Gas vs Electric Water Heater — Which Is Right?

Gas tanks recover faster and are cheaper to run; electric tanks are simpler and cheaper to install. Here's how to choose.

Common causes

• Existing fuel supply on site
• Household size and hot water demand
• Local gas vs electric utility rates
• Venting available for gas

Step-by-step

1. 01Confirm the current tank's fuel type — matching is usually cheapest
2. 02Size to household: 40-gal for 1–2 people, 50-gal for 3–4, 65+ for 5+
3. 03Check venting: atmospheric, power-vent, or direct-vent for gas
4. 04Factor recovery rate if you have long showers or a soaking tub

When to call Northbridge

• Switching fuel type (gas → electric or vice versa)
• Adding new venting or a gas line
• Upsizing to a higher-BTU unit
• Combi-boiler retrofit