Gas Water Heater Vs. Electric Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the heating equipment used to supply hot water for residential, commercial, and other units. Water heaters are mainly produced and offered in electric and gas types, in wall-mounted and standing models, based on the type of energy.

One of the questions that arises when comparing, selecting, and purchasing electric and gas water heaters is which of these water heaters has a more suitable price and greater efficiency?

In this article, we intend to become more familiar with the features of each by comparing electric and gas water heaters; please stay with us until the end of this article.

To better compare electric and gas water heaters, we will first provide a brief description of the unique features of each:

Different Types of Gas Water Heaters

Generally, a standing gas water heater (tank water heater) operates using natural gas, and the control of gas flow and water temperature is handled by a thermostat. The smoke resulting from the combustion of the flame located beneath the gas water heater tank is directed outside the environment through a chimney.

To heat the water in standing gas water heaters, the entire water heater tank must be heated, which leads to wear and tear on the water heater body over the long term and reduces its lifespan, as standing gas water heaters are typically produced with a tank.

Wall-mounted gas water heaters are tankless and have smaller dimensions than standing models, taking up less space; therefore, a wall-mounted gas water heater is a suitable choice for use in apartments.

Wall-mounted water heaters, also known as instantaneous water heaters, provide the required hot water immediately after opening the hot water tap. One of the best brands of wall-mounted gas water heaters in Iran is the بوتان company, which offers its products with a warranty and extensive after-sales service throughout the country.

Butan water heaters are equipped with an ionization or spark ignition system. The spark igniter lights the gas water heater burner simultaneously with the opening of the hot water tap, providing the required hot water. Other reputable brands of gas water heaters include the Azmon-Kar company, which began its activities in the field of producing various electric and gas water heaters in 1375 and is one of the oldest water heater manufacturers in Iran.

This company produces and offers all models of its water heater products based on global standards with very high quality.

Different Types of Electric Water Heaters

Standing electric water heaters (tank water heater) have two heating elements at the top and bottom of the tank, each connected to and controlled by a thermostat.

The thermostats, which are attached to the wall of the electric water heater tank and detect the temperature of the water in the tank, turn on the heating elements when the temperature of the water inside the tank drops and turn them off when the water reaches the desired temperature.

Wall-mounted electric water heaters (tankless) have a water flow sensor that activates when the hot water tap is opened, then the built-in heating elements heat the water, and this process continues until the water flow sensor detects that the water flow has stopped (the hot water tap is closed).

Since tankless electric water heaters, unlike tank type models, are not always on and do not constantly produce hot water, they reduce electricity consumption by about 30 to 50 percent, saving electricity consumption.

Currently, reputable companies inside and outside the country produce and offer various types of electric water heaters with very good quality, and some of the most reputable brands include Butane, Azmoon Kar, Vito, Ariatis, etc.

For more information you can read all the details about this type of water heater in the article "What is and Electric Water Heater?".

Gas and Electric Water Heater Comparison in Terms of Usage

Considering the abundance of natural gas and the low cost of gas consumption compare to electricity, it is more cost-effective to use a gas water heater. Still, in the following cases, when there is no access or use of city gas, we use an electric water heater:

• Villas outside the city need access to city gas due to their distance from the city.
• Areas such as remote villages need a gas pipeline system.
• For environments where there is a possibility of moving the water heater in the future or where it is not possible to connect to city gas (such as conex boxes).
• Environments that are sensitive to pollutants from gas combustion.

Gas and Electric Water Heaters Installation, Safety, and Maintenance Comparison

Gas water heaters need gas piping to supply the fuel they need, and they need a chimney and ventilation system to discharge the smoke from the combustion process and all gas pipes should be checked periodically to prevent gas leaks.

But electric water heaters do not need these infrastructures; Therefore, setting up the electric water heater is easy. For this reason, the cost of installing and maintaining electric water heaters is lower than gas water heaters.

Using electric water heaters in residential complexes and especially small houses can avoid the dangers of gas poisoning and suffocation caused by incomplete gas combustion.

A few key factors:

• Never connect the water heater to the power supply when the unit's water is off.
• Note that if water is dripping from the electric water heater, it is because there is a malfunction in the system.
• To install an electric water heater, it is necessary to use a safety valve and a drain valve to help the safety of the device in emergency cases.
• Because this type of water heater is electric, it must be installed where there is a connection to the ground.

Gas and Electric Water Heaters Energy Consumption Comparison

One of the most important differences between electric and gas water heaters is fuel consumption efficiency.

In practice, electric water heaters are more efficient than gas water heaters because gas water heaters expel some heat along with the exhaust gases produced by gas combustion.

In contrast, electric water heaters use all the energy they receive to convert it into thermal energy and heat the water. However, on the other hand, the speed of heating water in gas water heaters is faster than in electric ones; therefore, gas water heaters heat a larger amount of water compared to electric water heaters.

For this reason, gas water heaters are more suitable for large families that require more hot water.

You can also read more about water heater energy consumption compared to combi boiler energy consumption at "Combi Boiler Vs. Water Heater".

Gas and Electric Water Heater Comparison at a Glance

In comparing electric and gas water heaters, their advantages and disadvantages were explained, noting that electric water heaters have many unique capabilities and can be a suitable and good alternative for areas lacking gas piping.

To buy the most suitable gas or electric water heater, one should consider factors such as the amount and consumption of hot water needed, the environment's sensitivity to combustion gases, the necessary infrastructure for installing and operating a gas water heater, and preventing hazards from gas leaks.

At the DamaTajhiz HVAC store, several models of the best-selling water heaters from Butane, Barfab, and others are introduced, with a guarantee of product authenticity, after-sales service, and valid warranty provided.

If you have any questions left or need more information, you can contact DamaTajhiz HVAC sales team at +98-218-882-2550.

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