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Having a hard time choosing between an electric or gas heater? Well, in this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both heating systems so you can choose the best one that fits your needs.
A gas heater is a heating device that is used to heat a house — or your water — with the use of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane, or butane.
Gas heating has been one of the top choices of homeowners over the years. Because they’ve been around quite longer than their electric counterparts, licensed plumbers who know how to install an electric heater aren’t hard to come by — the same goes for repairmen who are knowledgeable on how to maintain furnaces.
Now, let’s head on to a more modern means of heating your home.
An electric heater, on the other hand, uses electricity from various sources, like fossil fuels or their environmentally friendly derivatives, to heat space and water in a house.
Being a rather new technology, you can say that not everyone is akin to the use of converting electrical energy to heat energy. While it’s seen as a rather more modern approach to warming up your homes, there are a significant number of industry professionals who are knowledgeable in installing and maintaining these kinds of heaters.
These are just some of the basic differences when you compare electric vs gas heating. Now, let’s look at some of the most common questions asked by homeowners when deciding whether it’s better to cosy up using gas or electricity.
The first thing you will find asking yourself when deciding between the two heating systems is the cost.
Usually, gas heaters are more expensive to build and install. Some of the reasons include specific structural components throughout the house which include air ducts, vents, and a flue or a chimney that serves as an outlet for emissions from the combustion.
In addition, the installation also takes longer as parts of your home needs to be able to accommodate the necessary components in order for the gas heater to work properly. We’ve covered checks if your gas heater system is not working properly in another article.
Conversely, an electric heater will have a more affordable upfront cost and will be easier to install compared to its gas-powered counterpart.
Aside from the installation costs, you will also have to look at the operational cost. A gas heater — despite being more expensive in terms of its initial costs — will be cheaper to operate. Because gas is cheaper than electricity, homeowners spend less on a monthly basis when using a gas heater than an electric heater.
However, with the growing number of families in Australia who invest in solar panels, using electric heaters could become a more popular option in the future. This will not only minimise the operational cost of electric heaters but will also contribute to help reduce greenhouse gas production by using eco-friendly energy sources.
Next, you’d want to know how safe these heaters are.
As you might have suspected, the biggest problem with gas heaters is the potential risk of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous in high doses. Gas leaks also make these kinds of heaters a fire hazard.
You will not have to worry about gas or carbon monoxide leaks when using electric heaters. However, high-power electrical equipment can cause a fire.
The key to safety whether you’re using a gas or an electric heater is to ensure that they have been installed by a professional.
Maintenance is as important as proper installation. Over time, parts and components of these heaters will experience wear and tear and will have to be replaced to ensure safety and proper working condition.
Gas heaters will need to be inspected at least once a year. Annual maintenance will ensure that gas-fired heaters operate correctly and that it does not pose any dangers to the occupants of the house.
The same can be said for electric heaters, however, the process of inspecting and maintaining them is not as complicated as gas heaters and can even be done by the homeowners themselves. You might need the help of a gas heating plumber, but only if you’re not confident with what you’re doing or if a component breaks.
So, have you decided which heater will work best for you? Whatever heater you choose, Zabs Plumbing provide professional quality installation, repair, and maintenance of home heaters. Get in touch today and find out how our licensed and experienced plumbers can help.