which is better, a gas or electric water heater?

Question

so, i need to replace the water heater. my home is the 1950's ranch style in north texas. it's currently gas. the thing is...i was in a nasty gas explosion a few years ago...and consequently HATE gas, scared to death of it, can't even use my oven without freaking out. but...also not rolling in cash. right now i just keep the closet door shut and never get near the water heater.

when i get the new one, which is better and cheaper? gas or electric? and if i already have a gas one, can i even switch to electric? or is that impossible?

i have a 30 gallon heater, is that ok? this house has two people in it. about how much should i pay for a water heater, will any one do?

Answer 1

Electric water heaters cost less to purchase but are more costly to operate. Gas water heaters are a little more expensive to purchase but cost a little less to operate. It will be cheaper for you to have a gas model installed as you already have things set up for a gas one. If you switch to an electric water tank you will have a more costly installation as you will most likely have to hire an electrician. It is possible to do though.

In addition, you should do a little research and try to buy an "energy star" rated model regardless of whether it's gas or electric. This will save you a bit of money annually. Also, as for safety...the newer water heaters are much safer than older models used to be. To insure safety always have a qualified technician install a hot water tank.

Depending on where you reside, a 30 gal. (which is fine for 2 people) electric water tanks generally costs $140 and up whereas a gas model may start at around $200 and up. Installation will be an additional cost. Most brands that are energy star rated are pretty good, it really doesn't matter what brand name you purchase.

If I may also suggest something, you should look into purchasing a tankless water heater, especially since you have a ranch style home and it appears that your water tank is currently on the same floor as your living space (in a closet). I have an on demand tankless gas water heater. Mine is actually from the mid. 1980's. It's gas and I have never had a problem with it except for regular maintainence. I can't tell you how much money they save. They also make electric models. I have a newer small electric model in a cottage where gas is not available.That one also works wonderfully. I do suggest that if you do ever choose to go with this type of water heater, that you have a plumber who routinely installs these do it. I have heard some plumbers say how they wouldn't recommend them but in reality it's usually because their company either doesn't sell them or they don't know how to install them. These water heaters do cost more, usually around $450.00 and installation generally costs the same as a tank model. However, in my opinion, they are really worth it if you consider the fact that they aren't continually heating up water day in and day out, they save so much money in gas. It's designed to only heat the water as you need it (when you turn the faucet on). They work very well.

Whatever you choose, good luck to you!
Take care.

Answer 2

Gas water heaters are actually MUCH more efficient than electric water heaters. Same goes for gas clothes dryers. Gas stoves, etc. I think the efficiency is close to 5x more efficient -- from a cost of operation perspective. Gas tanks heat the water much quicker and maintain heated water in the tank much more inexpensively.

If they are more expensive to buy, it's not much more. And, if the tank price difference is $20 or even more, it will be far more offset by the extra labor of an electrician installing a new home-run 240v circuit in your home.

I have some good news.... Within the past year or couple of years, the hot water tanks that are now on the market have new saftey features built-in to protect against gas leaks/etc. It used to be that the combustion chamber's air space was not isolated from the outside of the tank. So, if you had a flamable chemical spill near your tank, the pilot light could ignite it and boom. No longer the case. Air is drawn in from the lower side of the tank and brought under the chamber where the pilot light is. If there is a sudden flare-up, a mechanism inside closes the air intake and chokes off --- preventing a boom. I'm not sure if the tankless systems have this feature.

The GE tanks at Home Depot do have it. (The tanks are actually manufactured by Rheem which is a good brand.) 50 Gallon tanks (which is overkill for your needs) run about $225-$350 depending on how much warrantee you get. A 9 year tank is fine... and will probably last 15+. In my area they charge $200-$300 for installation.

Last year I put two of these tanks in my basement. And last weekend I helped a buddy replace his 40gallon tank with a new 50. It's a bit advanced project for a do-it yourselfer and would not recommend it for you given your history. May involve using a propane torch to solder copper pipe fittings, and of course, disconnecting and reconnecting gas to the tank.

Drop me a line with any other questions.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, gas is cheaper to operate unless ou have an incredibly cheap source of electric.

If you plan to live there a while, and only have two occupants and have gotten away with a 30 gallon system... I would have you consider a tankless electric water heater. Be sure to install a water saving shower head. You pay NOTHING when you aren't using hot water. They are more expensive initially to install, but are tiny in comparison, so you will get some utility room space back.

If you don't want to spring for that, go with a 30 to 40 gallon high efficiency (more insulation) conventional electric one. Considering you past experience you'll likely be happier. Still install the water saving shower heads if you haven't already done so.

Answer 4

I think you answered your own question. If you are that scared of gas, by all means go with the electric. It will cost more and you will need to get a new wire to the location.

You will have enough stress in your life don`t add to it with a Gas Water Heater.

Answer 5

Gas is cheaper and heats faster, Plus it lasts longer. You can convert to electris as long as you have a space in your breaker box for a 220v hookup. If the gas really scares you then by all means have it switched over.

Answer 6

Electric heats the water faster....Heating Oil is 1st....Electric 2nd...Gas 3rd.....It is east to convert if you have enough electric service...you need a 30 amp breaker....you do not need an exhaust vent......I would get a 40 gallon, they don't cost much more..Do Not buy a General Electric brand..they have the worst rating.....just google electric water heaters and you can research...you want a tank..not tankless.

Answer 7

You have many questions grassshopper....
gas heater are more reliable and more expensive but require less maintenance.
Electric ones are more efficient but it depends on how much your elec rates are. And they dont last as long as gas heaters.
I would get a name brand preferably one with a warranty

Answer 8

gas ones save on your utility bills

Answer 9

well, nothing is impossible. you can always convert but i would stick with the gas heater