Tankless water heaters are becoming the talk of the town among homeowners. And if you are in the market for a tankless water heater, you must be wondering “which is the best option for me?” But did you know that there are two different types of tankless water heaters: gas and electric?
While the end result is similar, gas and electric tankless water heaters are very different.
We here at Monkey Wrench Plumbing are experts in all things tankless water heater-related and we are dedicated to helping you make the best decision for you and your home. We know how daunting it can be to make such a big decision, and tankless water heaters are a real investment in your home.
In this article, we will:
- Define briefly what a tankless water heater is.
- Dive into what gas and electric tankless water heaters are.
- List differences between gas and electric tankless water heaters
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a device that heats your water without the bulkiness of a tank. Unlike a conventional water heater that is storing the water inside the tank, a tankless water heater has nowhere to store water. Instead, a tankless water heater heats the water as it moves through the heat exchanger, ultimately providing you an endless supply of hot water.
Read here to learn more about the key differences between tankless and conventional water heaters.
But back to tankless water heaters! There are two types of tankless water heaters: gas and electric.
What is a Gas Tankless Water Heater?
A gas tankless water heater is a tankless water heater that is powered by gas. There are two types of gas heaters: natural gas and propane. They are both similar, with their only real difference being the type of gas that is used.
While anyone can get a gas tankless water heater, they are ideal for large families. They can provide much more hot water, which is key for bigger households. You can easily knock out loads of dishes and laundry using only a small amount of water with a gas tankless water heater.
What is an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
An electric tankless water heater is a tankless water heater that is powered by electricity rather than gas.
Electric tankless water heaters will only need to schedule yearly maintenance on your tankless to prolong its lifespan. Read this article here to learn more about the two types of tankless water heater maintenance so that you are more than prepared for the different ways you can preserve your investment.
Differences Between Gas and Electric Water Heaters
While gas and electric tankless water heaters are solid options in their own right, they each have distinct pros and cons. As with anything in your home, there's no one-size-fits-all recommendation. In other words, just because a specific tankless water heater worked out for your neighbor, doesn't mean the outcome will be the same for your home.
Some of the key differences between gas and electric water heaters are:
- Initial cost
Electric tankless heaters can be cheaper initially; the price range you’re looking at is between $500 and $900. Gas tankless water heaters can cost more initially; the best ones cost more than $1,000.
- Cost-efficiency
While electric tankless water heaters are often cheaper, prices of natural gas and propane are usually lower than the price of electricity. This means, in the long run, an electric tankless water heater could end up costing you more money.
- Cost-Effective
Electric tankless water heaters are also usually less expensive. They are smaller units and, since there’s no gas, there’s no ventilation needed. Often, an electric tankless unit can go in a space as compact as a closet, but you can also find electric tankless water heaters that fit underneath your kitchen sink. However, operating costs are much more than gas.
On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters require more work to install. A home’s venting and gas lines play a big role in where a tankless water heater is installed.
- Maintenance
Electric tankless water heaters need very little maintenance. The system only needs to be flushed annually to remove lime scale build-up. Check this article out here to learn more about how to properly flush your tankless water heater.
On the other hand, gas units are slightly tricker. While you can perform the maintenance on a gas tankless water heater yourself, a technician can also check them regularly.
- Water Usage
If you have a smaller household or a family routine with not a lot of hot water usage all at the same time, an electric tankless water heater may be a great option for you as it does not put out nearly as much hot water. For larger homes and bigger needs, a gas tankless water heater can put out more hot water per minute.
Deciding on which tankless water heater is best for your home is a big decision. You’ll want to think about your home’s hot water needs, your budget, installation locations, and other personal preferences. We recommend that you speak with a certified tankless water heater technician to help you make the most beneficial decision for your home.
Gas vs Electric Tankless Water Heaters: You Decide
There's no clear winner in the gas vs. electric tankless water heater conversation. Each homeowner should evaluate their own needs when choosing which tankless water heater is best for their home.
Since we are experts in all things tankless water heaters, we have had the opportunity to help many customers evaluate the various options available to them. Now it is your turn!
Read the articles below to further your tankless knowledge as we dive deeper into the pricing of tankless water heaters and the different types of installations we offer here at Monkey Wrench Plumbing.
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
Basic vs Premium Tankless Installations with Monkey Wrench Plumbing
If you live in the Los Angeles area and have any other questions regarding tankless water heaters or any of your plumbing needs, you can call us at 310-853-8690, and one of our call center representatives would be happy to help you.
