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Electric or gas water heater?

Choosing between the two most popular systems to get hot water at home could be a challenge. Well, both gas and electricity technology offer pros and cons. In addition, we cannot ignore the importance of obtaining good savings on bills at the end of the month.

 

When looking for a gas or electric boiler that provides hot water for the family, beyond the comfort that these systems can provide, it is important to evaluate their performance. Above all, in winter, when its consumption peak rises.

What you should know about gas thermos

Gas water heaters have a simple operation. They practically resemble a giant pot. They have inside with stoves through which the gas comes out; once it is lit, those stoves generate flames and heat the water contained in the tank. Once the water reaches the expected temperature, the flames will go out and you will have the water ready to shower.

Now, when the faucet is fully turned on and the water starts running, cold water will enter the tank and the thermostat will activate, turning the stove back on to increase the temperature.

Advantages

They are systems that are available in various formats and could be the cheapest option to have hot water, especially if the home has a gas installation.

Gas is a natural energy source and its consumption can be easily controlled.

Disadvantages

Its performance could be affected by the water pressure supplied by the network.

It does not provide hot water immediately, so you must wait for the flames to heat the water contained in the tank, turning on the device in advance to be able to use the DHW at the required time.

In cases of negative temperatures or extreme cold, it may happen that the gas does not rise properly.

Types of gas supply

Butane gas

Butane gas offers several sizes and has a valve that facilitates the connection either with the gas thermos or with a butane heater. They have the disadvantage that for their installation it is necessary to put the cylinder in a place with good ventilation and once it runs out, it must be replaced.

Natural gas

This type of gas does not require you to have a space for its installation, since the supply reaches the home directly through pipes. In these cases, it not only works for gas water heaters, but is also useful for powering other appliances.

Propane gas

Unlike a butane gas thermos, the equipment that works with propane gas offers a higher heat power, being able to raise the temperature of the water up to 44ºC. However, they consume more power and require more space for installation. It is a gas that has a very low freezing rate, making it a good alternative for homes without access to natural gas and that are located in very cold areas.

Electric water heaters, a more advanced option

Electric water heaters are advanced equipment in terms of water heating. They work with a resistance that heats the water without the need for combustion and it is stored in a tank or boiler to distribute it later in the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, etc.

Advantages

Advanced models can offer a thermostat that controls the temperature and provides a safety plus.

They may also be able to control their self-heating and self-filling.

Using a timer, you can program and configure its ignition to enjoy hot water at specific times, without the need to waste energy.

Disadvantages

Its structure needs a certain space for its installation.

To know how to choose an electric water heater, the number of people living in the house must be evaluated. Therefore, it will be necessary to acquire a more or less large model so that it offers hot water for everyone; since this is not unlimited.

Once the electric water heaters are emptied and their filling begins again, they are not activated until the water temperature has reached its programmed level; which implies waiting approximately one hour.

They consume high energy.

We should not confuse an electric water heater with an electric heater, since the latter are devices capable of heating water instantly; therefore, as it enters the pipe, its coil system heats it rapidly. When choosing between an electric or gas heater, it is important that you have a water supply with the required pressure, otherwise the systems will not be activated to turn on and perform their function. This primarily affects homes that have a heater downstairs and need hot water upstairs.

Energy consumption and the importance of saving

Electric water heaters cannot be measured by consumption units, since the expense is determined by the electricity rate that each household has. However, on average, these devices consume 2800 kWh in a family of 4 people. The gas boiler, on the other hand, is more affordable economically, since cylinders or piped supply are cheaper than electricity.

When looking for a conscious use of the thermos, which reduces energy consumption and favors savings on the electricity bill, it is important to make some changes in habits.

First of all, it is advisable to take short baths using only the shower and forgetting about the bathtubs. It is also important to use a programmer or timer for the electric water heater.

If you have a gas system, you could take advantage of the cold water that comes out of the tap before the hot one, to refill the mop bucket or to water the garden.

Finally, an act of conscience is not to leave the tap running while you lather.

Regardless of the decision made between one modality and another, the maintenance of these systems is something that cannot be left aside; given its importance in prolonging its useful life. For this reason, the best option could be to seek a professional, an expert in cleaning an electric water heater. Chances are, this same technician will also know how to clean a gas heater. With this type of preventive action you can ensure its proper functioning for longer.

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