Gas Vs Electric Hot Water Heater Efficiency

Similarly electric heaters can have higher energy factor ratings than gas heaters.

Gas vs electric hot water heater efficiency. Unlike electric heaters gas water heaters can be dangerous to operate in small spaces that allow gas to build up. The bigger the ef number the more efficient the appliance. Electric water heaters are not only efficient but also don t have any fuel that could leak or explode. Department of energy to help consumers compare the efficiency of similar appliances.

Electric water heaters require less space. Energy efficiency while gas hot water heaters cost less to run due to the lower cost of natural gas electric heaters are actually more efficient. A gas or electric water heater s energy factor ef is a measurement that. All this can offset the higher cost of electric power to some extent.

In comparison gas heaters usually have between 80 and 85 percent. This is due to the way that the heaters operate. Standard gas water heaters have an ef of about 50 to 60. Most gas fired water heaters have an energy factor ef number set by the u s.

You ll find both gas and electric models. Electric water heaters tend to have at least 98 thermal efficiency many are 99 percent or more. On the other hand. A gas water heater uses the heat from burning a fuel usually natural gas to heat water while an electric water heater uses electric resistance coils.

A gas heater must vent the spent gas which also takes some of the heat with it.