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Should I Choose a Gas or Electric Hot Water Unit?

Dior McDonald • May 28, 2022

We demystify the difference between electric and gas hot water units - and which is best for you.

Deciding to go for a gas or electric hot water unit can seem a little confusing, so here we demystify the differences between the two and what kind of hot water unit is best for you.


When it comes to choosing a hot water system, your preferred local Perth plumber will be able to recommend the right type for you and your household. They will consider many factors, including whether a gas or electric hot water unit is the way to go.


You may wish to research on hot water unit brands also, such as Thermann, Rheem, Rinnai, Bosch and Dux. But for now, without further ado, let’s look at some of the factors that come into play when selecting the right hot water unit for you and your home.



Gas vs electric hot water systems: What's the best option to choose?



No matter what kind of home you have, one thing is certain - you need a hot water system. But with so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Gas or electric? Storage tank or instant? With all of these choices, it's enough to make your head spin!

So, what's the best option to choose? Well, that depends on a few things. Are you looking for the most cost-effective option? Then gas is probably your best bet. Are you worried about your carbon footprint or enviroment? Then an electric system might be a better choice. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

We've done some research to figure out
which hot water system replacement or unit is right for you. Here's the questions you really need to consider when deciding is a Gas or Electric hot water unit the right choose for your household.

Cooking in the kitchen with hot water

How many people occupy the home?


This is a really important question to consider when choosing a hot water unit, as it helps determine how much hot water is used during the day. A household with one person is going to use significantly less hot water than a family of 5 with two adults and three kids.


How will the property be primarily used?


Like the question above regarding numbers of people at the property, depending on how the property is going to be used may affect the hot water unit requirements. For example, a commercial property may require lots of hot water for cooking or cleaning, which will differ significantly for a residential property.


Space and size


Whether you live on a farm or in a studio apartment, you’ll still, of course, need lovely hot H2O, but the size of your property will dictate what kind of hot water unit you can get.


You’ll also need space to fit in the hot water unit, which can range from a small rectangular unit that can fit in a kitchen cupboard, to a huge cylinder tank that needs lots of space down the side of the house. Some hot water units can only be installed inside, and others only outside, so it’s important for you to consider this too.


Your property's energy source


If you really want a gas hot water unit, but your property is not set up to support or connect to natural gas, you’ll need to consider your options here. Either opt for an electric hot water unit or solar hot water system, or consider finding out if you can get gas connected to your property. This last option can be expensive, (and not always possible) so do some research first on what would be best for you in the long term.


The type of hot water unit you need


Aside from gas or electric, you’ll need to determine if a storage hot water unit or instantaneous / continuous flow hot water unit is suitable. Continuous flow hot water units provide hot water only when and as you need it, whereas storage tanks store the hot water for you, ready to pump out that hot stuff at a moment’s notice.


Is the hot water unit energy efficiency for the future


As well as doing the right thing by the environment, by choosing an energy efficient hot water unit you’ll be helping your bank account too. Although it may mean a few more dollars up front, the energy savings over time will be worth the investment.


Costs to run a hot water unit


Hot water units consume up to 21% of an average household’s energy consumption, and factoring in things like maintenance and repair, as well as the initial installation costs are important to consider. In addition to a plumber, an electrician may be required to help connect either an electric or gas hot water unit (as gas units still require a power point to power the flame ignition)


Your trusted local plumber should also include in their installation and cost the various valve kits, which are a legal requirement in all hot water unit installations in WA.


Water heating up in a hot water systsem

The difference between gas and electric hot water units


Gas hot water systems


Gas hot water systems are desirable to many because they provide faster heating and produce lower gas emissions making them the environmentally friendly choice.


Electric hot water systems


Where all homes (well, we assume MOST) run off electricity, not all homes have gas connected. That’s where electric or even solar hot water units fit the bill.


Electric hot water units are also ideal for larger homes as they have the ability to hold and heat large volumes of water, and can be installed either inside or outside.



So, come on, tell me - should I choose gas or electric?


Although you can tally up all the pros and cons of the different hot water units as we’ve outlined in the factors above, the best way to decide between a new gas or electric hot water unit is for a licensed local Perth plumber to choose for you!


They are the professionals after all, and will know after a few questions exactly what kind of hot water unit you will need, and whether it should be gas or electric.


Lee at MC2 Plumbing is your local Perth plumber, so give him a call today to find out which kind of hot water unit is right for your home, lifestyle and budget!





Lee McDonald at MC2 Plumbing saying 'When you need a reliable, honest Perth plumber who rocks up on time and doesn’t leave a big ol’ mess behind when he leaves, Lee’s your guy.'

The face of MC2 Plumbing, Lee is your friendly, nice-guy-next-door type bloke. Once a professional tap dancer, Lee went from dancing on taps around the world to fixing taps in Perth (with over 20 years in the trade).

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