Comparison
Gas vs. electric water heaters
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
The verdict
Gas tank heaters heat water faster, so they recover sooner after showers and suit larger households, but they need a gas line, venting and combustion air. Electric tanks are simpler to install anywhere with the right circuit and have no flame or flue, but recover more slowly. When replacing, staying with the same fuel is usually the simplest and least expensive option.
Side by side
| Factor | Gas | Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after heavy use | Faster: a burner heats the whole tank bottom | Slower: two elements heat in stages |
| Installation needs | Gas line, vent or flue, combustion air, clearances | A dedicated 240-volt circuit sized for the heater |
| Where it can go | Limited by venting and combustion air | Almost anywhere there's power and a drain |
| Common failures | Pilot, igniter, thermocouple or flame sensor, gas control valve | Heating elements and thermostats |
| Safety checks | Venting, gas leaks, carbon monoxide | Electrical connections; never power a dry tank |
| Works in a power outage | Many standing-pilot models do; power-vent models don't | No |
Switching from one to the other
Going from electric to gas means running a gas line sized for the heater, adding venting and making sure the space has enough combustion air. Going from gas to electric may mean a new circuit or a panel upgrade, and capping the gas line and vent properly. Both usually need permits and inspections.
A heat pump water heater is a third option for electric households: it's more efficient than a standard electric tank but needs space, airflow and a condensate drain.
When the problem is the heater, not the fuel
- No hot water at all usually points to the ignition parts on gas units or a tripped reset or failed element on electric units. See no hot water.
- Popping and rumbling come from sediment on either type. See water heater noises.
- A leak from the tank body means replacement regardless of fuel. See water heater leaking.
Common questions
Do gas water heaters last longer than electric ones?
Not reliably. Tank life depends more on water quality, sediment and anode condition than on fuel type.
Can I replace a gas water heater with an electric one myself?
It involves capping a gas line and adding a high-amperage circuit, which typically require licensed work and permits.
General information; codes vary by location. See our editorial standards.