While gas water heaters are common in homes in Medfield, Ashland and throughout Massachusetts, many local residents carry misconceptions about them. These misconceptions may inspire some homeowners to make an upgrade well before it is needed or to switch to a different fuel source without knowing all of the facts. Replacing your water heater is a significant and costly undertaking, and you need all of the facts about gas models before you finalize your plans. Take a closer look at these unfounded myths before you decide to schedule new water heater installation for your home.
The BS facts about gas water heaters:
1. Controlling Water Temperature Is Difficult
If you think that controlling water temperature is more difficult with a gas heater than it is with an electric water heater, you may want to think again. The temperature of modern water heaters is controlled by a thermostat. Regardless of your water heater's energy source, you will have complete control over the temperature. Overheating and potential injuries related to scalding can easily be prevented by adjusting the thermostat.
2. Hot Water Supply Is Problematic
On a chilly Massachusetts morning, the last thing that you want is to step into a cold shower or to wait long minutes for the water to warm up. A common assumption is that the hot water supply with gas as a heat source is less reliable. There is even a concern that you may run out of hot water. Both tank and tankless water heaters that use gas can provide a reliable source of hot water. The issue of no hot water if you live in a high-demand household is resolved through the installation of a tankless water heater or through the installation of a water heater with a larger tank. A major benefit of a gas water heater is that you can draw hot water during a power outage.
3. Access to Hot Water Is Slow
Many people assume that gas water heaters warm up the water at a slower rate. The reality is that tank-style water heaters hold the same amount of warm water at the temperature established by the thermostat. When you are not accessing hot water through your pipes, the water remaining in the pipes can chill. This water must pass through the pipes when you demand hot water regardless of the heating source that you use. Truly instant hot water is not possible regardless of the source.
4. Annual Maintenance Is Required
The maintenance requirements for your hot water heater are dependent on the style of the water heater and the quality of the water that passes through it. The heat source does not play a role in the frequency of maintenance requirements. For example, a water heater tank should be drained periodically for both gas and electric models. The recommended frequency is dependent on how hard your water is.
5. Maintenance Requirements Are Tedious
If you think that the maintenance requirements are more significant for gas water heaters than for electric water heaters, you may want to think again. For all water heaters, the heating rods may require replacement from time to time. In addition, your hot water tank will need to be flushed for both electric and gas heat sources.
6. Maintenance Requirements Are Expensive
You can see that the frequency and types of most maintenance requirements for hot water heaters are not dependent on the heat source. The specific maintenance needs and costs are dependent on the model that you own or upgrade to, the quality of your water and other factors. If maintenance costs are a concern, a comparison between costs for a tank versus tankless model is more relevant.
7. Natural Gas Is the Only Option
A common assumption is that gas water heaters only work with natural gas, but propane is also an option. Natural gas is usually more affordable than propane, but propane may be used more efficiently for heating in many instances. Both of these gases are eco-friendly, so your gas choice may boil down to market prices at the time of your new water heater installation.
8. City Water Supply Is Required
If your home uses well water, you may assume that an electric water heater is the only option. This misconception is unfounded. The good news is that you can choose between gas and electric hot water heaters regardless of your water source.
9. Longevity Is Minimal
Regardless of whether you choose a gas-powered or electric-powered water heater, the longevity is similar. A hot water tank style will provide you with approximately 13 years of life when it is well-maintained. In comparison, tankless water heaters have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
10. Gas Water Heaters Are Not Green
Both propane and natural gas water heaters are green options. The eco-friendliness of an electric water heater is dependent on the source of electric energy. For example, some homes may be powered by solar energy, and others may be powered by fossil fuels or other energy sources that are more damaging to the environment.
11. Gas Water Heaters Are Expensive
When you select a new water heater for your home, the upfront cost is understandably a concern. The most affordable units for both gas and electric water heaters are comparable. Top-of-the-line gas water heaters are generally more affordable than the top models of electric water heaters. If you are considering changing from a gas model to an electric model, be aware that you may need to hire an electrician to run wiring to the area. This can dramatically impact total installation cost.
12. Gas Heaters Are Bulky
Many homeowners want to find extra storage space in their home, so replacing a large tank water heater with a smaller model seems like a great idea. Gas and electric water heaters are both available in tank and tankless models. Therefore, you can take advantage of the benefits of a gas water heater without sacrificing valuable square footage in your home.
Before you schedule new water heater installation, consider the benefits of repairing your current unit. Whether you have an on demand hot water heater or a hot water tank, you may be able to save money and extend its life through repairs. When the time comes to make a
water heater replacement, avoid letting misinformation about gas models dictate your buying decision.
Give G&C Plumbing and Heating a call today [508-541-8783] and lets us give you a valuable statement that will save you and your family money.
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