Should You Choose a Gas or Electric Instantaneous Hot Water System?

If your home needs a new hot water system, an instantaneous water heater can be an excellent investment. These unique water heaters can provide hot water moments after you activate a hot tap or shower.

However, if you do choose an instantaneous hot water system for your home, you will need to decide whether you want an electric or gas-fired system. Each type of heater comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so familiarising yourself with these pros and cons in advance can help you make an informed decision.

Gas instantaneous water heaters

Gas instantaneous hot water systems receive power from natural gas or propane and are suitable for larger homes with substantial hot water requirements. Many gas-fired systems can provide several gallons-per-minute of hot water, making them an excellent choice for larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms or kitchens.

Gas instantaneous water heaters may also be the best choice if you are concerned about running costs. If your home connects to a natural gas pipeline, a gas heater will usually be significantly cheaper to run than an electric equivalent. Bear in mind that natural gas prices can vary from place to place, so you should check natural gas prices in your area before choosing a gas model for economic reasons.

However, you might have a price to pay for low running costs and large amounts of hot water on demand. Gas instantaneous water heaters are a lot more mechanically complex than their electric counterparts and will usually cost more to purchase and install. They will pay for themselves over time with their low running costs and may represent a better long-term investment for your home.

Gas-powered systems also often require more maintenance than electric models, and you will need to install vent pipes to prevent dangerous combustion by-products (such as carbon monoxide) from leaking into your home. These vent pipes will also need maintaining and periodical checking for leaks.

Electric instantaneous water heaters

While electric instantaneous hot water systems are often not as powerful as gas-powered systems, modern electric models can still provide enough hot water for most households. They do not require any venting, and the heaters themselves are more compact than gas-fired models, so electric instantaneous water heaters may be the better choice for smaller homes and apartments.

Electric instantaneous hot water systems may also be more suitable for environmentally conscious homeowners. While electric hot water systems are not as powerful as gas-powered water heaters, they use their power much more efficiently and will put a smaller dent in your home's overall energy efficiency rating.

They are less expensive to purchase and install than gas heaters and can be a better choice if you need to replace your existing heater on a tight budget. Under certain circumstances, they can also be more cost-effective to run. If you choose a gas water heater for a home that lacks a natural gas connection, you will have to rely on propane, which can be much more expensive (especially if your home lacks an on-site propane storage tank).



However, the cost of installing an electric instantaneous hot water heater can skyrocket if you live in an older home with dated electrical infrastructure. An electric instantaneous heater will require at least 100 amps of electric power to run properly, and Wollongong's relatively cool winter climate can increase electrical demands even more.

If your home's existing electrics cannot handle this added power draw, they will need upgrading from a professional electrical contractor. This can be an expensive project and may make installing an electric system more costly than choosing a gas-fired system instead.

You have many reasons to choose either type of instantaneous hot water system. If you need any more advice on which type of instantaneous hot water system is best for your home and circumstances, contact the water heater professionals at S. P. K Plumbing & Civil for expert advice and recommendations.