Gas VS Electric Heating: The Pros and Cons
Chocolate vs vanilla, hot vs cold, gas vs electric. The debate on these continues. The argument around gas vs electric hot water solutions has gone on for a long time. No matter your preference, here is a short list of the pros and cons for both.
Gas heating
Pros
Money; The running cost are cheaper. No tariffs and a connection to a natural gas line can save you more than half the money otherwise spent on electric heating.
Greenhouse gas; Four and five star models mean that your carbon footprint is minimal. There are now models that have seven-stars!
No waiting time; Instant gas heating means there’s hot water whenever it’s needed. The water flows through the heat exchanger when turned on.
Cons:
Upfront cost; Installation of gas units are a little more expensive. The tank alone costs over $1000 depending on the size.
Size; Off-peak and 200 litre standing models are large and clunky. The space set aside for them is better used for other types of storage. Aesthetics are important as well. There are no good impressions given when the hot water tank is visible next to the house.
Electrical heating
Pros
Money; The tanks themselves for electric hot water systems are cheaper than their gas counterparts. Depending on the model they might only cost $500, though you can spend up to $1000.
Efficiency; Continuous flow tanks constantly keep the water stored in them at a high temperature. This means hot water is available whenever the tap is turned on.
Cons
Tariffs; Depending on the time of day you run the hot water, you could save money or lose it. There are daily and night tariffs
Size; Most electric hot water tanks are large so that a household doesn’t run out of water, whatever the time of day.
Safety hazard; Electricity plus tank leak equals disaster. Old tank units are liable to crack, leak and eventually burst. When this happens, it’s better to call the experts to fix the unit or replace it than to try take the task on yourself.
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