Gas Water Heater Vs. Electric Water Heater
Water heaters are a key appliance in the home, so confronting the question of what kind of heater to get is a must in replacements, remodeling jobs and new home construction. Circumstances in the United States, such as the ready availability of cheap natural gas, usually favor the use of a gas water heater over an electric water heater. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cost of Use
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The typical gas water heater can heat 40 gallons of water from 55 to 105 degrees F for about 17 cents. A 4,500 watt electric water heater does the same job for about 49 cents.
Time
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The same gas water heater requires about 30 minutes to heat 40 gallons of water from 55 to 105 degrees F. The same 4,500 watt electric water heater will need twice as long.
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Corrosion
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Gas heaters use steel tanks with glass or ceramic linings that are prone to corrosion. Electric heaters can use plastic tanks that are not prone to corrosion.
Cost per Unit
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Electric water heaters with small tanks cost about $1,400. Gas water heaters with medium-sized tanks cost between $300 to $500.
Fire Hazard
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Although the fire hazard posed by a gas water heater is minimal, the area around it must be kept clear, and in particular kept clear of combustibles. This is not a concern with an electric water heater.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
