Compare Gas Vs Electric Water Heater

A gas water heater uses the heat from burning a fuel usually natural gas to heat water while an electric water heater uses electric resistance coils.

Compare gas vs electric water heater. Electric vs gas water heater average costs electric water heaters range in cost as little as 300 to as much as 1 500 not including installation costs. Gas water heaters average in cost from around 400 to as high as 2 000 not including labor fees. If you see a pilot light or blue flame behind the access panel you have a gas water heater. The style of water heater for example tank or tankless as opposed to the power source will determine how long it lasts.

Decide what size water heater you need. Electric water heaters typically have a lower upfront cost than gas water heaters. Gas water heaters are less energy efficient than electric heaters but the cost of electricity itself makes the running costs of an electric heater higher. Another difference between gas and electric water heaters is that a gas water heater will have pipes connected to it whereas an electric heater will have a supply cord.

Gas water heaters also have a much faster recovery rate which makes them a convenient option for larger families. Gas models utilize a gas control valve with the integrated thermostat to control the gas flow and temperature while the electric has thermostats attached to the heating elements. In many cases using an electric water heater will result in higher utility costs as compared to using a gas water heater. However you will have to take the cost of the electricity used to operate the heater into consideration.

While gas hot water heaters cost less to run due to the lower cost of natural gas electric heaters are actually more efficient. This is due to the way that the heaters operate. Installation typically costs about as much as the water heater.