Electric Water Heater Vs. Oil Water Heater

When one buys a new house, there are many important decisions that one has to take. One of the important decisions that has to be taken is which water heater to install. There are many people, who make the decision in a rush and then repent the decision for the high energy bills that they run. One needs hot water not only for daily vital chores like bathing, cooking, etc., but it is also needed for heating the room. Therefore, it is important one learns of the advantages and disadvantages of both an electric water heater as well as an oil water heater. Once the advantages and disadvantages are known, it will become easier for you to get over the water heater dilemma.

Electric Vs. Oil Water Heater

If one understands the basics of the water heater, it will become easier to save a few hundred dollars per year. The common water heaters installed are the electric water hearts. However, they are costly to operate. The other type of water heaters installed are the oil water heaters. Although these heaters were very popular previously, with the advent of the electric and gas heaters the popularity of these water heaters has dipped considerably. One of the factors that acts as a deterrent when it comes to the oil water heaters is the installation cost. Most people are not ready to spend a huge amount on the installation, when the electric water heaters can be installed at a much lower cost.

When one has to operate an oil water heater, the water is heated up in the combustion chamber. As and when the need arises, water is transferred out. While the electric heaters use large electric coils, which are covered by water. When electric supply is started to the heater, the cold water is heated and the water is transferred out, when the need arises.

This brings us to the life of each of the water heater. There may be some people, who are ready to spend a high amount on the water heaters, but they should have a sufficient long life, so that they are able to recover the installation cost. On this front, the electric water heaters score over the gas water heaters. The electric water heaters last for approximately 12 to 13 years. On the other hand, the oil water heater last anywhere around 8 to 9 years. Hence, it is clear that the electric water heaters have a longer life.

Now comes the fuel cost required to run each of these water heaters. There is no doubt, that one will spend approximately half the amount on fuel, if one uses the oil water heaters. All of us are aware that the electricity is not cheap and the cost of electricity per unit is increasing with each passing day. This is where the gas vs. electric heater debate also arises. In terms of fuel cost incurred, the least amount of costs are incurred, when one uses the gas heaters.

If one is using an oil water heater, one will have to keep a watch on the oil levels all the time. Whereas for an electric water heater, as long as there is power supply, you do not have to bother about anything. Now if you stay in cooler climes and require highly efficient water heater, then the oil water heaters are the best for you. At the same time, the energy bills will sky rocket during the winter months, if you have to use the electric water heaters, which is the main of the electric water heater problems. However, since oil has to be delivered to the house, it can rather become a headache, due to which most people prefer not opting for it. The danger of explosion or other dangers in case oil leaks out of the heater cannot be forgotten.

From the debate, it is clear that both the electric water heaters and oil water heaters have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before you make a decision, you will have to take your needs into consideration, so that you have the right water heater. For example, if you live in rather warmer climes, then you may not want to opt for an oil water heater and vice versa, if you live in cooler climes. Taking the cost to install and life of the heater into consideration is also important.