When you first become a property owner, you might not get the option to choose what kind of water heater you want to be installed—it just comes with the home. However, if you’re building a brand-new residence, you have more options. When choosing between a gas and an electric water heater, be aware that gas water heaters tend to be more expensive to install, but they cost less in the long term to run. In many areas, natural gas is much cheaper than electricity. Gas heaters also tend to heat water faster than the average electric water heater.
On the other hand, electric water heaters tend to have higher energy factor (EF) ratings, meaning they tend to be more efficient. To choose which is best, compare the overall cost of a water heater installation against the amount you will be saving for that particular water heater model over the long term.