| FUEL-TYPE |
BENEFITS |
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS |
| ELECTRIC |
• Easier to install
• Can be located in many areas
of
the home
• Range of sizes available
• Good, Better or Best warranty
options available |
• Energy cost is higher in some areas
• Recovery of hot water takes a little
longer
• Installing a larger capacity model helps
overcome this recovery delay |
| NATURAL GAS |
• Often the most economical fuel
• Fast hot water recovery
• If a chimney is not available, you
may
install a power vented or direct
vent
model which allows
for outside
wall
venting with appropriate venting kit
• Range of sizes available
• Good, Better or Best warranty
options available
• Design includes protection against
accidental ignition of flammable
vapours |
• A natural gas line must be available
• Location of the unit is restricted by
access to the chimney, or distance
to an outside wall, and location of
the gas line in your home |
| LIQUID PROPANE |
• One of the more economical fuels
• Fast hot water recovery
• If a chimney is not available, you may
install a power vented or direct vent
model which allows
for outside wall
venting with appropriate venting kit
• Range of sizes available
• Good, Better or Best warranty options
available
• Design includes protection against
accidental ignition of flammable
vapours |
• Requires a liquid propane storage tank
• Delivery of fuel must be planned
• Fuel costs may be higher than other
energy sources
• Fewer models to choose from |
| OIL-FIRED |
• Provides the fastest hot water recovery
of all fuel sources
• In some areas, heating oil (fuel) may
be the lowest cost fuel source
available |
• Initial purchase of water heater is
higher than models using other
fuel sources
• Requires a heating oil storage tank
• Delivery of fuel must be planned
• Fewer models to choose from |
