I'm working on a unit where I could use either natural gas or electric for
the water heater.
I see various energy cost comparisons where the gas unit appears to operate
at somewhat less cost.
The water heater would be within the living space (1st floor) and a flue for
the gas unit
would run vertically through the roof. In thinking about energy cost
calculations for colder climates, does
any of the analyses take into consideration the cold air coming down the
flue vent into the living
space, and also the cost of consuming heated air from the living space for
the combustion?
thanks
bill

"rider89" wrote in message
. ..
I'm working on a unit where I could use either natural gas or electric for
the water heater.
I see various energy cost comparisons where the gas unit appears to
operate at somewhat less cost.
The water heater would be within the living space (1st floor) and a flue
for the gas unit
would run vertically through the roof. In thinking about energy cost
calculations for colder climates, does
any of the analyses take into consideration the cold air coming down the
flue vent into the living
space, and also the cost of consuming heated air from the living space for
the combustion?
thanks
bill

Yes, they usually consider gas a X% efficiency. The lost part is going up
the flue. There are a few exceptions, but for most of us, gas is much
cheaper than electric for the same use. You may find it easy to do some of
the calculations for comparison here.
http://www.hearth.com/fuelcalc/findoil.html
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

If you live in an area were the electricity is mostly generated by
nukes and coal, then electric might be cheaper in the long run than
gas. Espically at today's prices and or if you expect a natural gas
shortage this winter.