Benefits of Electric Water Heaters
Water heating accounts for roughly 12% of your home's energy consumption. When it's time to install a new unit, comparing your options is crucial — here's why electric water heaters are a smart investment.
Compare Before You Install
The process of heating water in a home requires a lot of electricity. It's estimated that 12% of an average home's energy consumption is spent to heat water. The amount of energy the water heater consumes is dependent on the amount of water used and the type of water heater installed.
This means when it is time to install new units, it is a good idea to compare options to find the right level of efficiency. Getting to know the most significant benefits offered by electric water heaters can help you see why this is such a smart investment.
💡 12% of Your Energy Bill
Water heating is one of the largest energy expenses in any home — consuming roughly 12% of total energy usage. Choosing the right unit can significantly reduce this number and lower your monthly bills over the lifetime of the heater.
Reduced Initial Costs
The Most Affordable Option UpfrontOf all the water heater options available today, electric units will be the most affordable option upfront. The cost will depend on the type and size of the water heater installed, regardless of the fuel used for power. For example, traditional water heaters with tanks are more affordable than the tankless, on-demand systems.
Usually, the price difference between these units is the result of the installation costs.
Gas Requires Additional Infrastructure
Piping + Ventilation = Higher Install CostWith gas hot water heaters, a homeowner must install new piping and an entire ventilation system to vent the exhaust that is produced through the combustion process.
Electric: No Additional Infrastructure
Faster, Easier, More Affordable InstallationWith an electric unit, no additional infrastructure is required, making the process faster and easier. No gas piping, no ventilation system — just connect to the existing electrical supply and you're ready to go.
No Gas Piping
No need to install or maintain gas lines — eliminates a major installation cost.
No Ventilation
No combustion exhaust means no dedicated vent system is required.
Simple Connection
Plugs into your home's existing electrical grid — fast and straightforward.
Lower Install Cost
No infrastructure upgrades means significantly lower total installation price.
Higher Levels of Efficiency
Compare Energy Factor (EF) NumbersThe best way to begin comparing the efficiencies of different water heaters is by looking at the energy factors (EF) and hydronics. This is the number used to determine the effectiveness of a water heater when it is producing hot water.
It measures the total electricity or fuel required to heat the water fully. When someone has the EF numbers, they can compare the efficiency of each type of unit. Higher efficiency units are going to have higher EF numbers.
Safety Considerations
No Combustion = No Gas Leak RiskGas and electric water heaters are both considered safe solutions when it is time to heat water. With that in mind, just like with any appliance that runs on gas, a water heater may experience gas leaks.
This type of issue can be alleviated by ensuring proper installation and ongoing maintenance. Even though electric appliances have specific safety concerns, the possibility of dealing with gas leaks is higher than safety issues related to electric units.
Electric: Safer by Design
Fewer Risks Without CombustionNo Gas Leaks
No natural gas or propane means zero risk of a combustible gas leak.
No Carbon Monoxide
No combustion process means no CO exhaust — a dangerous, odorless gas.
No Open Flame
Electric heating elements eliminate the fire risk associated with gas burners.
Simple Maintenance
Fewer components and no combustion system to inspect and maintain.
Availability
Almost Every Home Has Electricity — Not Every Home Has GasAlmost every home today is tied to the electric grid. This means it has a readily available source for electricity. Virtually any home can install and begin using an electric water heater right away.
However, for homeowners interested in gas water heaters, they will have to ensure the home is connected to a natural gas line or that it has a propane source. If it doesn't, then having to make these upgrades will significantly add to the installation cost.
⚠️ No Gas Line? Major Additional Cost
If your home is not connected to a natural gas line and does not have a propane source, installing a gas water heater will require significant infrastructure upgrades — adding thousands of dollars to the total cost. An electric unit avoids this entirely.
Electric vs. Gas: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Electric ★ | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Most affordable | Higher — piping + ventilation |
| Installation | Fast, simple, no infrastructure | Requires gas piping & vent system |
| Efficiency (EF) | Higher energy factor ratings | Lower EF, but cheaper fuel |
| Operating Cost | Electricity rates vary | Gas is typically cheaper |
| Safety | No gas leaks, no CO, no flame | Gas leak risk, requires ventilation |
| Availability | Every home has electricity | Requires gas line or propane source |
| Infrastructure Needed | None — connect to existing grid | Gas lines + exhaust ventilation |
Selecting the Right Water Heater
When it comes time to choose a water heater, there are several factors to remember. Each of the pros mentioned above can be used to determine what type of unit is best. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Each homeowner must weigh the pros and cons and get to know what is offered by the various units. This will help them make an educated decision regarding what unit is best suited to their home's and family's needs.
Electric Water Heater Benefits — At a Glance
Need Help Choosing a Water Heater?
LaVergne's Plumbing & Heating can help you compare your options, evaluate your home's infrastructure, and select the most efficient and cost-effective water heater for your needs. Contact us today for a consultation.