replacing gas for electric hot water heater...have questions!

14 years ago

I posted this on the Appliances Forum & it was suggested I post here:

We are replacing a gas (butane) hot water heater - about 30 years old - with an electric. There are 2 adults & 2 teens (one's out of school so no sports, activities, etc.). There is no dishwasher or washing machine. There is a tub but no shower although we'd like to evenually install one in the tub (one of those old claw foot ones). I have been looking at online sites like Lowe's, Home Depot, & Sears. Would it be better to get a 40 or 50 gallon tank or (2) of the 4 gallon point of use tanks, one at the kitchen sink & one in the bathroom? Our concerns are how difficult they each would be to install, difference in cost on the electric & water bills, etc.

Also, we will have to hire someone to install it since we aren't DIYers. What do we need to know in going from gas to electric?

Comments (2)

jake2007
14 years ago
I assume that you have a propane water heater rather than a butane.

If it were my decision, I would go with a 50 gal heater since you have a tub and no shower. Filling a tub can take a lot of water and a 40 gal will probably leave you waiting for hot water.

Lowe's, etc. will offer installation - just go with that unless you have a plumber.

New electric water heaters all have a pretty similar energy factor (how overall efficient it is in simulated real use). If you want to improve things, insulate your hot water pipes and add an additional water heater blanket ($20).
mike_kaiser_gw
14 years ago
Our concerns are how difficult they each would be to install, difference in cost on the electric & water bills, etc.

The first question is if you have sufficient space in your electrical panel to install a double pole breaker. Older homes, which I'm guessing yours may be, especially with gas appliances tend to have pretty small electrical panels. From there it's just a matter of running a circuit of the appropriate size.

As for cost, there will be an yellow sticker on any water heater that will give you some idea of what it will cost to operate. Obviously that's an average and your experience will likely be somewhat different.

There shouldn't be a change in your water bill unless you start using more (or less water).

If you have no plumbing or electrical experience, this is a project best left to the pros.
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replacing gas for electric hot water heater...have questions!

Comments (2)

jake2007

mike_kaiser_gw

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