Gas water heaters are among the most essential home appliances. If you want to know: "Does a gas water heater need electricity to work?" The answer is typically yes. The modern electric water heaters consume electricity when they work. Hence, it becomes essential to invest in portable solar generators.
Jackery Solar Generators is a backup power source for essential household appliances like water heaters. Depending on the wattage of a water heater, the right kind of Jackery Solar Generator can be chosen to maintain an adequate and continuous hot water supply. This article talks about gas water heaters, whether electricity is required or not, and provides a thorough comparison of the types of heaters available in the market.
What Is A Gas Water Heater?
A gas water heater utilizes gas to heat water. The fuel source of such heaters is either natural gas or propane. Gas water heaters are becoming more common in households due to their incomparable efficiency and reliability.
One of the most essential components of a gas water heater is the pilot light. This light is a small flame that serves as an ignition source. Once the gas water heater is turned on, gas is released to the main burner, and then the pilot light ignites the gas to provide heated water.
Pros
- Heats water at a quicker pace compared to electric heaters.
- Natural gas is cheaper than electricity, i.e., low energy costs.
- Less air pollution as compared to other heaters.
Cons
- Installation and maintenance of these heaters are high, which leads to high upfront costs.
- Shorter lifespan as compared to electric gas heaters.
Does A Gas Water Heater Need Electricity?
As mentioned above, a gas water heater uses natural gas to heat water in a heater tank. Once the hot water switch is turned on, the heater automatically signals the burner to start igniting. As the water heats up, it gathers at the top of the tank and can be used as and when needed.
Now, the common question is: Does a gas water heater need electricity? The answer is yes, particularly when it comes to the latest models. Even though the main fuel source is natural gas and/or propane, electricity ensures that everything runs smoothly and steadily, like the gas control valve.
Modern or latest gas heaters require electricity to start up, mainly because electrical ignition systems are used instead of a pilot light. However, traditional gas water heaters also need electricity to relight the pilot light. In such scenarios, electricity acts as a helper; it is used to make sure hot water is readily available when needed.
How Many Watts Does A Water Heater Use?
How many watts a water heater uses generally depends on the amount of energy it needs to heat the water required for consumption. This energy is generally measured in watts. The higher the wattage of a water heater, the more power it needs to heat water.
Another important term is gallon, which is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the liquid volume. In a water heater, the capacity of the tank is measured in gallons. For example, a 30-gallon water heater can hold 30 gallons of water.
But how are gallons and wattage related? Here's how: the wattage of a water heater decides how quickly the water can be heated, whereas the gallon measures the amount of water that the heater can hold.
In simple terms, the power consumption of a water heater can be calculated in no time via this formula:
Power = Voltage x Current
Power should be in watts, voltage in volts, and current in amps. Once the voltage and amperage are clear, power usage can be determined.
The following table can help understand the cost better. The cost analysis is to be done for a small (30-gallon), medium (40-gallon), and large heater (50-gallon).
For example, the electricity cost per hour is 14 ¢/kWh, power is 2000, 3000, and 4000 watts, respectively, and the cost of using a 30-gallon heater is to be determined when used 2 hours a day on an average:
|
Size |
Wattage |
Cost/Hour |
Cost/Month |
|
30-Gallon |
2000 W |
$0.28 |
$16.80 |
|
40-Gallon |
3000 W |
$0.42 |
$25.20 |
|
50-Gallon |
4000 W |
$0.56 |
$33.60 |
Note: These values are calculated via an electric cost calculator.
Understanding power consumption can help a lot when it comes to cost analysis of gas water heaters, which in turn helps with utility bills and the added cost assumptions. Additionally, solar generators are another alternative energy source that helps reduce further reliance on traditional electricity sources. Jackery Solar Generators make no noise compared to traditional solar generators and emit no harmful gases. They can charge your water heater for long hours when there's a power outage.
Can I Shower During A Power Outage?
For those with traditional gas water heaters, showering during a power outage is indeed possible. These heaters operate individually without depending on electricity. However, this is not the case with every traditional gas water heater; some need power to relight the pilot light upon starting.
A modern gas water heater or an electric heater requires a reliable electricity source to function efficiently during a power outage. Hence, investing in a good solar generator is extremely important to maintain. Jackery Solar Generators can provide a reliable source of electricity even during a blackout, ensuring steady comfort.
Jackery Solar Generators for Water Heaters
Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing portable solar generators, power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Solar Generators work when sunlight falls on the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and is converted to DC electricity, which is then passed through the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations to convert DC to AC electricity.
These solar generators can charge most modern water heaters, ensuring you never have to worry about power outages or extended blackouts. It can also charge other household appliances like refrigerators, ACs, coffee makers, washing machines, etc., to significantly reduce electricity bills. Here are the popular Jackery Solar Generators that can power different types of water heaters.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has a 3024 Wh capacity, a unique quiet canyon cooling system, and can be controlled via the app. With a massive 3000 W output, this solar generator is ideal for powering 99% of household appliances, including water heaters. For example, the home battery backup can supply stable electricity to a 30-gallon water heater (2000 W) for 1.2 hours and a 40-gallon water heater (3000 W) for 52 minutes.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery capacity of 2042.8 Wh to charge small and midsize water heaters. It can be expanded from 2 kWh to 24 kWh to charge large-size water heaters. If you are charging a 30-gallon water heater with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, it will supply electricity for 52 minutes. The home battery backup solution can also charge other household appliances, such as washing machines, microwaves, coffee makers, dishwashers, etc.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4 kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4 kWh) combines 1*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, 1*Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, and 2*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. It has a LiFePO4 battery of 4085.6 Wh and can charge different water heaters. It can charge a 30-gallon (2000 W) water heater for 1.7 hours, a 40-gallon (3000 W) water heater for 1.1 hours, and a 50-gallon (4000 W) water heater for 52 minutes.
|
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4 kWh) |
|
|
Capacity |
3024 Wh |
2-24 kWh |
2-24 kWh |
|
Battery Cell |
NMC |
LiFePO4 |
LiFePO4 |
|
Cycle Life |
2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Recharging Methods |
Solar Recharging: 3.5 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 35 H Wall Recharging: 2.4 H |
Solar Recharging: 2 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 25 H Wall Recharging: 2 H |
Solar Recharging: 2 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 25 H Wall Recharging: 2 H |
|
Output Ports |
AC Output (x1): 120 V~ 60 Hz 25 A Max AC Output (x3): 120 V~ 60 Hz 20 A Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, 5 V⎓3 A, 9 V⎓3 A, 12 V⎓3 A, 15 V⎓3 A, 20 V⎓5 A |
AC Output (×4) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 20 A Maximum AC Output (×1) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 25 A Maximum USB-A Output (x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18 W Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, (5 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, 20 V up to 5 A) |
AC Output (×4) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 20 A Maximum AC Output (×1) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 25 A Maximum USB-A Output (x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18 W Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, (5 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, 20 V up to 5 A) |
|
Working Hours |
30-gallon Water Heater (2000 W): 1.2 H 40-gallon Water Heater (3000 W): 52 Min |
30-gallon Water Heater (2000 W): 52 Min Coffee Maker (550 W): 3.1 H |
30-gallon Water Heater (2000 W): 1.7 H 40-gallon Water Heater (3000 W): 1.1 H 50-gallon Water Heater (4000 W): 52 Min Refrigerator (520 W): 6.6 H |
|
Customer Review |
“The 3000 Pro will be our backup power for the home fridge and chest freezer. I have already tested it: 3 days of power for the fridge and 5+ days for the freezer. ” — JD. |
“We use this for the basics, fridge, 3 lights in the living room, and a light in our kitchen. In addition to charging various devices.” — Michelle H. |
“The package is a great combination for home backup. I like the idea that if I need more power in the future, I can purchase another battery pack. ” — Larry Gee. |
Gas Vs. Electric Water Heater
Gas water heaters, as stated above, use natural gas to heat the water, whereas electric water heaters use electricity for the same purpose. While the purpose served is the same, i.e., water heating, each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
This table can serve as a thorough comparison between both the heaters.
|
|
Gas Water Heater |
Electric Water Heater |
|
Costs |
Lower monthly utility bills but high upfront costs. |
Higher monthly utility bills but lower upfront costs. |
|
Maintenance |
More frequent |
Less frequent |
|
Efficiency |
More efficient |
Less efficient as compared to gas water heaters. |
|
Heating |
Faster recovery rate |
Slower heating time. |
|
Safety |
Can lead to fire or explosion if not addressed properly. |
Considered safer than gas water heaters. |
Gas Water Heater Electricity FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for a water heater?
The size of a solar generator for a water heater directly depends on the wattage and gallon of the water heater. For example, a smaller water heater of about 2000 W can be charged for 1.2 hours with the help of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro.
This is how it is calculated:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Water Heater
In this case, the battery capacity is 3024 Wh.
Working Time = 3024 Wh x 0.85 / 2000 W = 1.2 Hours.
Since there will be some power loss during the charging process, the efficiency rate will be 0.85.
Will my gas water heater work without electricity?
It depends on your gas water heater, whether traditional or modern. Regardless, Jackery Solar Generators can help you use your gas water heaters during a power outage.
How does a gas water heater get power?
Gas water heaters typically use natural gas or propane as their fuel source. Once the pilot light is on, it ignites the water heater, which gains power and starts heating the water.
What are the electrical requirements for a gas water heater?
The electrical requirements for a gas water heater involve an electrical power source (in some cases) to ensure that the ignition system, temperature, and other components operate smoothly. Most heaters need a standard 12-volt electrical outlet to power their components.
What happens to a gas water heater if the water is off?
Some everyday things that might happen are a lack of hot water supply, safety concerns such as damage to the unit, and no pressure buildup due to no water in the tank.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed "Does a gas water heater need electricity" in detail. Modern gas heaters have recently gained popularity due to features such as temperature control and higher efficiency than traditional water heaters owing to the technology change. However, electricity is needed for these modern gas heaters to operate.
While there are no qualms about the fact that electricity is needed in every house, with utility bills going over the roof, concerns arise about the appliances being used. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable tankless water heater battery backups that significantly reduce utility bills and get the gas water heater running while reducing the carbon footprint.
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