When it's time for a new water heater, the first question is usually gas or electric. In most cases the answer is whatever your home already has, but not always. Here's how the two compare in real Central Indiana homes and when switching makes sense.
How each one works
Gas water heaters
A burner under the tank heats the water, and a vent carries exhaust outside. A gas heater needs a gas line, a properly sized vent and enough fresh air around it to burn cleanly. Most homes in Carmel, Fishers and Westfield with natural gas service have a gas water heater in the basement or utility room.
Electric water heaters
Two heating elements inside the tank do the work. There's no flame and no vent, just a dedicated circuit from your electrical panel. You'll find these in condos, homes without gas service and many rural properties on well and septic.
How they compare day to day
Recovery time
Recovery is how fast the heater refills with hot water after you use it. Gas heaters recover much faster. If your household runs back-to-back showers in the morning while the dishwasher is going, gas keeps up more easily. An electric tank of the same size will run out sooner under heavy use.
Operating cost
In most Indiana homes with access to natural gas, gas costs less to run over the life of the heater. Electric heaters are very efficient at turning power into heat, but electricity usually costs more for the same amount of heat. Heat pump electric water heaters close much of that gap, though they have their own space and airflow needs.
Power outages
A standard atmospheric-vent gas heater can often keep making hot water when the power's out, since the gas valve doesn't depend on household electricity. Power-vent gas models and all electric models stop until power returns. That's worth thinking about if your neighborhood loses power during ice storms.
Upkeep and lifespan
Both types need a yearly flush in our hard water, a relief valve check and an eye on the anode rod. Gas heaters add a burner and vent to keep clean and safe. Electric heaters have fewer parts but can burn out elements, especially when scale builds up. With good care, either one can give you many years of service.
Should you switch?
Switching fuels is possible, but it adds work.
Electric to gas usually means running a gas line to the heater and installing a vent that meets code.
Gas to electric may need a new dedicated circuit, and sometimes more panel capacity.
It can make sense if you're finishing a basement, adding a bathroom or planning to stay in the home a long time. If your current setup works well, replacing like for like is usually the simplest choice.
What about tankless?
If you have natural gas and a larger household, a gas tankless heater is worth a look. It heats water on demand, so you don't run out during back-to-back showers, and it frees up floor space. It does need the right gas line size and venting, plus regular descaling in hard water. We install Navien tankless units, and right now you can take $500 off any tankless water heater installation.
What affects your choice
When your plumber comes out, they'll look at a few things before recommending a heater:
What fuel your home already has and where it's located
The condition of the existing vent or electrical circuit
How many people live in the home and how they use hot water
Available space and access to the install location
Local code requirements, like expansion tanks and drain pans
You'll get options for gas, electric or tankless when they fit your home, with a price for each before any work starts.
When to call us
We install Bradford White gas and electric tank heaters, often same day, and we handle the permit and haul-away of your old unit. Right now you can take $50 off any tank water heater installation. Visit our water heater repair and replacement page to learn more, or call and we'll talk through what fits your home.
FAQ
Is gas or electric cheaper to run in Indiana?
For most homes with natural gas available, gas is cheaper to operate. Homes on propane or with heat pump electric heaters can see a different picture, so it depends on your fuel and equipment.
Which lasts longer, gas or electric?
Electric tanks often last a bit longer because they have no burner or combustion exhaust. In hard water, maintenance matters more than fuel type. A flushed tank with a good anode rod outlasts a neglected one of either kind.
Can I go up a size when I replace my water heater?
Usually, yes, as long as there's room and the gas line, venting or electrical circuit can support it. Your plumber will check before recommending a bigger tank.
Is a gas water heater safe?
Yes, when it's installed and vented correctly. Keep the area around it clear, have the vent checked, and consider a carbon monoxide detector nearby. If you ever smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
In most of our service area, yes. We handle the permit as part of the installation.
Not sure which water heater is right for you? Call or text (317) 731-3028, or see our water heater installation options.
