Electric, Gas Water Heaters vs. Solar Water Heaters
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters use large coils that hang down into the tank to heat the water. The coils are similar to the ones in an electric oven. Generally, electric water heaters aren’t as efficient as those powered by other fuel sources, and electricity is more expensive than natural gas and propane. However, they’ve remained popular in the U.S. mostly because they are less expensive and don’t require venting.
Natural Gas Water Heaters
Natural gas water heaters use a gas burner at the bottom of the tank, with a venting chimney that runs through the center and out the top. The carbon dioxide and water vapor byproducts are vented through the chimney and then run outdoors through your house chimney or side wall vent. A gas pilot light or electric spark produces the flame. While gas water heaters typically cost more than electric water heaters, they are the more efficient option to operate between the two.
Solar Water Heaters
A solar water heater can save you quite a bit of money each year. Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to create heat and produce hot water. The heat is harvested by an “absorber” panel that typically sits on your rooftop. Tubes inside the panel either directly heat the water flowing through them or a transfer fluid that warms a heat exchanger. This exchanger heats your home’s water in a storage tank. Solar water heaters can be used in conjunction with a conventional system; much like a hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity, to cut up to 80 percent of your water heating bill.
Learn more about solar water heaters…click here.
