Electric vs Gas Water Heaters: Which Is Better for You?

Since electric and gas water heaters are both popular types of water heaters, there's a debate between them. Users of both electric and gas water heaters claim that their choice is more cost-effective and efficient. If you are trying to decide which one to buy, here are the pros and cons of each type of heater.

Electric Water Heater Pros and Cons

The most common type of water heater is an electric heater, which uses electricity to heat the water. In the US and UK, electric water heaters are becoming more popular. The advantages are that they're energy-efficient, easy to use, and have lots of bells and whistles. However, there are some disadvantages as well: They can be expensive to install and require regular maintenance.

Gas Water Heater Pros and Cons

As a cleaner energy source, gas is better for the environment. A gas hot water heater is also an excellent choice for people living in cold climates. These heaters are also usually cheaper to install than electric ones. Gas hot water tanks, however, should be checked for leaks regularly. They can be more expensive overall due to the cost of replacing them when they break down.

No Clear Winner

Gas and electric water heaters both have pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which is superior. They're also similar in many ways. With an electric water heater, for example, you can adjust the temperature with a switch, but gas water heaters also come with features like thermostatic controls, automatic over-temperature protection, and more that electrical ones don't have. Fortunately, specialty companies like Mr Waterheater can service either type of water heater you buy.

Other Types of Water Heaters

Besides these two options, here are five alternative types of water heaters to consider, too:

1. Heat pump water heaters: These do not directly use electricity to heat water.

2. Hybrid gas water heater: This is a water heater that has a tank that is at least two gallons.

3. Indirect water heaters: These usually use the boiler within the home as a heat source.

4. Integrated water heaters: These are water heaters and space heaters integrated into a single system.

5. Solar water heaters: These harness the energy of the sun to heat water.

How to Decide

It can be difficult to decide between electric and gas water heaters. You must consider a lot of things. These include the cost of electricity versus gas, the size of the tank, and the impact on the environment.

You should keep a few things in mind if you're not sure which type of water heater is best for you. Budget is the first thing to consider. You might be better off with an electric water heater if you don't have a lot of money to spend on one right now but would like to get one eventually. Another thing to consider is utility rates. If you live in an area where electricity is more expensive than gas (or vice versa), then you might use the cost to decide. Ultimately, keep your specific situation in mind when making a final decision.

What to Do When a Storm Damages Your Home

Even a modest storm can result in considerable property damage. From staying safe and assessing the scope of any damages to knowing where to seek out the best professional repair services and solutions, knowing what to do in the event that your home suffers damage from a storm or other severe weather event could end up making quite a difference.

Address Any Safety Issues

Issues like flooding or structural damage caused by hail or high winds could pose a significant safety hazard. Checking your home to ensure there is no standing water, exposed electrical wiring, or other issues that could pose a hazard to you and your family should always be your first priority.

Assess the Damage

A quick check of your home can also help you to determine the scope and severity of any storm damage. While minor damages can often be addressed at a more leisurely pace, more significant problems like missing shingles or visible damage to your roof may require prompt action. Failing to spot any problems that may require speedy repairs or immediate attention could lead to further problems, many of which may entail higher repair or cleanup costs.

Arrange for Repairs

Not many homeowners possess both the tools and the know-how necessary to complete their own repairs, especially if they need to be done as quickly as possible. Calling in the professionals following a storm is often a smart move, one that can provide you with prompt repair solutions as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is in good hands. From water damage and flooding to hail damage and roof replacement services, doing business with a qualified professional can often be the best approach to take.

Preparing for Future Storms

A little preparation can also help to ensure that your home is better able to weather future storms. Replacing worn weatherstripping on door and window frames, trimming trees that have grown too close to your home, or installing storm shutters are all effective ways to minimize the risk of storm and weather-related damages.

Properly maintaining your home is an important responsibility. Knowing how to properly deal with storm or weather damage can go a long way toward lowering upkeep and future repair costs. Staying safe, inspecting your home for any damage following a storm, and calling in the professionals at the first sign of a problem are all essential steps when it comes to dealing with storm damage.

Items in Your Home You'll Need to Replace Every 10 Years

Every home has items that are essential to everyone in the entire household. Importantly, just like an individual will want to maintain themselves for better health and well-being, the items in a home also need to be replaced from time to time to enhance their proper functioning.

Water Heater

A water heater is an essential appliance in every home. Therefore, water heater repair is very important, and that gives a proper reason one might need to replace it from time to time. Generally, water heaters are capable of wearing out after some time, and that is why they should be replaced when the right time comes.

Fire Extinguisher

For safety purposes, a home should have a fire extinguisher in case of a fire, no matter the size. The needle of the fire extinguisher is supposed to be checked approximately every month to make sure that the green range is on the correct gauge. Doing that means that the extinguisher will function properly when it comes to using it.

Water Filter

A water filter is among the most important things that should be replaced in your home. It does not matter whether it is a pitcher having a water filter or the filters connected to the fridge. They should be changed from time to time. Importantly, changing the water filter helps by preventing the development of mold on the lower part, which will affect the water and result in infections. Therefore, changing the water filter from time to time is advisable.

Mattress

It is well said that an old mattress can never provide the support and comfort required for proper sleep at night. An individual should have proper sleep and not wake up with back pains. In addition to that, old mattresses have a lot of dirt in them and germs, which can result in the worsening of allergies. Thus, one should replace their mattress after a period to avoid germs and other infections that might harm full-body health. Moreover, it is advisable that while changing the mattress, it should also be covered in a mattress protector to prevent the entrance of germs.

Generally, the items in a home are highly attached to hygiene. Therefore, the more frequently they are replaced, the better it becomes for the entire household. Their replacement is a way of making your home last longer. 

How to Make Your Home's Interior Stand Out

Keeping your home's interior looking sharp is wonderful for when you have guests over, but that isn't the only reason to do it. Since you and your family will be the ones spending the most time there, giving your living space a look that you're proud of and enjoy is a worthwhile pursuit. With that in mind, consider implementing some of these tips to make the inside of your house stand out.

Select the Right Pillows

Many homeowners don't even give a second thought to the throw pillows that inhabit their couches and other furniture. Typically, sticking with plain, boring pillows won't ruin the aesthetic of your interior, but it is a waste of a great opportunity to add vibrancy. Try to find a colorful set of pillows that looks good, fits with the rest of the room's décor, and doesn't sacrifice comfort. After all, pillows are no good if you and your guests never want to use them!

Invest in Custom Framing and Furniture

If you have art pieces and photographs displayed around your home, why not let them stand out with custom, unique frames? There are businesses that offer thousands of styles and materials for frames that will catch the attention of your guests. You can go with a theme across the board that matches the color scheme and aesthetics of your interior, or you can select each frame on a case-by-case basis for more of an eclectic feel. Whichever route you choose, custom framing will make your home's interior more interesting and memorable.

Custom furniture can be a pretty penny, but it can help you show your visitors a piece of your own personality. From couches to chairs you can get just about anything for your home. There are many high-end custom carpenters that can create wonderful furniture based on a drawing or even a description of what you are looking for. 

Get Rid of Clutter

If you've gone to a lot of trouble and invested money to create a beautiful living space, why would you want to let clutter detract from it? Even if you have the most beautifully decorated and designed home imaginable, it's not going to stand out if it's overshadowed by a messy environment. Choosing the right colors, accessories, and furniture is crucial for your home's overall look, but keeping the place clean and neat enough to let those things shine is just as important. Try to dust, sweep, and vacuum consistently, and always pick up items that don't belong before they start to accumulate.

Your home is perhaps the biggest and most important investment in your life, so why not take pride in the way it looks? You don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money decorating, but implementing a few additions and improvements here and there can go a long way towards making your home's interior look amazing.