Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
You’re reading this because you’re trying to decide between a gas or an electric water heater. So, unlike online cooking recipes, I’m not going to waste your time with fifteen life stories about my great aunt before giving you the goods.
Here’s the truth (in short): both electric and gas will do the job.
However! The way they get there, what they cost, and how they perform day-to-day can definitely be pretty different. There’s a little plot twist to keep you interested.
Read further to get our take on all of the positives and negatives of either option, including local considerations like rebates and savings from your energy company.
You can trust us at RX-Plumbing and Drain; we’re Master Plumbing certified and have decades of experience dealing with all kinds of water heater repairs, installations, and replacements in the greater Atlanta region.
Installation Costs of Electric and Gas Water Heaters
Electric water heaters usually cost less to install. No venting or gas lines are required. Just a wire and a spot to place the unit.
Gas heaters, on the other hand, need proper venting and a safe gas supply. If you’re switching from electric to gas, you’ll need to account for the cost of converting your home to gas (if it isn’t already set up for it).
Local Tip:
In Forsyth County and surrounding areas, there are rebates available from local gas companies if you convert from electric. You can find those on our RX Plumbing Coupons page. The extra savings could help tip the scale in gas’s favor, so be sure to take a look!
Operating Costs of Electric and Gas Water Heaters
Gas tends to be cheaper than electricity per unit of energy. So even if a gas heater costs more upfront, it usually pays off over time, especially in homes that use a lot of hot water.
Electric heaters are more efficient (almost 100%), but the energy itself costs more. So it’s kind of a catch-22. If you have solar panels, though, electric might be the better long-term fit!
Performance and Speed of Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Gas wins the speed game. It heats water faster and recovers more quickly after heavy use.
That matters if you’ve got a busy household with multiple showers, laundry, dishes, and back-to-back hot water demands.
Electric heaters do fine for smaller homes or lighter use. But if you already regularly run out of hot water, an electric water heater may not keep up unless you go with a larger tank or add a tankless booster.
Maintenance and Repair Costs of Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Both systems need regular maintenance.
Gas heaters have more parts that can fail, like pilot lights, thermocouples, and gas valves. That also means more things that might need attention over time.
Electric heaters are simpler and have fewer moving parts. Usually just a heating element or two and a thermostat. That can mean fewer breakdowns and easier repairs.
Either way, sediment build-up in the tank is a real issue for both types! Flushing your unit once a year will keep it running longer, no matter what fuel it uses. If you can’t or don’t want to flush it yourself, reach out to our team for professional maintenance.
Lifespan of Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Both gas and electric units last around 8–12 years with proper care. Some electric units can regularly push 15 years or more, especially if they’re cleaned and maintained well.
Keep in mind: water quality matters. Hard water eats through tanks way quicker than softer water. If you don’t have a filtration system, your heater will work harder and wear out faster. If a whole-home water filtration system interests you, follow the link for more information on those.
Safety Considerations for Gas and Electric Water Heaters
Gas heaters come with carbon monoxide risks. If installed wrong or if poorly vented, you can run into some trouble. That’s why you always need a licensed plumber to do the job. This is important!
Electric units don’t burn fuel. That means no combustion gases and no risk of leaks or explosions. But they still need correct wiring and grounding. An improper install can cause shorts, fires, or worse.
Space Needs for Gas and Electric Water Heaters
Electric heaters can fit in tighter spots. You don’t need to vent them, so they’re a good fit for closets, basements, or tight laundry rooms.
Gas heaters need air flow and safe venting, so they take up more space and have more placement rules.
Tankless units (gas or electric) save space either way, but come with their own trade-offs, mostly in terms of the up-front installation cost.
Environmental Impact of Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters don’t emit greenhouse gases at the source. If your utility company supplies clean power, they’re a much greener choice than gas.
Gas units burn fossil fuel. That means more emissions, even if it’s an efficient model. That said, if your electricity comes from coal or gas anyway, the total footprint might not be much different for your home!
Is Gas or Electric the Better Water Heater For You?
Go gas if:
You want faster hot water and quicker recovery
You already have a gas line in place
You’re eligible for a local rebate
You have a large household with high hot water demand
Go electric if:
You want a simpler setup
You’re on solar power
You’re in a small space or only need limited hot water
You want fewer safety concerns
Both options work. The better choice depends on your setup, usage, budget, and long-term goals.
Quick Advice From a Master Plumber
We’ve installed thousands of heaters across North Atlanta. Cumming. Alpharetta. Johns Creek. Etc. Every neighborhood and home is different. Every homeowner also wants something that fits their specific needs and goals.
We’ve seen a few horror stories that you need to be aware of no matter where you land. That’s why we always recommend annual checks on your water heater, no matter what kind of system you’ve got. For your safety and the longevity of the unit, we’ve got your back.
Want to Save Money on a New Water Heater?
We’ve hunted down and organized all of the local discounts that you could qualify for. We’re not including them here because there’s quite a few options with different qualifications, amounts, etc. You can check out the latest deals for yourself on our Coupons page.
RX-Plumbing is your trusted source for all things water heater! We’re licensed, insured, and local. No franchise games, no upsells, just straightforward plumbing done right.
FAQ: Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters
Which is cheaper: gas or electric water heaters?
Gas costs more to install, but usually costs less to run over time. Electric is cheaper upfront.
Do electric water heaters heat slower than gas?
Yes. Gas recovers faster, so you’re less likely to run out during heavy use.
What’s the safest option for indoor installs?
Electric units are safer in tight spaces since they don’t require venting or gas connections.
Can I switch from an electric to a gas water heater?
Yes, but you’ll need a plumber like RX to run gas lines and handle venting if your home isn’t already outfitted accordingly. However, a conversion to gas will qualify for rebates and savings from the gas company.
Do tankless units work better with gas or electric?
Gas usually performs better for whole-home tankless systems.
What’s the longest-lasting water heater type?
A well-maintained electric unit often lasts longer than gas, especially in areas with good water quality.
Reach Out Today for a Fast Water Heater Replacement
Call RX-Plumbing & Drain or send us a message online. We’ll walk you through the process before ever asking for you to pay a dime. Our team can take a look at your setup and help you choose the right system for your home. No pressure. Just honest plumbing.
