Choosing between a gas or electric water heater can seem like a tough decision. Both types of heaters come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice. The decision largely depends on factors like energy efficiency, heating speed, installation costs, safety, and maintenance. In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you find the best gas or electric water heater for your home.

Gas Water Heaters

A gas or electric water heater can be a great addition to your home, but if you’re leaning toward gas, here’s what you need to know. Gas water heaters are a popular option because they provide faster heating and quicker recovery times. These heaters use a burner fueled by natural gas or propane to heat the water inside the tank.

Pros of a Gas Water Heater:
  • Faster Heating and Recovery: Your heater must meet your household’s hot water needs. Gas heaters generally heat water faster and have a quicker recovery rate, making them ideal for larger households or homes with higher hot water demands.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Although a gas or electric water heater may vary in upfront costs, gas water heaters tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity, leading to lower monthly operating costs.
  • Better for Larger Households: When choosing your heater for a family home, a gas model may be the better option for handling multiple users at once without long waiting times.
Cons of a Gas Water Heater:
  • Higher Initial Costs: Gas heaters can differ significantly in installation expenses. Gas models tend to cost more upfront compared to electric versions, including the cost of venting and gas line installation.
  • Maintenance and Safety: Any heater requires care, but gas units need more frequent maintenance to prevent leaks, check combustion safety, and ensure proper ventilation.
  • Environmental Impact: Choosing a gas or electric water heater impacts your carbon footprint. Since gas heaters burn fossil fuels, they contribute to emissions and are less environmentally friendly than electric models.

Electric Water Heaters

If you’re evaluating whether a gas or electric water heater is best for your home, electric models offer a modern, energy-conscious alternative. These water heaters use electric elements to heat the water and are generally considered safer and more compact.

Pros of an Electric Water Heater:
  • Energy Efficiency: A key benefit when comparing a gas or electric water heater is energy efficiency. Electric models often operate at higher efficiency levels because they don’t lose energy through venting.
  • Safety: These heaters should be safe to operate. Electric models eliminate the risks of gas leaks, explosions, or carbon monoxide buildup, making them a safer choice.
  • Environmentally Friendly: When choosing a gas or electric water heater, consider sustainability. Electric heaters can run on renewable electricity sources like solar or wind, making them a more eco-friendly option.
  • Compact Size: An electric water heater often takes up less space than a gas heater. This makes them ideal for apartments or homes with limited space.
Cons of an Electric Water Heater:
  • Slower Heating and Recovery: A gas or electric water heater should meet your daily needs. Electric models tend to heat water more slowly and have a lower recovery rate, which may not be ideal for high-demand households.
  • Higher Operating Costs: When weighing the long-term costs of a heater, remember that electricity is often more expensive than natural gas, potentially increasing monthly utility bills.
  • Power Outages: If your area is prone to outages, note that electric water heaters won’t function without power—unlike a gas or electric water heater that runs on gas, which can continue to operate with a backup supply.

Gas or Electric Water Heater: Which Should You Choose?

When deciding between a gas or electric water heater, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If you need a system that provides faster heating, better recovery times, and lower operating costs over time, a gas water heater may be the right choice for you. However, if safety, energy efficiency, and a more compact unit are your priorities, an electric water heater could be the better fit.

Choosing the right gas or electric water heater is all about finding the balance between cost, safety, efficiency, and convenience. Both options provide reliable hot water to meet your needs, so consider your household’s usage patterns, budget, and preferences when making your decision.

Call B&D Industries for Your Plumbing Needs

B&D Industries, Inc. has been servicing residential, commercial and industrial properties with specialized expertise for over 70 years. During that time, we’ve grown exponentially and now reach areas of New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho and New York. Our quality of services and exceptional customer experience set us apart from our competitors as we strive to change the industry one project and one relationship at a time.


When you call B&D Industries, Inc., you can rest assured that your home’s HVAC appliances, plumbing and electrical systems are in good hands. Our licensed technicians are dedicated to working with you to ensure that your home is up-to-code and functioning properly.