Which water heater to choose? Gas or Electric

Types of heating devices

Heating units are of two types: storage and flow-through. The principle of operation of the first is that first they carry out a collection of water, then they heat it up for a certain time and distribute it through the pipes. The latter heat the circulating water directly during operation.

Depending on what kind of energy carrier they function with, these types, in turn, are divided into electric or gas water heaters.

In general, the following types of water heating devices can be distinguished:

• electric storage heater or boiler;
• flow-through gas heater or gas water heater;
• flow-through electric heater;
• storage gas heater.

Initially, the boiler draws water, which is heated by a water heating element - heating element, built into the unit.

The principle of operation of the gas column is that the water is heated by the action of the burner flame during its movement in the heat exchanger.

Best of all, the first two types have proven themselves and are most widespread. Therefore, the problem usually lies in choosing between these two options.

What is the best choice?

The question of what to choose - an electric boiler or a gas water heater, in addition to personal preferences, is influenced by the surrounding conditions. For example, if electricity is often cut off in a village, then it is better to refuse an electric column. It is also possible that the gas supply company simply will not allow the installation of a gas water heater in an apartment or house, which will unambiguously determine the choice in favor of an electric analogue. The gas device will have to be abandoned if the water pressure is unstable or too weak (less than 0.1 bar).

An important role is played by the rules for installing devices. Here are the features of the installation of electric and gas water heaters.

In terms of convenience, each option has its own nuances. A gas column heats water faster than an electric boiler. On the other hand, the electric container after preparing the liquid of the required temperature can provide several consumers at once without losing degrees.

When choosing, it is important to take into account the complexity of the operation of the devices. In this case, an electric boiler is more reliable. He only needs to periodically replace the anode and descale the tank. Gas water heaters have many nodes that can fail at one stage or another. As a result, it turns out that the price of an electric boiler is higher than that of a conventional instantaneous gas water heater. However, the costs for the approval and installation of the gas device, as well as for its subsequent operation, will exceed the initial benefit. An electric boiler, due to its reliability and ease of maintenance, will very quickly recoup its cost.

Another decisive factor is the cost of energy carriers. In Russia, the price of gas is lower than that of electricity. Therefore, with the active use of a water heater, an economical gas device will cost less than an electric tank. If it is supposed to use hot water only periodically, then it will be easier to install an electric boiler.

Positive and negative points

In order for each consumer to be able to decide which is better, a gas or electric water heater, and to make a choice for themselves, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of both types.

Boiler

Advantages:

1. the device does not need a chimney, and its operation does not depend on the presence of ventilation in the room;
2. installation is extremely simple, and you do not need to be an expert to cope with this task;
3. in devices of the latest generation, the heating element does not come into contact with water in any way, which excludes the formation of scale;
4. the operation of the boiler is in no way affected by temperature fluctuations or changes in water pressure in the communications, the hot water supply will remain continuous, and its temperature in the tap will not change.

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Disadvantages:

1. a relatively small and limited volume of water that can be heated by the boiler: when the water runs out, you will have to wait a rather long time until the next available part is heated;
2. large size of the device: in a small room it will take up quite a lot of free space and, possibly, interfere with free movement;
3. for a large family, the volume of the boiler, with all desire, is not enough, so in the evening and morning hours you will have to optimize the water consumption or even draw up a schedule.

Gas water heater

Pros:

• instant flow of hot water all the time while the tap is open;
• the modern generation of columns is equipped with electronic control that controls the combustion process, which allows you to maintain the temperature of the water in the tap even when the pressure in the pipes changes;
• safe in operation, thanks to the equipment with a large number of sensors that signal the slightest shortcomings.

Negative points:

• the efficiency of gas water heaters is much inferior to a similar characteristic of the boiler;
• a chimney and good ventilation of the room are required;
• models equipped with an open combustion chamber strongly burn oxygen in the room;
• possible malfunctions of the device with fluctuations in the level of pressure of water or gas;
• in severe winter conditions, this type of device may not cope with its task;
• installation work is complex and can only be performed by qualified specialists of an organization that has permits for the implementation of this type of activity;
• in addition, it is necessary to have a project approved by the gas service.

Storage water heater

The peculiarity of the boiler in the principle of operation. It operates on electricity and copes with heating a large volume of water to the desired temperature for a certain period.

This unit is suitable for a large family. You can install it yourself, following the manufacturer's recommendations. To connect the boiler, an outlet and reliable wiring are enough. No special documentation is required.

The force of the water flow is independent of pressure, therefore this unit provides several intake points.

As for the service life, electric boilers can serve a very long service, since modern models are equipped with dry heating elements.

The units work almost silently and do not cause any discomfort.

Comparative analysis of gas and electrical equipment

To answer the question of which water heater is still better: electric or gas, we will carry out a comparative analysis of them for a number of factors.

The financial side of the issue

As with any type of equipment, for both options the price will strongly depend on the characteristics and set of functions of the model.

A geyser will require much more installation costs than installing an electric storage heater. Maintenance costs are approximately the same for both types. But when paying for payments for consumed resources, a gas water heater will be cheaper, since the price of natural gas is less than the price of electricity.

Which consumes resources more economically?

The amount of electricity consumed directly depends on the power and volume of the device. The required volume of gas, in addition to the power of the column, will also depend on the type of ignition. In the case of an electric type, gas is consumed only at the moment the tap is turned on, but if piezo ignition is used, gas will be consumed constantly, which will affect the amount in the receipt in a larger direction.

Efficiency and safety

The boiler has a higher efficiency, it is extremely easy to install and only needs an outlet and access to the water supply for its operation.

The geyser heats the water faster, almost immediately after opening the tap valve and is more ergonomic, but its installation is much more complicated than installing a boiler, must be carried out by qualified specialists, and use can only be carried out in conditions of centralized gas supply.

Gas poses an increased danger: if the unit malfunctions, there is a danger of explosion, as well as the likelihood of poisoning by combustion products.

Gas water heater

In apartments and houses, the most popular choice is a gas heater. It is easy to use, durable, safe, practical and extremely reliable. In addition, it allows you to heat the water much faster than the electric model.

The operation of modern devices is fully automated. The burner is ignited when the appliance is started. At this moment, gas is supplied, and in its absence, the flame is turned off. The main advantage of this type of water heater is its economy, since gas is much cheaper than electricity.

These heating devices can be of two types:

• Cumulative;
• Flowing.

The first option is suitable mainly for large families who need a large amount of water consumption. In such a situation, you can install a tank with a capacity of about 200 liters, which is enough for two adults and three children to shower. For a small family, the best option is a flow heater. When choosing it, power must be taken into account. When using one point of water consumption, 19-20 KW is suitable, and for the simultaneous use of water in two different places - at least 24 KW.

The advantages of a gas water heater are:

• Optimum gas consumption for heating;
• High efficiency;
• Low cost.

The disadvantage of the device is the need for the installation of an exhaust hood during its installation, since during the combustion of gas, harmful vapors and products are formed. They need to be taken out on the street in a timely manner.

Electric type instantaneous water heaters

In some cases, consumers know for sure that they want to install an instantaneous type of heater. Then the question is much more narrow: to choose a gas or electric instantaneous water heater?

To be able to install and operate this type of heater, a number of conditions must be met. Only an electric stove can be used in the room at the same time, otherwise the available wiring power will not be enough even to install the device.If a gas stove is used, then only a low-power apparatus can be installed, which, of course, will negatively affect its ability to perform its main function.

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Installation of such a unit, most likely, will require additional independent wiring and separate protective automation.

The main advantage is the continuous and unlimited supply of hot water immediately after unscrewing the valve, as well as the absence of the need for regular maintenance.

The main danger: if there are problems with the quality of the wiring in the room, then the operation of the device can become not only problematic, but also simply dangerous.

So after all, what type of boiler is better to choose?

So, having familiarized yourself with the main types of heating boilers, you can start choosing it. In order to stop preference on a specific model, answer a few questions for yourself.

It is better for you to buy a boiler with instantaneous heating if you are not ready to wait for water heating for a while, or if the schedule of hot water consumption in your home is impossible to predict. In a maximum of half a minute when using such a device, you will receive hot water from the tap. You can also recommend such a purchase in case of limited space for installing a boiler, and you are ready to overpay for the increased power consumption of electricity required to quickly heat water in such a device. Do not forget that you may need to lay additional electrical wiring to install it.

Then, your choice may stop at an electric storage boiler if you have a large hot water consumption per day. An additional reason for purchasing such a device may be the presence of small children in the family. The large storage boiler will even allow you to take a bath. In principle, such a device can also ensure the constant availability of hot water, since its cooling in a boiler with good thermal insulation will not be more than a quarter of a degree per hour. Such an acquisition will also be beneficial from the point of view of reducing electricity bills, especially if you have a special "night" tariff and the boiler is equipped with the ability to automatically turn on. Moreover, such a boiler can be connected to a regular outlet, since the power of its heater does not exceed the power of a kitchen kettle. But keep in mind that for such a device, it is imperative to provide a place for installation - it is quite overall.

The main gas supply almost immediately determines the need to install a gas storage column. But in addition to dimensions - such a device also imposes special requirements on the installation site - the room must have a window in the outer wall.

Devices with indirect heating are purchased when an autonomous heating system is installed; moreover, such devices, complete with boilers, are much cheaper.