Why Choose an Electric Water Heater in Kensington and Montgomery County, MD?

There are advantages to both gas and electric water heaters, but since the subject of this blog is “electric,” we’re going to tip the balance in their favor.

But not without first acknowledging that gas water heaters typically cost less to operate, though not to purchase.  Beyond that, the odds pretty much do favor electric water heaters, and for several very good reasons.

Let’s take a look:

1. Installation cost.  Gas water heaters must be installed with a flue to vent the exhaust.  Electric water heaters require only a special outlet or bare wiring, with no need to cut any holes for venting purposes. 

2. Safety: Modern day water heaters, gas and electric, both have high safety ratings.  However, there is still a greater chance of gas storage tank explosion than there is for electrocution from faulty wiring connected to an electric water heater.

3. Available space. If you’re tight on space already, you have another good reason to choose electric.  That’s because gas water heaters need up to 18” on all sides for proper venting to help prevent a gas explosion.  Electric water heaters, by contrast, can be installed anywhere they fit, with no such worries.

4. Lifespan.  Electric water heaters have fewer working parts, and those that they have are subject to less heat output than gas water heaters generate.  That, in turn, means less wear and tear and up to several additional years of effective life expectancy. 

5. No advantage should a power outage occur.  Gas water heaters used to own the following bragging right:  still operational even when the power goes out.  But not anymore, since many newer gas water heaters are installed with electric ignitions vs. pilot lights for greater safety.

When it’s time to choose between gas and electric – assuming you even have that option – it’s pretty hard to go wrong either way, assuming you purchase a high quality, well-rated unit.  To learn more and for answers to all your questions, call the professionals at Your 1 Plumber today.  We’ll help you choose what’s exactly right for your family and your budget.