| Gas or propane | Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually a little higher. | Usually lower. |
| Running cost | Often lower, depending on gas or propane prices. | Often higher, depending on electric rates. |
| Recovery time | Faster. Heats a new tank of water more quickly. | Slower. |
| Installation needs | A gas line and proper venting. | A dedicated circuit of the right size. No venting. |
| Common repairs | Pilot, igniter, thermocouple, gas valve. | Heating elements and thermostats. |
| Works in a power outage | Many models, yes. | No. |
Switching fuel types
Switching from electric to gas needs a gas line and venting. Switching from gas to electric needs electrical capacity. Either can add significant cost, so most replacements stay with the same fuel unless there's a strong reason to change.
Propane in Pahrump
Properties without natural gas service often use propane. Propane water heaters work like natural gas models but need the right burner and a supply from your tank.
Ready to replace? See water heater replacement or water heater installation, or compare tank vs. tankless.