Is Gas or Electricity Better for Hot Water?

Gas or Electricity? That is the question.
And it is a good question. We are over halfway through winter, which probably means you are dreading your next power bill. A lot of us find ourselves re-evaluating our power consumption through the winter months, as we try to find a balance between staying warm and minimising power costs. Water heating is one of the largest components on your bill, usually accounting for about 17% of your total energy use.
So what can you do about it?
If you are moving, building a home or simply considering the best option for your hot water energy supply, you might be asking yourself – gas or electricity? Let’s take a quick look at which option could work best for your place.
 
Electric Tanks
Electric hot water tanks (or hot water cylinders) have traditionally been the most common water-heating source across New Zealand.
Electric hot water cylinders are actually more efficient than gas tanks, which tend to lose heat. But electric tanks cost more to run due to the higher price of electricity. It is true that gas is cheaper than a hot water cylinder per kWh, but there are a few other benefits to electric tanks:

• They are safer as they don’t have the same risks associated with leaking gas or pilot lights
• They are less expensive and easier to install, as there are no gas lines or ventilation systems required
• They tend to last slightly longer than their gas counterparts by around 1-2 years

 
Gas
With the rising price of electricity, many people are choosing a gas supply for their hot water instead of electricity. Gas units are less energy efficient due to heat loss, but they have other benefits that make them a popular choice among consumers:

• Modern units are becoming more efficient as improvements are made to insulation
• Day to day costs are lower
• It doesn’t take as long to heat the water
• You will still have hot water during a power cut

 
Continuous Flow Systems
 If you are considering an upgrade, you might also be interested in checking out continuous flow hot water systems. The great thing about them is that they can be installed for either gas or electric water supplies.
They work by heating the water as you need it. These systems are becoming more popular and have several benefits, including:

• You can’t “run out’” of hot water.
• The water does not need to be kept hot when it isn’t in use, meaning more energy (and money) can be saved.
• Temperature is easily adjustable.
• Gas continuous flow systems will normally be fitted on an exterior wall, which saves space inside the house.

 
So, which is better?
It depends!

If you already have gas connected at your property, it makes total sense to move your hot water supply to gas. Your daily power usage will be less (and cost less) and you won’t have To factor in the installation costs of gas cylinders and piping.

If your property doesn’t already have gas lines and you want to change over from electricity, the install will be a bit more complicated and costly.
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If you are building a new home it is worth making the investment in gas, if that is your preference. Installing gas lines in a brand new build is cheaper than switching an existing home over from electric, and you will benefit from the ongoing cheaper operating costs.
 
Whatever your preference, the team at Complex Plumbing can help you with your hot water. Whether you want to update your old system, install a brand new one, or simply discuss your options, then we are happy to help. Get in touch today.