skip to main content

Cost of converting from electric to gas water heater

11 years ago

Hi, I am new to the forum. We are converting from electric to a gas water heater. Our plumber does not recommend tankless. We have gas in the house already. Here are the estimates for three different water heater types. All estimates include installation of new water heater and removal of existing heater. Also included is the no-burst safety control and water heater pan. The two gas water heaters include all piping of gas lines and venting of heaters.

80 Gallon Electric $1,095
50 Gallon Gas Direct Vent $2,215
75 Gallon Gas Direct Vent $2,525

I live in a Philly suburb. Does this seem about right?

Thanks! Robin

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

lazypup
11 years ago
You state that you live in Philadelphia. I bet you didn't know that Philly was the first city in the USA to have a plumbing code. Ben Franklin was an avid bather, bathing sometimes as often as once a week; which was unheard of in his time (imagine that). In addition to inventing stoves and writing fire codes, Franklin also wrote the first municipal sewer code in the mid 1700's.

As a result, Philadelphia and New York City have some of the strictest code enforcement departments in the world.

As a result of that strict code enforcement and a high cost of labor the prices in your area will be slightly higher than the national averages.

We don't know how long the gas line will have to be or how long the vent has to be so it is difficult to even venture a guess as to what your final cost should be, however, those prices do not seem to far off the published estimate prices.

Now having said that, there is another option that you perhaps have not explored. Let us assume for the moment that you were to select the 80 Gallon Electric @ $1,095. Further assuming an estimated 12yr life span that would then break down to $91.25/yr or $7.60/mo.

The 75 Gallon Gas Direct Vent @ $2,525 over 12 yr would equal $210/yr or $17.53 a month.

Now keep in mind that you have to put the total cost up front to get those installed, but most Electric companies have a lease program.

We got an 80gal commercial water heater, fully installed and the old water heater hauled away for a monthly lease fee of $14.95 billed on our electric bill, and they are responsible for all maintenance during the entire lease period.

The only additional cost we put forth was $21 for the permit @ inspection, which we would have had to pay regardless of who installed the water heater and a couple pots of coffee that I shared with the guys while they were installing the heater.

Now I am a retired Master Plumber and I could have easily installed a new water heater, but when Jan told me they would supply the heater, do the installation and be totally responsible for all future maintenance for a mere $15 a month I jumped on it.
RHC247
Original Author
11 years ago
Very interesting historical info - thank you for sharing that.

I didn't know about the lease option. I will look into this. Can the price go up over time, or is it locked in when you sign the lease?

I appreciate your response!

Robin
Related Discussions
Gas versus Electric water heater
Q
Comments (5)
We have 2 gas hot water heaters. We replaced the one in the garage when it went out at the 10 year mark (2 1/2 years ago) with another 50 gal gas heater. Installed was $850. Last May, we replaced the indoor one that was in a closet, to a tankless gas, and installed it in the attic space directly above that closet. There is an attic door access in that hallway. We called a national company that advertises locally. There was little modification necessary, yet the quote was ^6,3000. We called a locally owned independent plumber and had one installed for @2555. When not in use, there is only 4 cups of water contained within the hoses of the tankless. Should something burst, there is minimum loss of water and water damage. I will say, the tankless is not "Instant" but takes as long as the regular tank for the water to reach the faucet. A 50 gal tank is always heating your water, even when there is no demand. When the 50 gal went out, it was a hot water mess.
...See More
Water heater installation - electric very different from gas?
Q
Comments (2)
just kill the power, drain and disconnect the old one, then install the new one. an electric is way easier to change out than a gas since you don't have to fool with teh flue or gas line.
...See More
Spa convertion from electric to natural gas
Q
Comments (4)
Below are the pump and heater in question. I was thinking of setting up the heater away from the Spa and plumbing to it. I have recently removed my pool heater (it was beyond repair)and could set this heater up in the same location. It is about 35 feet from the spa. Somewhere in the plumbing I would switch from metal to PVC and connect into the existing spa plumbing. Is this a sound plan or am I crazy??? Pump and Motor - A.O. Smith Century Centurion starite duraglass 2 HP 3450 rpm 230 volt 11.5 amps continuous duty Heater - Teledyn Laars Series 2 175,000 btu brass headers (not cast iron) Model#ESC175NB, natural gas
...See More
Gas Water Heater - Convert to Manually Lighting?
Q
Comments (4)
I would be willing to bet it's a power vent model. No power would mean the exhaust gases would leak back into the house. Very dangerous. A power vent will have a plastic exhaust vent, and an electric fan unit on top of the heater. If it's really a b-vent type, with a metal 'chimney' with an upside down funnel arrangement at the bottom above the heater, it could run without power provided you can solve the ignition issue. Of course, modifying such a unit may not be permissible under codes.
...See More
lazypup
11 years ago
Our water heater has a 12yr warranty and they said our lease price will remain the same for the entire 12yr period.

Related Stories

LIVING ROOMS How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

By Laura Gaskill

Learn about inserts and other options for switching your fireplace from wood to gas or electric

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Swap your conventional heater for an energy-saving model — and don’t be fooled by misinformation

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Solar Water Heater

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Lower energy bills without a major renovation by putting the sun to work heating your home’s water

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

MORE ROOMS More Living Space: Converting a Garage

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

5 things to consider when creating new living space in the garage

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Modern Style Converts an Empty Concrete Box

By Becky Harris

From raw wasteland to fab living, sleeping and storage space, this snazzy basement now covers all the angles

OUTBUILDINGS See an Outdoor Bathroom Made From a Water Tank

By Shannon Malone

This repurposed fixture in a California backyard is now the owners' favorite bathing spot

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Planning Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 1 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Get all the remodel details down on paper

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — Waterproofing and Drainage

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 4 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick your waterproofing materials and drain, and don't forget to test

BATHROOM DESIGN Bath of the Week: Converting a 19th-Century Bedroom in Texas

By Mary Jo Bowling

Bygone details merge with modern-day amenities and materials for beautiful contrast in a master bathroom

Sponsored

Columbus Premier Design-Build and General Contractor

More Discussions

Can't decide gold fixtures what would you do

29

Kitchen / Bath faucets on Ocean

3

Upgrading tub from a shallow surround to a soaking tub. Recs please

12

Why don't more people have Farmhouse sinks in the Bathrooms?

27

Brizo Matte White has changed

0