Providing a steady supply of hot water is a basic necessity in any home. But choosing between electric and gas water heaters can be a challenging decision for Australian homeowners. Both options come with distinct advantages and drawbacks regarding efficiency, costs, and installation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features of electric and gas hot water systems to help you determine the best choice for your home.
Overview of Hot Water System Types
There are several core types of hot water heaters used in Australian households:
- Electric – Use electric elements to heat water stored in an insulated tank. Simple to install anywhere.
- Gas – Rely on natural gas burners to heat water. Available as storage tank or instantaneous/tankless models.
- Solar – Harness power from the sun to heat water. An eco-friendly, renewable option.
- Heat pump – Extract ambient heat from air/ground to warm water. Also energy efficient.
Understanding how each system works is key to identifying the right hot water solution for your home.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric storage tank water heaters are one of the most popular options in Australia. Here are the key features:
- How they work: Electric elements heat and maintain water temperature in an insulated storage tank.
- Energy source: 240V household electricity.
- Installation: Can be installed virtually anywhere with power access. Indoor, outdoor, or rooftop.
- Efficiency: Modern electric heat pump and solar electric models are energy efficient.
- Cost: Lower upfront cost than gas, but potentially higher operating costs.
- Maintenance: Require anode rod replacement every 5-8 years to protect the tank.
The simplicity and flexibility of installation makes electric systems a practical default choice for many homeowners.
Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas water heaters utilise natural gas burners to heat water, available in two main configurations:
Storage Tank Gas Systems
- How they work: A burner heats water stored in a tank. Continuously heated so supply is instant.
- Energy source: Piped natural gas.
- Installation: Require gas line access. Outdoor or indoor installation.
- Efficiency: Not as efficient as a heat pump or solar but better than standard electric.
- Cost: Higher upfront cost, but gas is cheaper to operate in most regions.
- Maintenance: Anode rod replacement required every 5-8 years.
Instantaneous/Tankless Gas Heaters
- How they work: Heat water on demand instead of storing. Unlimited hot water supply.
- Energy source: Piped natural gas.
- Installation: Compact design allows flexible installation. Require gas line access.
- Efficiency: More efficient as no standby losses from storage tanks.
- Cost: More expensive to install but cheaper to run. Better for low to medium usage.
- Maintenance: Annual servicing recommended.
Gas hot water is generally considered the cheaper option, provided you have access to affordable natural gas.
Solar and Heat Pump Hot Water
Eco-friendly alternatives like solar and heat pumps are growing in popularity:
- Solar hot water – Roof panels with integrated collectors heat water during daylight using the sun’s energy.
- Heat pump systems – Extracts heat from ambient air or the ground to heat water. Very energy efficient.
While costlier upfront, the running costs are lower than electric or gas thanks to the renewable energy source. Great for green-living.
Comparing Pros and Cons
| System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | – Ease of installation – Lower upfront cost – Widely available |
– Higher running costs – Slow recovery |
| Gas | – Cheaper operating costs – Faster recovery |
– Installation constraints – Higher upfront cost |
| Solar | – Renewable energy – Very low running costs |
– High upfront cost – Roof space required |
| Heat Pump | – Extremely energy efficient – Low environmental impact |
– High initial purchase cost – Optimal performance requires careful installation |
Key Considerations for Your Home
Choosing between electricity or gas involves weighing up these key factors:
- Budget – Gas costs more initially but can be cheaper long-term. Consider total lifecycle costs.
- Energy costs – Compare electricity vs gas rates in your area. This can sway the decision.
- Usage – Frequent use or larger households may benefit more from gas. Lower use favours electric.
- Environment – For green-living, heat pumps and solar have the lowest carbon footprint.
- Location – Gas requires mains access which is not available everywhere. Electric offers more flexibility.
- Maintenance – Both require anode rod replacement. Gas also needs compliance checks.
Carefully evaluating your home’s unique scenario will guide you to the most suitable and economical hot water system.
Time to Upgrade Your Hot Water?
If your electric hot water system has seen better days, it may be time for an upgrade or replacement:
Signs include:
- Dripping taps or fluctuating hot water temperature
- Rust accumulation
- Strange smells from the hot water system
- Increased energy bills
Upgrading to a modern electric heat pump or solar hot water system can provide:
- Increased efficiency and lower energy costs
- Reliable hot water supply for your home
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Rebates for installing renewable hot water technology
The electrical experts at Everything Electrical can help with:
- Replacing your existing electric storage tank system
- Installing new heat pump or solar electric systems
- Repairing electric hot water systems
- Annual maintenance to maximise efficiency and life
Don’t endure recurring problems or expensive bills. Our electrical team can get your hot water flowing reliably and affordably again. For superior electric hot water services, contact the pros you can trust today!
