When people think about a water heater, most imagine a hot water gas heater. But this is only one type of heaters currently available on the market. Modern technology offers other varieties such as solar, electric and instant heaters. How does a gas heater stand against the modern heaters? Are there any serious reasons for you to switch to a different type of heater, or is gas still the best?

Other types of water heaters

Hot water gas heater is not your only option. There are several other heaters, you can use where gas supply is not readily available. For example electric water heater is in high demand and many people prefer electric to gas. However, gas water heaters are still the most popular and majority of people who buy heaters, buy gas water heaters.

Instant hot water heaters

A recent invention is a tankless water heater. This type of heater brings you hot water the moment you turn the tap on. As the name suggests tankless heaters have no storage tank for water, they heat it as you use it. They are also called instant heaters. This is very much appreciated by many people because now they can take bath anytime without having to worry of switching on the geyser 20-30 minutes ahead of time. Also if many people take a shower one after the other, an instant water heater is a great advantage - you will not run out of hot water.

Solar water heaters

Solar water heaters are also a great advance in technology. With light capturing panels installed on your roof, solar heaters use the sun as an energy source. So in theory, solar heater is free all together, apart from the initial installation cost. However, the initial cost is very high. And also if there are several cloudy days, your solar water heater stops working.

And still most people prefer gas water heaters, because it is simple and also economical. It is really much cheaper than any of the electric or solar heaters, including tankless varieties.

Gas water heater disadvantages

There are some drawbacks to gas hot water heaters. First, compared to electric heaters they are slow. Second, you can only use natural gas heater where there is gas supply. But on the bright side, if you want your water cooler, you can turn gas heater down straight away, and get the exact temperature you like.

Over all, it looks like a gas hot water heater is still the best choice for most families. Modern technology is good, but good old gas is proven to be the best.

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Visit Water Heaters Guide for detailed comparison of different styles of water heaters to find the heater that will suit your family best.