Gas vs Electric Water Heaters: 5 Considerations Before Choosing One for Your Home

Many households rely on water heaters to ensure a steady supply of hot water for daily tasks like showering, cleaning, and cooking. When you couple this with water heating accounting for a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption, selecting the right system becomes a critical component of a home that runs smoothly every single day.

Indeed, choosing the right water heater for your home directly affects your household’s comfort and long-term energy expenses. If you make the wrong choice, it could lead to inefficiencies, higher utility costs, or even difficulties in meeting your hot water needs. In New Zealand, homeowners typically choose between gas and electric water heaters. Each option has its advantages and considerations you need to carefully think about.

If you’re on the lookout for a new water heater, this article will explore the key factors you need to consider to help you decide whether a gas or electric model is the best option for you and your home. 

1. Installation Process

One of the first considerations when choosing a water heater is the installation process. Gas water heaters require a gas line and adequate space for ventilation, which make the installation more complex. You also need to hire licensed gas fitters to ensure safe installation and compliance with New Zealand's building codes. Not only is DIY installation of gas appliances illegal, it’s also very risky. For your health and safety, professional expertise is non-negotiable for gas water heaters.

Meanwhile, compared to their gas counterparts, electric water heaters have a simpler installation process. That said, it’s still advisable to hire a professional plumber. If your home is in the greater Otago area, look for Dunedin plumbing services like Mains Plumbers who are more familiar with local plumbing standards. This way, you can be sure that the water heater is installed properly and operates optimally. Moreover, an experienced plumber can assess whether your current electrical system can handle the load of an electric water heater and recommend any necessary upgrades. 

2. Heating Rate

The heating rate of a water heater, which refers to how quickly it can heat water, is another consideration when choosing between gas and electric models. In the case of gas water heaters, they generally heat water faster than their electric counterparts. This means that if you have a large household with high hot water demand, a gas unit might be more suitable. However, many electric models have improved in efficiency through the years and can provide adequate hot water for smaller households. So, consider your daily hot water needs and evaluate which option has the heating rate that’s best suited for your day-to-day needs. 

3. Range of Sizes

When it comes to size, both gas and electric water heaters come in various capacities to suit different households. It’s essential to choose a unit that meets your hot water requirements without being oversized in order to prevent inefficiency and energy wastage. 



Electric heaters have a wider range of compact models, making them ideal for smaller homes or apartments. In contrast, gas heaters usually have bigger models with larger capacities, which could be beneficial for bigger households.

4. Total Costs

Total acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs are crucial factors in any decision to purchase large home appliances. Generally, electric water heaters have a lower purchase price than gas models. However, installation costs can vary widely based on your home’s existing infrastructure. For gas heaters, the expenses can add up quickly if you need to install a gas line or additional ventilation. 

Meanwhile, because electricity prices can fluctuate based on demand and the energy grid, in turn, this can make the running expenses of electric water heaters higher in the long run compared to gas units. Conversely, gas is often a more economical choice for heating water, especially in areas with access to natural gas. Gas prices in New Zealand have also remained more stable compared to electricity rates, which makes it easier to predict and manage long-term utility costs.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is another key consideration when choosing a water heater for your home. If you get a gas water heater, you can expect more frequent servicing to ensure safe operation. For example, you need to check for gas leaks and maintain the venting system. All of these can lead to additional costs over time. 

In contrast, electric water heaters usually require less maintenance. At most, you’ll need to check periodically for sediment buildup. You may also need to call a professional electrician to ensure that all electrical connections are secure and free of corrosion, which is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the unit. 

When you’re deciding between a gas and electric water heater, there are multiple factors to consider. Make sure to carefully assess your household's needs and evaluate each option based on the factors outlined above. This way, you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your home and lifestyle.

Additionally, consider consulting with a professional plumber to discuss your specific needs. They can provide tailored advice and help you navigate the various options available. You can contact us at Mains Plumbers for professional advice and installation services for either gas or electric water heaters.