Hot water system: Gas or electric?

The age old debate continues - gas or electric? Some people have a definite preferred option, but if you are neither here nor there, and you are in the marketing for choosing which type you wish to power your hot water system, then listen up.

There are many advantages and disadvantages between both options when it comes to working out what is the best for your hot water system. Below is a short analysis of each, to give you a start.

Gas hot water system

Advantages

• Brownouts or blackouts won't bother you here. You can enjoy a steaming hot shower with a gas hot water system as the device will run on LPG gas and not electricity;
• Energy savings. Gas hot water system usage will not count towards your overall electricity bill. As a rule, gas cylinders are cheaper to buy that the equivalent units of electricity;
• Instant effect. Gas hot water systems are hot immediately, as the water does not have to heat up in the hot water tank before it comes through your pipes. If are too busy to wait for the water to warm up, then gas hot water systems are your best option;
• Cost savings. A 45kg gas cylinder used for hot water should last the average family about 3 months. This is much longer than the same price of electricity units would stretch.

Disadvantages

• Cylinder storage. Some people are unsure where they can store their gas cylinders and some people are afraid of having cylinders full of gas around the home. Ask your local gas fitter for some advice on any issues or concerns you may have.

Electric hot water system

Advantages

• Low maintenance - electrical systems and connections can only be installed by professional electricians. Electrical hot water systems are usually installed at the building stage, and require very little to no maintenance and upkeep. The systems usually have a long service life and are very reliable;
• Placement - electric water systems can be stored inside or out, and do not carry the same "fear factor" that gas cylinders sometimes do. They usually compose of a single tank and connections and can be easily hidden in small outdoor alcoves or garages and underneath areas of highset homes.

Disadvantages

• Unlike a gas hot water system, if there is a blackout or a loss in power supply, you will have no hot water on hand. You may have a small amount of heated water left in the tank that you can use to have a quick shower, but until power supply is restored you cannot draw down fresh hot water.

Your needs for your hot water system are purely individual. Before you choose gas or electric consider: how many people require the hot water on a daily basis and how much, on average, you will use per day, installation and repair costs you can afford, whether you worry about cuts or losses in electrical power supply or not.