The first thing that a buyer needs to consider is the availability of gas, propane, or electricity in the area of their home. If there isn’t a natural gas line reaching your house, then the choice of the gas heater is ruled out right away.
Price
While the price of a tankless water heater depends on its quality and heating capacity, the electric heaters are generally cheaper compared to the gas ones with the difference being around 50% which is significant.
Performance
The performance of a tankless water heater depends on the model specifications, and both electric and gas-based devices can yield similar heating rates. The difference in their performance is becoming more obvious in very cold places and especially during winter months when gas-based heaters can work seamlessly while electric ones struggle to keep up with the demand.
Operating Cost
This again depends on where you rely, but the prices of natural gas are generally cheaper than electricity when taking into account the much higher thermal output per unit of cost. It is important to note that the price of fossil fuels is expected to rise dramatically in the future, but the exact point of when this will start happening is still uncertain.
Maintenance Cost
For the electric heaters, there is no maintenance required as long as everything is working properly. The gas heaters on the other side must be routinely checked and serviced on a yearly basis.
Installation Cost
The gas heaters are way more expensive to install than electric heaters because they require adequate venting for the supply of atmospheric air that is needed for the burning process, and work on the gas line path. If the venting options on a house/building are limited, this cost can be increased exponentially as the solutions will become more complex. Electric heaters can be installed anywhere with no regards to any other factor.
Safety
Gas heaters are completely safe as long as they are receiving their annual maintenance, so all valves and fitting points are thoroughly checked. Electric heaters are also safe as long as they are connected to a line with a relay switch. Both pose safety risks, but if they are installed and maintained properly users shouldn’t have any problem at all.
Environment
Obviously, the electric heaters are more environment-friendly than the gas ones that generate greenhouse gasses during their operation. If you care about the environment, go for the electric option.
Conclusion
Electric tankless water heaters are a cheaper, safer, more convenient and reliable choice for warmer climates. If you are living in a relatively warm location, a higher quality electric heater is worth the money. If however the median temperatures where you live are relatively low, aim for a gas heater instead and you will get a much better return of investment period although the initial cost for the purchase and the installation will be higher.
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