Many of us don’t care about our water heaters, until it stops giving us hot water while we are in the shower! What if we told you that making the right choice between a gas or electric water heater is what can save you from these mid-shower icy surprises! Your choice will affect your comfort, costs, and even the carbon footprint for years. So we decided to see if we can help you make the best decision for you and your families needs. In this guide, we will do a comprehensive study of gas vs. electric water heaters to help you choose the best for your needs.
How Gas Water Heater vs. Electric Water Heater Work
Before you choose which one suits your needs the most, you must know the basic features and working functions of both, gas and electric water heaters. So, let’s see how each of these work:
| Gas Water Heater | Electric Water Heater |
| Uses natural gas or propane | Uses electric heating from elements inside the tank |
| Heats water through a burner situated at the bottom of the tank | Operates silently and cleanly |
| Delivers hot water quickly | Heats water at a slower speed |
| Needs a vent to safely release combustion gases | Doesn’t require any ventilation |
Both types of water heaters come in tank and tankless versions. We are majorly discussing the gas tank water heaters and electric tank heaters models to simplify comparison in this blog.
Key Differences Between Gas vs. Electric Water Heater
After understanding how both, gas or electric water heaters work, it is evident that they have significant differences. But these differences are not limited just to their mode of operation. There are many other factors which differentiate gas vs. electric water heaters, such as:
| Point of Difference | Gas Tank Water Heaters | Electric Water Heaters |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Installation | Higher | Lower |
| Heating Speed | Heats water faster | Heating time is more than gas tank water heaters |
| Running Charges | Cheaper if gas prices are low in the area | Higher if electricity costs are high in the area |
| Energy Efficiency | 80 to 85% | 90 + % |
| Maintenance | Regular checks are a must | Easy maintenance, no requirement for regular checks |
| Environmental Impact | Emission of Carbon dioxide | Cleaner for renewable energy powered heaters |
For anyone confused between electric or gas water heaters, this table is the perfect breakdown for comparison. So, before you choose your model, give this a read.
How to Choose?
Practically speaking, the differences don’t give away much to the noobs of plumbing. But, you have us, and we are here to make the selection process even simpler. Here’s when you should go with a gas or electric water heater, on the basis of how you live.
| Choose Gas Heater If | Choose Water Heater If |
|---|---|
| You have a gas line at home | You don’t have a gas line connection for your home |
| You have a big family and need a lot of hot running water | You prefer simple and low maintenance solutions |
| You want faster heating and quick recovery time for your heater | You are conscious about the environment and use solar power or hydroelectricity. |
If you already have a certain type of water heater and are only looking for a replacement, sticking to the type you previously had is easier and cost-effective, as it will eliminate the installation costs. But if you are building a new home, doing a full remodel, etc., the choice of gas vs. electric water heater is worth re-evaluating.
Main Factors to Consider
Now that we know the basics of how both types of water heaters work, how they differ from each other, and how you can choose the right one for you, let’s take a look at the other important factors that may play a role in deciding gas vs.electric water heaters.
Tank Size and Rate of Recovery
The sizes of water heaters are measured in gallons. So, choose the size of your heater based on the number of family members you have. Here’s a reference:
- 30 to 40 gallons: 1-2 people
- 40 to 50 gallons: 3-4 people
- 50 to 80 gallons: more than 5 people
Gas tank water heaters are usually faster and have more space, making them ideal for larger households with more than 5 members. Tankless models can be useful in a family of 1 to 2 people, where the demand of instant hot water is comparatively less.
Installation Considerations
Gas or electric water heaters both have different aspects that come into play during installation. Such as:
| Gas Water Heater | Electric Water Heater |
| Need proper ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide spread | Require a dedicated high-capacity circuit |
| Require access to a natural gas line | Can be installed in smaller, tighter spaces |
| May cost more upfront due to plumbing and exhaust setup | No combustion or gas leaks |
Note: If you are switching from an electric water heater to a gas water heater, there may be additional charges for plumbing and electrical updates.
Maintenance and Life Span
Gas and electric water heaters have a life span of around 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters have a lifespan of around 15 years. At a glance, it may seem that between gas/electric water heater vs. tankless water heaters, the former have a shorter lifespan. However, considering the maintenance requirements, it may also be a better choice.
A gas heater needs vent inspection, pilot light checks, and gas line monitoring. However, an electric heater is way easier to maintain. Here are a few maintenance tips that work for both types of water heaters:
- Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment
- Test pressure relief valve
- Inspect anode rod to prevent rusting inside the tank.
With routine maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of your water heater, irrespective of its type.
Conclusion
When it comes to water heaters, unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We at NJ Water Heater a part of Zeek Plumbing have covered all the possible aspects in relation to gas vs. electric water heater debate, to help you choose the right one. If speed and volume of hot water matter the most to you, go for a gas tank water heater. But, if efficiency, low maintenance, eco-consciousness matter more, an electric heater is the way to go. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits your home, your lifestyle, and your energy priorities.
? Call us today at +1 866-635-0200 or Contact Us to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
1. What are the main differences between gas and electric water heaters?
The main difference between gas and electric water heaters is that gas heaters are more suitable for large families, make hot water quicker, and vent through a chimney or PVC directly out the foundation. The electric heaters are suited for smaller families, with less needs for instant hot water, and do not impact the environment negatively.
2. Which type of water heater is more energy-efficient?
Since the gas water heaters do not need any electric power or energy to run, it is more energy efficient as compared to the electric water heaters.
3. What are the safety considerations for gas vs electric water heaters?
Electric water heaters are often considered to be safer than their gas counterparts because there is no combustion of gases going on to heat the water. Moreover, there is no fear of a carbon monoxide leak. However, if an electric water heater leaks into the electrical controls, there can be a risk of fire.
4. How long does each type of water heater typically last?
The lifespan of a gas and electric water heater is typically around 8 to 12 years long, depending on your local water. Whereas, a tankless heater might live up to 15 years. For both, you can easily increase their life span, by staying vigilant, and taking regular maintenance checks of the water heater.
Ryan has been with Zeek Plumbing since 2019 and has lived in Randolph, NJ his whole life. He genuinely cares about the community he grew up in and takes pride in helping local families and neighborhoods.
He’s also involved in the local business scene through BNI Main Street in Morris County, where he’s served as Treasurer and now contributes as a member of the Membership Committee.