How to Conserve Energy and Reduce Your Power Bills

Posted on: 17 March 2023

Water heaters come in many sizes, and the way they heat the water for your home can vary with the design. Some units are more efficient than others, and replacing or updating yours with a gas water heater can be an excellent option to improve the performance and efficiency of the system.

Gas Water Heaters

While gas water heaters are categorized together most of the time, there are some variations in the style and design of the units that you need to consider when choosing one for your home. Natural gas and propane-fired water heaters vary because the burner and fuel regulation require different parts to work correctly.

Natural gas often delivers more pressure to the water heater, requiring a different regulator and gas orifice in the burner to handle the volume. If you use the wrong fuel with the gas water heaters, you could have one that will not start and run, or you may have a leak or other dangerous situation that could be deadly to people in the home. 

Replacing gas water heaters without experience is often not a good idea, but hiring a plumber to do the job can ensure the work is done correctly so your water heater works and is safe. Saving a few dollars by doing the work yourself is sometimes a good idea for homeowners. However, when dealing with any gas appliance, everything must be done with the utmost care, and hiring a professional is often your best option. 

Water Heater Efficiency

Installing gas water heaters in homes with propane or natural gas already in them is often easier than upgrading from electric. If you do not have gas in your home and want it for the water heater and other appliances, the gas company in the area can help. The company may install the lines or recommend a plumber that is gas certified to add them, install the appliances, and get you up and running. 

When changing to gas appliances, you may find that gas water heaters are cheaper to run because they are often more efficient than electric ones in how they heat the water. The gas water heater uses a burner to heat the cold water at the bottom of the tank, and as it heats up, the warm water rises, forcing the cold down to the bottom so it can be heated. In electric units, heating elements are needed inside the tank to do the same job, and large tanks may need several to heat the water efficiently. 

Electric water heaters often cost more to operate, so while they may be the same size, gas water heaters can heat the water faster, use less fuel, and use very little electricity in the process. 

To learn more about gas water heaters, reach out to a local service provider.