Gas Water Heaters vs. Electric Water Heaters

September 21, 2020 · 4 min read

One of the most important appliances in your home is something you don’t think about is your water heater. While that’s a good thing, once a decade passes, you’re going to want to start thinking about replacing it before your water heater fails.

Nowadays, there are many choices, but it all boils down to gas water heaters or electric ones. For some, the choice is simple: if your house isn’t hooked up to gas, then you have to choose electric. But for most, you do have the ability to choose between the two. So, what’s the difference?

Both gas water heaters and electric ones are rated by their input, which is the measurement of gas or electricity used per hour to heat the water in the tank. Gas is measured in BTUs and electric heaters are measured in watts.

The average input ratings for a gas water heater range from around 30,000 to 180,000 BTUs, depending on size. Generally speaking, the more BTUs, the faster the unit will heat water.

For Electric water heaters, the average input ranges 1,440 to 5,500 watts, and the same principle applies—the higher the wattage, the more quickly the unit will heat water.

The Cost of Gas vs. Electric

Like with any home appliance, the cost depends on how big, new, efficient, and high-quality the water heater is. The more expensive unit, the more likely it is to have a longer lifespan, be more efficient, and save you more money in the long term.

Gas and electric water heaters differ greatly in cost, though you’ll have to think beyond the initial payment to get a fair comparison. Gas water heaters are more expensive than electric, but they cost less to run (as gas is generally cheaper than electricity), while electric water heaters have a cheaper price tag, but often cost more in monthly electric bills.

Which One is More Efficient?

This one is not as easy to answer, as some electric water heaters are more efficient than gas, and vice versa. Efficiency is measured by EF ratings — the higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater is.

Many will be comparable, especially models made by the same manufacturer and ones that are similar sizes. However, certain types of electric-powered models—including heat pump and hybrid heat pump units, described below—have the efficiency advantage.

Though if you’re looking at a gas and electric unit of vastly different qualities and age, always go for the newer model that is higher quality.

Which One Heats Up Faster?

If you’re looking for a unit that heats up faster, gas is the way to go. This is because electric heaters often rely on drawing heat from the surrounding air to get going. If you’re in a warmer climate, you may not notice the difference, but if you experience cold winters or mild climates, you may want to consider a gas water heater.

The pinnacle of efficiency in an electric water heater is the heat pump unit. Before you buy, do some research to see if the unit can withstand what you need it for.

There are also hybrid options available for heat pumps. Hybrid heat pumps allow the consumer to choose different operating modes for different situations to increase the appliance’s efficiency. For example, most hybrid heat pump units have a vacation mode that reduces operating costs when no one is at home. Depending on the model, you could save up to 80 percent on hot water costs by choosing a hybrid heat pump over a standard water heater.

There is a downside to hybrid units though. Most of them must be installed in a large area — at least 1,000 square feet — and are not appropriate for small utility closets.

What About Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters come in both gas and electric options. They heat water as you use it, opposed to storing it in a tank, which means they can be up to 35% more energy efficient. These are an entirely different breed and rely on “flow rate” measurements, so be sure to consult with an expert before purchasing one.

Lifespan

The style of water heater, not what fuels it, determines how long it lasts.

For both gas and electric, tank water heaters last an average of 10 to 13 years, and tankless units last up to 20 years or longer. The average for electric heat pump water heaters is 12 to 15 years.

When in Doubt, Call The Experts

Get peace of mind and great service by hiring trained plumbers and technicians. They are highly knowledgeable on plumbing, building codes and technology innovations.

Need a job done as soon as possible? Economy Plumbing Service will always answer the phone. They provide comprehensive, first-rate service on every call. Their work is done on time, exactly to specifications, no matter the task. If you need a new heater heater, they have your back too. Call them today.

Sep 03, 2026

Tankless or Traditional: What’s the Best Water Heater Option for Your Home?

The decision between tankless and traditional models for replacement water heaters in Tucson can make a real difference in your daily comfort and long-term costs. Let's take a closer look at how each type works, which will help you pick the right fit for your household. Traditional Heaters more Traditional tank-style water heaters store a set amount of water, usually 40 to 80 gallons, in an insulated tank and keep it hot constantly using either gas or electricity. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank while cold water refills it at the bottom. Tankless Heaters These heaters only give you hot water when you need it. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger inside the compact unit, and out comes hot water, nearly instantly. Pros of Both Let's consider the pros of the traditional heaters first: They're cheaper up front Installation is simpler because most homes already have the connections in place When it needs replacing, it's simple and often same-day They can handle a high flow rate (lots of usage simultaneously) The pros list for the tankless heater is also enticing: Less wasted energy from water being heated when it's not needed No running out of water, no matter how many people take showers Longer tank lifespan Takes up less space Cons of Both Here's the downsides to be aware of with traditional heaters: They use more energy (much more, in some cases) They run out of hot water, and you have to wait while they refill They're bulky and need more room for placement They need to be replaced sooner than tankless As for tankless heaters, be aware that: Installation costs are usually higher Initial purchase price is higher Flow rate is lower unless you invest in a bigger (or multiple) units Scale can form inside the heat exchanger faster than in a tank model Best Water Heaters in Tucson: Local Factors There are a few local factors that might also influence your decision. We have hard water, so that means scaling is more of an issue. Both types of heaters need to be flushed to prevent buildup, but the tankless might need it more often. We've also already got high energy bills with the hot summers we have here, so trimming that with a tankless model can make a big difference over time. Tankless water heaters pay for themselves in energy savings in about seven years, and if you take care of your model, it can last up to 20.If you're still weighing the options for your specific setup, give us a call at Economy Plumbing Service LLC here in Tucson at 520-885-3510. We're a family-owned business with more than seventeen years of honest, no-pressure service here in Tucson. We'll walk through your usage, space, and water conditions to help you choose the heater that actually fits your home and lifestyle. We also serve clients in Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and surrounding areas.

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Are Your Gas Lines in Safe? Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs more Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.

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Signs Your Home Needs Repiping: When Tucson Homeowners Should Replace Old Pipes

Most homeowners do not think about their plumbing pipes until there is a major leak or a sudden drop in water pressure. However, aging pipes can create ongoing problems that repairs may only temporarily fix. If your Tucson home has older plumbing, whole house repiping may be the right solution to improve reliability and prevent future damage. Economy Plumbing Service, LLC helps homeowners identify when their plumbing system needs more than another repair. Knowing the warning signs can help you address problems before they become expensive emergencies. more What Is Whole House Repiping? Whole house repiping involves replacing old or damaged plumbing pipes throughout a home. Instead of repairing one failing section at a time, repiping replaces aging pipes with new plumbing materials designed to provide better water flow and long-term performance. Many older Tucson homes still have original plumbing systems that may be affected by corrosion, mineral buildup, and years of use. Signs Your Home May Need Repiping Frequent Pipe Leaks If you are regularly dealing with leaking pipes or repeated plumbing repairs, the problem may be the age and condition of your entire plumbing system. Multiple leaks in different areas of your home often indicate that the pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Low Water Pressure Low water pressure throughout your home can be a sign of restricted or deteriorating pipes. Mineral buildup from Arizona’s hard water can collect inside plumbing lines over time, reducing water flow and making faucets and fixtures less effective. Discolored Water Brown, rusty, or cloudy water may indicate corrosion inside older pipes. While occasional discoloration can happen for several reasons, ongoing issues should be inspected by a professional plumber. Noisy Pipes Banging, knocking, or rattling pipes can point to underlying plumbing problems. While some noises are minor, consistent sounds may indicate aging pipes or pressure issues that require attention. Older Plumbing System The age of your home is an important factor when considering repiping. Many older homes in Tucson have plumbing materials that can become more vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and reduced performance over time. Why Tucson Homes Can Have Unique Plumbing Issues Arizona plumbing systems often deal with hard water, which can contribute to mineral buildup inside pipes. Over years, this buildup can restrict water flow and place additional strain on your plumbing system. For older Tucson homes, replacing outdated pipes can help improve water pressure, reduce repairs, and provide a more dependable plumbing system. Is Repiping Better Than Constant Repairs? If you are frequently repairing leaks or dealing with ongoing plumbing problems, replacing your pipes may be more cost-effective than continuing temporary fixes. A complete repipe can provide: Improved water pressure Fewer plumbing repairs Reduced risk of leaks More reliable water delivery Schedule a Repiping Inspection in Tucson, AZ If your home has frequent leaks, low water pressure, or aging pipes, Economy Plumbing Service, LLC can help determine whether repiping is the right option. Our Tucson plumbing team provides professional repiping services and whole house pipe replacement to help homeowners protect their homes and improve their plumbing systems. Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC today to schedule a plumbing inspection and find out if your Tucson home needs repiping.