Gas Vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters (Comparison& The Better Choice)

In countries that experience four seasons in a year, a water heater is a popular installation. Now, there are two types of tankless heaters— the tankless gas water heater and electric tankless water heaters.

While both types can give the much-needed heat, technological advances make the buying decision a bit difficult.

But we’re making it easy for you!

Here, we’ll laid out the comparison of gas fueled vs. electric tankless water heater. Moreover, we’ll share our thoughts on which is the better option between the two.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Quick Comparison

First, let’s tackle the price since most people usually have a set budget. If you are trying to find the cheaper option, then go for the electric tankless water heater.

Electric tankless water heaters usually cost around $700 but not more than $1000. For the gas fueled tankless water heaters, you must set aside a budget of $1200 minimum.

The gas tankless water heaters are obviously the more expensive choice. In fact, some gas units can be priced as high as $3000 if you get one from a popular and reputable brand, of course.

The installation cost refers to the electrical service or the pluming service needed to install the heater accordingly.

Now, here’s how it gets tricky:

Sometimes, the installation cost is much higher than that of the initial price. This is why you must also check the installation price of the model, especially if you have a budget to follow.

Considering the installation cost of the gas fueled vs. electric tankless water heater, the electric heaters are still the cheaper choice. For the electric models, there is already a pre-defined electrical situation for the model selected, or you can find a model that can be easily integrated in your electrical system at home.

On the other hand, for the gas tankless water heaters, you need to consider the venting requirement, the gas pipeline, etc. In a nutshell, there’s much more to think forthe gas heater.

You rarely do any maintenance for the electric water heaters, save the occasional hard or acidic water treatment.

But what if there are malfunctions? Are they easy to repair? Definitely! It’s easier to determine the cause of the problem in an electrical setup.

Unlike in the electric water heaters, yearly maintenance is a must for gas water heaters. This ensures that the heater is still safe to use. All the parts have to be checked and make sure that the combustion process is working just fine.

Yes, gas water heaters need proper ventilation while the electric water heaters don’t really require one, at least not as a must-have requirement.

You can just install the electric model above anywhere. However, for the gas units, ventilation is essential. The venting system helps ensure that there is enough and steady flow of air for the combustion process.

Some people struggle to find a product that helps them live by their GREEN advocacies in life. While we can’t say that the electric water heaters are the 100% eco-friendly option, we do know that they emit less fumes and environmental footprints as compared to the gas models.

Because the gas water heaters make use of fossil fuel to keep the unit working, they actually produce more greenhouse gases.

The Verdict

Obviously, in this gas fueled vs. electric tankless water heater argument, the electric heaters have more advantages. Unless, you are thinking of using the heater for a bigger industrial purpose, you should only stick to electric models.

Electric tankless water heaters are the safest and offer the best value for your money.