How hard is it to replace a gas water heater with an electric water heater?

by Water Heaters on July 25, 2010

The gas is currently shut off and I noticed that the water heater has little rust and a slight bit of water underneath it so I’m going to need to replace it no matter what.


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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Rocky July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Electric water heaters are great and not difficult to install as long as the fuse box is easily accessible and you have some basic wiring knowledge. They can’t be run on a standard circuit. They often need 30 amps at least and some require more. I have a 50 gallon water heater. Works great for me. Make sure you get one that is energy star rated. The most costs related to this change will be the wiring. Mostly in labor if you can’t do it yourself. Plumbing will be pretty much the same gas verses electric. Electric requires no venting so you will probably need to cap off the old vent, remove the pipe and patch the roof area where it came out. A little bit of extra work but it depends on your handyman skills as to the cost. Labor is always an extra cost.

Gas can be cheaper but not always. We get our power from TVA. Nothing cheaper than that around these parts.

joe a July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

not very hard at all, main concern will be to run 220v power to the water heater location – electric water heaters run on 220 volt pwer supply – the current gas line will need to be capped for safety purposes and the vent sealed so as to prevent water , debris from entering your home – all in all, hot and cold water connections are the same as well as the temperature and pressure relief valve drain – i would consider sticking with gas for your set up is there already there – check with your city code for a city permit and inspection will be required for the installation -

Bob July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

You are going to have to hard wire 220 volt electricity from your breaker box to your water heater. If you know how it’s done, you can do this yourself. It is not difficult. A 30 amp breaker and a length of 10 ga wire is about all you’ll need.. Shut off all power the the breaker box. Be careful. 220 really bites.

garrettsambo July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

It shouldn’t be hard to replace it.

Thor July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

I didn’t see where anybody mentioned that gas is generally a LOT cheaper. I know it is for me.

Most people here spend a lot of money to go the other way because of the long term cost.

Dave July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

USA The answer is : it is easy. However, check out the instantaneous – "tankless" – water heaters. They are efficient and cost less to operate. We put a gas-fired one in my brothers home – sized for three showers running at the same time – and his summer gas bill dropped from $100 to $24 per month.

I currently have a gas-fired 40 gallon water heater – and I am paying to keep 40 gallons of water hot 24 hrs per day – how stupid!!! When it goes, I will replace it with an instantaneous, no doubt.

billcrane0371 July 25, 2010 at 5:19 pm

I’d choose Joe A as the best answer but, if it were me, I’d get another gas heater. Electric isn’t nearly as efficient. My opinion, of course>

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