When buying or building a new home, many buyers spend a lot of time contemplating whether they should opt for gas or electric energy, or a combination of the two. The most prudent way to make this decision is to look into the cost of both gas and electricity in your locality. You may also want to consider the weather in your region. Many people relish in the comfort of gas heating when the power goes out during harsh winter weather.
The cost of energy varies from state to state, and sometimes even within states. It can also vary significantly throughout the year. If you’re moving to an unfamiliar climate, you may want to ask your realtor about average energy costs for both gas and electric homes. Another good resource for determining energy pricing in a new neighborhood is to ask a few potential neighbors who live in homes constructed similarly to the one you are considering. In addition, many utility companies publish their seasonal rate changes on the internet, and this may help you to determine the long-term energy cost for a property.
There are advantages and disadvantages to any situation, and the gas versus electric debate is no different. While it is common for some electric hot water heaters to regularly run out of hot water, it is much less likely that a gas heater will. On the other hand, gas is highly combustible and is not healthy to breathe. Though hazardous problems are possible with both gas and electric, gas-powered homes are far more likely to accidentally burn to the ground or endure some for of fire damage than electric. Another aspect to consider is the rising price of natural gas. In some areas, gas prices have more than doubled in the span of a year.
The US Department of Energy says about 14% of our home energy is used to heat water. Heating and air conditioning, by comparison, uses more than 44%. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, more than $15 billion is spent annually to heat water. The Metro Utilities District of Omaha estimated an electric water heater to cost 75% more to operate than a gas heater. Numerous factors can affect the amount of energy your home uses, from materials and methods of construction to everyday usage habits. Building materials -- including doors, windows and weather stripping -- are often energy-rated. Information is provided by the manufacturers as to the cost-effectiveness of these materials. Of course, proper installation of these materials is key to their performance. If you are building a home, many contractors opt for these products anyway. But it doesn’t hurt to educate yourself as to what materials are being used. When buying a home, the realtor should be able to provide you with the energy rating information (except in the case of older homes, which are likely to have none). n the long run, the decision between gas and electric energy is up to you, and your pocketbook. If you are interested in energy and cost efficiency, most contractors will recommend going with total electric power. For some people, gas is preferable for reasons other than money, especially since the cost differential is minimal.
Whatever you decide, remember that the key is to conduct your research beforehand.