How To Tell Difference Between Gas And Electric Water Heater

A gas or electric water heater s energy factor ef is a measurement that.

How to tell difference between gas and electric water heater. One of the primary difference between traditional tank water heater and tankless is continuous hot water supply whenever required. According to the energyrates website natural gas is usually less expensive than electricity. 1 â a gas water heater turns the water hot by burning the gas in a covered burner. The electric water heater does not have a pilot light whereas the gas water heater has one.

A family of four for instance might take several showers run the dishwasher and wash a few loads of laundry all in one day. Start by looking for an access panel on the side of the water heater. Another difference between gas and electric water heaters is that a gas water heater will have pipes connected to it whereas an electric heater will have a supply cord. The presence of a 3 or 4 inch pvc pipe indicates a gas water heater because the fan and motor inside the water heater force exhaust created by the gas out into this vent and outside.

Connected pipes are also indicators of gas while an electric water heater will simply have a cord going into the top or side of the unit. Decide what size water heater you need. The choice of gas and electric water heaters depend upon the price of the gas or propane. Usually an electric water heater supply 5 gallons of hot water per minute whereas a gas tankless can supply up to 8 gallons per minute.

Look for a vent pipe on top of the water heater. Electric heaters are cost effective than the gas water heater. Electric water heaters do not have a venting system as there is no exhaust. In this case a gas water heater is more efficient than electric.

A gas water heater uses the heat from burning a fuel usually natural gas to heat water while an electric water heater uses electric resistance coils. Gas water heaters also have a much faster recovery rate which makes them a convenient option for larger families. The water is ready for use anytime you turn on the hot water faucet. Electric water heaters unlike gas water heaters that use a fuel source and ignition to heat water electric water heaters use electricity generally by means of electrical copper coils.

If you remove it and see a blue flame that s a pilot light which only gas models have. Water inside the water heater tank is cold until the heating element within the unit heats the water up. Gas water heaters are less energy efficient than electric heaters but the cost of electricity itself makes the running costs of an electric heater higher. Electric water heaters particularly electric heat pump water heaters can have higher ef ratings than gas water heaters.