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Water heaters: Gas vs Electric

February 10, 2020 by Combined Energy Services 2 Comments

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What you need to know

Next to heating and air conditioning, water heating eats up a large chunk of your home’s energy budget. A whopping 25% to be exact! Old, inefficient and leaking water heaters can use even more. What to do if it’s time to replace that dinosaur in the basement? You should investigate switching to propane, especially if you already have propane gas service at your home for other appliances.

If you’re not in a panic to replace a leaking water heater, spend some time researching the pros and cons of each fuel source. There is a ton of information available on the internet. Here’s a couple items to look at:

  1. Price to purchase and install: Generally speaking, an electric water heater is cheaper to purchase and if you already have one in place, also cheaper to install. Swapping the similar equipment makes sense or does it? While the electric water might have a lower initial cost, over the life of the water heater, propane will cost less. The savings comes from propane’s higher BTU input compared to electric. Propane puts out an impressive 92,000 BTU/gallon, where electricity is a paltry 3,413 BTU/kilowatt hour.
  2. Have you ever been in the middle of singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in the shower and run out of hot water? No? Huh, that must just be me! Propane water heaters will keep you in hot water longer because they tend to heat up more quickly (Review #1). The recovery rate and first-hour rating (FHR) determine if a unit will meet your home’s water heating needs.

Recovery rate (or time) is the amount of hot water that your water heater can provide in a given period of time once it has been completely drained. It is measured in gallons per hour and provides a basic idea of the speed your water heater provides hot water. Typically, manufacturers will list a recovery rate based upon a 90°F output temperature. This number is important if you have a high hot water demand. What you will find is that propane water heaters usually have a higher recovery rate than electric heaters because of the greater BTU output.

First Hour Rating is a calculation used to explain the capability of a water heater to fully heat water within the first hour of use. To get a water heater’s FHR, you need to multiply the tank’s maximum capacity by 70% and add the result to the heater’s recovery rate. The result is the first hour rating measured by gallons per hour. Why only 70%? When you use hot water from the tank, cold water enters (typically from the bottom). This causes the overall water temperature to drop inside the tank. The theory is once you have used 70% of the tank’s hot water capacity, the water now in the tank is cold.

These two numbers are either provided on the Energy Star Rating label or manufactures information statement. Check out the manufacturer’s website. A lot of information can be found. What you can expect to discover is that propane heats water faster so you can get more Mama Mias in when taking a shower.

Water heating is an integral part of every home and it’s likely that you won’t think about it until you run out or something goes wrong. Plan ahead and you will be able to make an educated decision regarding the replacement of your water heater.

 If you have questions about your service or products we offer, please email info@combinedenergyservices.com Do not leave a service or product question in the comments.

Filed Under: energy saving tips, products

Comments

  1. Robyn jacobs says

    February 12, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    What about propane tankless hot water heatets

    Reply
    • Combined Energy Services says

      February 28, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      Robyn – while tankless water have come a long way, it really depends on how you use hot water. Tank style heaters have water readily available. Tankless make the hot water on demand and depending on how cold the ground water is depends on how much hot water is can continuously supply.

      As for cost, tankless water heaters cost more to buy and to initially install. A tankless gas heater uses less energy than an electric and will cost you less to operate.

      Keep in mind, with a tankless heater, regardless of energy used, you may have to adapt your usage. You may not be able to run the dishwasher and have someone take a shower at the same time.

      Reply

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Areas We Serve
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • CES Smartphone App
    • Documents / Tax Forms
      • Account Information
      • Common Terms
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Privacy & Security Policies
    • Employment
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Safety Data Sheets
  • Home Heating Oil
    • Fuel Oil
    • Heating & Air Conditioning Services
    • Fuel Oil Tanks
    • Smart Oil Gauge
    • Payment Program
    • Fuel Oil / Kerosene Heating Service Contracts
    • Fuel Oil Safety
  • Propane
    • Propane Gas
    • Heating & Air Conditioning Services
    • Propane Tanks
    • Propane Autogas
    • Payment Program
    • Propane Heating Service Contracts
    • Safety Tips
  • Gas Products
    • Product Showcase
    • Backup Generators
    • Fireplaces
    • Garage Heaters
    • Firepits
    • Water Heaters
    • Radiant Heating
    • Outdoor Radiant Heat
    • Gas Fireplaces / Gas Logs
    • Vendors
  • Commercial
    • Builders Program
    • Temp Heating
    • Metered Gas
    • Pool Heating
    • Gas Radiant Heat
    • Outdoor Radiant Heat
    • Propane in Agriculture
  • Engine Fuels
    • On Road Diesel and Emergency Refueling
    • Off Road Diesel
    • Gasoline (Ethanol Free)
    • Propane Autogas
    • Propane Landscape Equipment
    • Forklift Fuel
  • Contact Us
    • Our Locations
    • Service
    • Moving? Let us help with the transition!
    • Free Quote
    • Employment
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