Gas Water Heaters vs. Solar Water Heaters

Both gas and solar water heaters can be considered more energy efficient than using only electricity to heat the water needed for your home. However, gas water heaters are slightly different from solar heating because all the water must be heated by the gas instead of just a percentage of it. With solar water heaters, much of the water heating is done by solar energy that is free.

Electric water heaters, which many households own, are not utilizing the sun’s free, unlimited energy. Solar water heaters can be supplied with gas or electric backup boosters for the cooler months where the sun is not so strong, so you will always have hot water.

Solar water heaters capture the sun’s energy by using collectors that are mounted on the roof. Initially installation costs may be higher. Gas heaters are restricted by the availability of piped gas in the area. They can be run from bottled gas, but then you have to change these every time they run out. And due to safety restrictions, these gas bottles cannot be carried in the family car along with the shopping and children. Instead, the gas supply company must bring the bottles to the home.

Gas water heaters are energy efficient, but sometimes the pilot light in the base of the unit can go out when conditions are windy. For safety, when the flame goes out a thermoelectric device will shut off the gas supply. The pilot light must be relit before the gas water heater can start to work again. The gas flame should always be blue. If it is orange you will need to try adjusting the shutter and if that makes no difference then call for service. Sometimes the burner will get clogged, causing the pilot light to go out constantly.

Upon comparison with solar hot water systems and gas water heaters, solar is the green and smart solution. The simplicity of solar hot water systems speaks for itself, harnessing the suns free unlimited energy to heat up your hot water.