A HWS, whether gas or electric, is an integral part of your home and an essential asset that many rarely think about until it comes to a halt. Given that the normal lifespan of a good water heater is between 8 to 15 years, it is only a matter of time before you will need to replace yours.
A standard hot water system features two types; gas and electric. Both have their pros and cons that you should consider before buying. Below is an outline of their differences to help you make an informed decision that will suit your home’s unique needs.
Gas Storage Hot Water Systems
PROS
- Lower monthly energy usage costs
- Faster water heating
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Availability of high energy-efficiency models
- Functions during a power outage
CONS
- Higher upfront costs
- Requires additional maintenance
- Safety concerns
- Higher energy loss
Electric Storage Hot Water Systems
PROS
- Lower upfront costs
- No safety concerns
- Less maintenance costs
- Less energy loss
- Available in a wide range of sizes
CONS
- Higher monthly overheads
- No high energy-efficiency models available
- Cannot operate during a power outage
- Doesn’t heat water as quickly as the gas heater
Gas vs Electric Hot Water System Costs
Gas hot water unit prices are much higher compared to those of electric units. Based on the flow rate and star rating, an electric HWS can be much less expensive than the gas system.
Unit Type & Size
| System Type | Avg. Minimum Price | Avg. Maximum Price |
| Instant Electric | $660 | $1400 |
| Gas Storage | $850 (135 L) | $1700 (360 L) |
| Instant Gas | $750 | $1800 |
Energy-Efficiency
Despite the gas hot water systems costing less to maintain due to the reduced cost of natural gas, the electric hot water system installation guarantees more efficiency. This is simply because of how the units function. A gas water unit must expel some of the used gas, which takes some heat with it in the process. On the other hand, an electric HWS uses almost all the energy received and converts it into hot water, ensuring less wastage.
Hot Water Systems in Perth
If you’re looking for an electric hot water system installation expert to help with your gas hot water system Perth installs or the best gas hot water storage systems in Perth, Baywood Plumbing & Gas is the company to choose.
As a fully licensed and trusted local Perth plumber, we are renowned for providing pocket-friendly, excellent workmanship and superior customer service every time.
Whether installing gas hot water storage unit or a complete hot water system Perth customers prefer, we do the job right the first time; we are certainly the plumbing and Gas Company to trust.
