Electric vs Gas Water Heater: There are many benefits to installing gas and electric water heaters. However, you might wonder which option is right for your family’s needs. When it comes down to it, several factors can influence whether a gas or electric water heater is better suited for your home. These factors can include everything from installation costs to maintenance requirements.
If your current water heater is nearing the end of its service life, don’t wait another moment to research replacement options. Are you ready to get started? If so, let’s discuss some pros and cons of electric vs. gas water heaters. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today – We service Washington, Oregon, Northern and Southern California!
Heating Capabilities: Electric vs. Gas Water Heater
Does your household use a lot of hot water? Are you constantly suffering through cold showers because your family drained the hot water tank to its dregs? You probably want to install a water heater with excellent heating capabilities.
Overall, gas-powered water heaters are known to have a quicker recovery rate than their electric counterparts. Gas units typically reheat a tank of water faster than electric units. Gas water heaters are also the better choice if you live in an area prone to power outages, as electric heaters cannot operate when the power is out.
If you were wondering if a gas or electric water heater is better for hot water recovery, you now have an answer. Of course, this particular factor might not mean much if you have a smaller household and use a limited amount of hot water.
Upfront Costs
It’s not a stretch to say that costs can affect the choices homeowners make on a daily basis. As such, installation costs may impact the type of water heater you install in your home.
So, what are the costs of installing an electric vs. gas water heater? All-in-all, electric water heaters cost less than their gas counterparts in most instances. However, it’s important to mention that several factors can influence what you end up paying, such as your water heater’s capacity and whether or not you need to install a gas line on your property.
We also need to talk about monthly costs. In general, gas water heaters have lower monthly operating costs than electric units. Of course, the exact price you pay can vary depending on the cost of natural gas.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency also tends to be a big deciding factor for homeowners. Why? Well, for starters, a highly efficient water heater will waste less energy, which can lead to energy savings. Plus, these efficient units are known to last longer than those with poor efficiency, so you can get the most out of your unit before you need a water heater replacement.
So, what is the energy efficiency of an electric vs. gas water heater? In general, electric units are known for being more efficient than gas models. However, it’s worth noting that some gas models are just as efficient as electric models — if not even more so.
Are energy savings important to you? When shopping for your new water heater, keep an eye out for an UEF rating (Uniform Energy Factor). UEF replaced the older EF measure in 2017 and is what every water heater sold today is rated on, so compare UEF between units of the same tank size — higher is better — and look for the ENERGY STAR label.
Maintenance Needs
If you’re still wondering if a gas or electric water heater is better for your home, you might want to consider the amount of maintenance they need. Overall, gas heaters require more maintenance than electric units. This is because gas units have lines that need to be checked for proper, safe operation.
Even though gas water heaters need more maintenance, it’s critical that you schedule regular maintenance for electric water heaters as well. Both types of units will have tanks that need to be flushed regularly to prevent sediment buildup, among other needs.
Electric & Gas Water Heater Installation
What About a Heat Pump Water Heater?
There is a third option this comparison used to leave out, and on the West Coast it is often the one that wins. A heat pump (or hybrid) water heater runs on electricity but does not make heat directly — it moves heat out of the surrounding air into the tank, the same way a refrigerator works in reverse. The Department of Energy puts them at two to three times more efficient than a conventional electric resistance tank.
That changes the usual math. The old rule that gas is cheaper to run holds against an electric resistance tank, but it frequently does not hold against a heat pump unit — particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where hydro keeps electricity rates low. ENERGY STAR estimates a family of four saves around $550 a year versus a standard electric tank, with roughly a three-year payback.
The trade-offs are real. They cost more up front, they need roughly 1,000 cubic feet of air around them to work well (a garage or basement is ideal, a small closet is not), they recover more slowly in heat-pump-only mode, and they add an air filter and condensate drain to your maintenance list. But utility rebates take a serious bite out of the price — Puget Sound Energy pays $1,000 and Energy Trust of Oregon pays $1,200 — and a federal efficiency rule already on the books will require heat pump technology for most electric storage tanks over 35 gallons starting in 2029. If you are replacing an electric tank on the West Coast, it is worth pricing.
There you have it! We’ve discussed some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric vs. gas water heaters. Hopefully, you now know whether a gas or electric water heater is better for your home. As you can see, many factors can influence the choice you end up making. You’ll want to think about energy efficiency, maintenance needs, UEF efficiency ratings, and upfront costs, among other vital considerations.
Are you ready to schedule a water heater installation? Contact our expert water heater installers today! At Fast Water Heater, we’re happy to help with all of your replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. We offer services for tank and tankless water heaters. Get in touch with us to schedule service throughout Washington, Oregon, Northern and Southern California!
