Are you thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater? You’re far from alone! While traditional tank-type water heaters still reign supreme, tankless models are growing in popularity, especially in Southwest Florida.
It’s not hard to see why. With a space-saving design, on-demand operation, and impressive energy savings, more and more homeowners are making the switch. Going tankless is a great move that can benefit your home and family in countless ways. However, before you take the plunge, you must choose whether to invest in a gas or electric tankless water heater.
Both electric and gas-powered tankless water heaters are a worthy upgrade over traditional tank-style models, but they also have distinct perks and advantages. Gas and electric models differ in many ways. To ensure you’re making an investment that works for your home over the long haul, you must consider both options and choose one that suits your needs.
So, how do you choose between an electric and a gas tankless water heater? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Fort Myers’ punctual plumbers, have you covered. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a confident upgrade decision, including details about performance, costs, installation, maintenance, lifespan, and environmental impact.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
First things first: What makes a tankless water heater so special?
As the name implies, these fixtures lack a storage tank for storing heated water. In a traditional setup, water heaters warm enough water to fill the tank, supplying hot water lines. That’s not the case with a tankless model.
They work on demand, heating water only when needed. The process is simple: When you need hot water, cold water enters the tankless heater and activates a flow sensor. That sensor kickstarts the heating elements. Then, the cold water goes through the heat exchanger and instantly gets hot, delivering all the warm water you need.
The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater vs. a Traditional Tank Water Heater
There are many reasons why so many homeowners are upgrading to a tankless water heater. Here are a handful of the most significant benefits:
•Energy Efficiency: Because tankless water heaters work on demand, you’re eliminating standby energy losses. You can enjoy substantial energy savings, resulting in lower utility bills.
•Unlimited Hot Water: If you choose a model properly sized for your home and needs, you benefit from unlimited hot water. No more “running out” of hot water due to a storage tank emptying.
•Space-Saving Design: Unlike clunky tank models, tankless water heaters are compact. Plumbers can install them on walls to save valuable space.
•Long Lifespan: A tankless water heater has an average lifespan of 20 years or more, lasting much longer than its old-school tank counterparts.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Pros, Cons & Ideal Uses
Let’s start our deep dive into tankless water heaters with electric models. Electric tankless water heaters rely solely on electricity to heat water.
How They Work
Whenever you turn on a faucet or run an appliance that uses hot water, cold water enters the tankless water heater and triggers a flow sensor. The sensor triggers electric heating elements. Cold water flows over those heating elements, immediately warming the water.
Advantages
Electric tankless water heaters have several unique advantages over gas-powered alternatives.
•Lower Upfront Costs: Electric models are generally more cost-effective during installation. They’re easier to install and don’t require additional elements associated with gas-powered appliances, leading to lower labor costs.
•Easier to Install: Unlike gas tankless water heaters, there’s no need to install gas lines or venting. As a result, installation is more straightforward.
•More Compact: Electric-powered tankless water heaters have a smaller footprint, making them ideal for smaller homes, condos, and point-of-use setups.
•Higher Efficiency Ratings: Electric fixtures have an energy efficiency rating of nearly 99 percent.
•Safer for Homes Without Gas Access: If your home doesn’t already have gas access, electric tankless water heaters are a safer bet. There’s no worry about gas leaks, poor venting, etc.
Drawbacks
Despite their perks, electric tankless water heaters have some potential drawbacks you must consider.
•Limited Flow Rates: Electric tankless water heaters have a limited flow rate of around 2 to 5 gallons per minute (GPM). Therefore, they can struggle with simultaneous multi-fixture use.
•Higher Power Demand: Because these water heaters rely solely on electricity, they have high power demand and may require electrical panel upgrades.
•Less Efficient in Colder Climates: In colder areas, electric models may struggle to heat cold water quickly.
What are Electric Tankless Water Heaters Best For?
Electric tankless water heaters are versatile. However, they’re best-suited for smaller homes, condos, apartments, and supplemental use, such as a remote bathroom in an accessory-dwelling unit.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters: Pros, Cons & Ideal Uses
Gas tankless water heaters can use natural gas or propane as their heating source.
How They Work
When cold water enters a gas-powered tankless water heater, the flow sensor triggers a gas valve to open, allowing the combustion system to spark a flame. That flame heats an exchanger to heat water on demand.
Advantages
Take a look at the biggest advantages gas tankless water heaters offer.
•Higher Flow Rates: Gas tankless water heaters can have a flow rate up to 10 GPM. Therefore, they’re great for larger homes and work well when multiple fixtures need hot water.
•Better Performance in Cooler Climates: Unlike their electric counterparts, gas-powered models perform better when dealing with super-cold water.
•Faster Heat Recovery: Gas models recover heat better and faster, preheating incoming cold water for greater efficiency.
•More Cost-Effective to Operate: If you’re in an area where gas is affordable, gas tankless water heaters can be cheaper to operate.
Drawbacks
Even with those advantages, a few drawbacks might affect you and your home.
•Higher Installation Costs: Because gas appliances require dedicated lines and vents, installation can be more expensive.
•Venting Challenges: Proper ventilation is paramount. If you don’t have existing vents or the ability to install them, you may need an outdoor model.
•Requires Regular Burner Maintenance: The heaters in a gas-powered heater need regular inspections and maintenance to avoid long-term performance issues.
What are Gas Tankless Water Heaters Best For?
Gas tankless water heaters are best for larger properties thanks to the higher flow rate and cost-effective operation. They can easily accommodate large families living in big homes with high simultaneous hot water demand.
Performance Comparison: Electric vs. Gas
Switching to a tankless water heater is smart, regardless of whether you choose gas or electric. Both options are energy-efficient and high-performance, providing on-demand hot water while saving you hundreds of dollars annually in energy costs. However, there are some differences in performance.
Gas tankless water heaters offer beefier performance, making them ideal for larger properties. These models have significantly higher flow rates than electric options, allowing you to run multiple faucets, showers, and appliances with no issue.
Electric alternatives are best suited for smaller applications and have a better Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating than gas alternatives. However, because they run entirely on electricity, they can be costlier over the long term.
Cost Breakdown: Initial vs. Lifetime
Many homeowners prioritize installation costs when upgrading water heater systems. That’s reasonable. However, when considering tankless water heaters, you must examine upfront installation and operating costs.
Installation Costs:
Electric tankless water heaters are more affordable to install. The national average for basic installation, including equipment and labor, is around $2,800.
Gas tankless water heaters cost, on average, over $3,000. However, if you need to install new gas lines and vents, installation costs can rise to well over $5,000.
Long-Term Costs
Generally, electric models are more expensive to operate over the long term, especially if you live in an area with higher electric costs. Gas-powered models are more affordable due to the lower cost of the gas that runs them. But, you must also consider the more frequent maintenance requirements.
The good news is that you may qualify for rebates or tax incentives if you upgrade to an energy-efficient tankless water heater. In Fort Myers, you may be eligible for federal tax credits and local utility rebates. For example, many tankless water heater upgrades are eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit!
Maintenance & Lifespan
The lifespan of an electric water heater is around 15 to 20 years. Of course, longevity varies based on maintenance and the quality of water that runs through the system. Soft water regions benefit from greater longevity. Fortunately, electric systems don’t require much upkeep to stay in excellent shape.
On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters require regular burner cleaning and periodic descaling. Failing to invest in maintenance could lead to damage, poor performance, and a much lower lifespan. Gas models can last 15 to 20 years or more with good care.
Consider adding a water softener to your plumbing system. A water softener will remove minerals that cause scale buildup, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
Environmental Impact & Energy Source
Environmental impact is a significant concern for many. Tankless water heaters, as a whole, are better for the environment due to their energy savings. However, electric options offer zero on-site emissions. You can reduce the impact even more if you pair an electric tankless water heater with a renewable electricity setup, such as solar.
Gas alternatives burn fossil fuels. Therefore, there are emissions. However, you can consider more efficient models, such as condensing units. They use less fuel, reducing emissions.
Electric tankless water heaters have a lower carbon footprint, but both options are better for the environment than traditional tank-type water heaters.
Choosing What’s Best for You: A Quick Decision Guide
There you have it! As you can see, tankless water heaters offer many benefits, but the unique advantages and disadvantages of electric and gas models give you plenty to consider. Ultimately, the best decision for you and your home depends on many factors.
When choosing which type of tankless water heater is best for your needs, consider:
• Household size
• The number of simultaneous users
• Your access to natural or propane gas
• Your typical climate
• Local utility rates
• Your budget for installation and upgrades
• Ongoing maintenance costs
Keep all those factors in mind and use the information supplied above to make your decision. This upgrade is a worthy investment, but choosing the right tankless water heater will ensure you benefit for decades to come.
FAQs
Do electric tankless heaters work in cold climates?
Electric tankless heaters work in colder climates but may struggle to heat cooler water. Therefore, you may experience some lag before the water warms up.
Are gas tankless heaters safe indoors?
Gas tankless water heaters are safe to operate indoors if you have proper ventilation. Ventilation is critical to exhaust carbon monoxide and other gases.
How long does each type last?
With proper care, both gas and electric tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more. Gas models can last over two decades with exceptional care.
Is tankless worth the upgrade over traditional systems?
Tankless water heaters are a fantastic upgrade, no matter which type you choose. They provide better performance, energy-efficient operation, space-saving design, and on-demand operation.
Can I switch from electric to gas (or vice versa)?
You can’t convert an electric model to a gas model. However, you can switch energy sources if you invest in proper installation. For example, switching from electric to gas will require additional work to install gas lines and vents.
Trust Benjamin Franklin for Tankless Water Heater Services in Fort Myers
When you’re ready to install a gas or electric tankless water heater, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is eager to help. We’re the punctual plumbers of Fort Myers, proudly serving the City of Palms and the surrounding areas. Our well-trained team is committed to meeting your needs and helping you make an upgrade that will benefit your home for decades.
Whether you choose electric or gas, we have you covered. We can handle the logistics and install a system that works for you. Afterward, we offer tankless water heater services to ensure your new system continues to serve your home well. We can also repair and install traditional water heaters.
Let us show you why they call us “The Punctual Plumbers!” Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to book your consultation or installation!