There are four types of hot water heaters that are commonly used in homes today. They are the electric hot water heater, the gas hot water heater, electric hot water heater and the tankless hot water heater that is powered by either gas or electricity.

Except for the tankless hot water heater all the others are storage tank hot water heaters. The storage tank type hot water heaters vary in size from 20 to 100 gallons. The water is stored in the tank and kept to the desired temperature, usually at 110 degrees, until use.

These hot water heaters have several things in common as well as they are different in many aspects. The same type of heating action is performed by the oil, gas or electric heater whereby an arrangement of heating elements or coils heats the water. The electric heater cost more to operate than the gas or oil units.

Although the electric hot water heater cost more to operate, the cost of operations should not be the only consideration when choosing a unit. The overall benefits of the electric hot water heater may outweigh the other types. The electric unit heats the water faster and are safer to operate that the gas heaters. In addition, fires are more common with gas and oil heaters than electric heaters. Also, fires are often caused by gas and oil heaters.

In addition, the electric hot water heater is virtually maintenance free whereby the gas and oil units must be cleaned and adjusted periodically by a licensed plumber which can cost upwards from $150 annually. In addition, the initial cost of a hot water heater is approximately fifty percent less than a gas or oil unit.

All these factors should be considered when deciding which type of hot water unit to purchase. Electrical hot water heaters are available in many different brands and sizes. Overall, the electrical hot water is less expensive and is easier to maintain than all the other units and that is why an electrical hot water heater may be the best choice for your home.

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