You need a new water heater for your Calgary home, but you’re not sure about your options.

You might be a first-time homeowner looking for the least expensive option. Or, a water heater that lowers your emissions and carbon footprint might be important to you.

You’ve heard there are gas and electric water heaters. But you’re not sure what they mean for both your budget and the environment.

Knowing the differences will help you make the best choice for you and your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing gas and electric water heaters in Alberta, and everything you need to know.

Table Of Contents:

1. How Do Gas Water Heaters Work?
2. How Do Electric Water Heaters Work?
3. Which Water Heater Costs More to Install?
4. Which Costs More to Run in Alberta: Electric or Gas?
5. What Is the Environmental Impact?
6. Which Is More Energy Efficient?
7. Which One Lasts Longer?
8. Which Is Best for Your Alberta Home?

How Do Gas Water Heaters Work?

Gas hot water heaters burn natural gas to heat water either stored in a giant tank, or as water passes through the heater in tankless water heaters.

In tank heaters that use gas, a thermostat keeps an eye on the water temperature and activates the gas burner to keep the tank of water at the right temperature.

All gas water heaters create exhaust gases that must be safely vented.

One of the advantages of traditional tank water heaters is having a large tank of hot water at the ready. They can be a great choice if you use a lot of hot water or have a big household. They do require a connection to a gas line and proper ventilation, so if your home doesn’t have that already, it can increase the price and complexity of having one installed.

A gas water heater generally heats water faster than an electric water heater.

How Do Electric Water Heaters Work?

Tank electric water heaters use heating elements that are submerged in the tank to heat water. As the water warms, it naturally circulates within the tank. As with gas water heaters, a thermostat monitors the tank and keeps water hot.

Electric, tankless water heaters don’t have the tank. There are many benefits of tankless water heaters, including the ability to produce hot water on demand, heating water as it flows through the unit, rather than storing it in a tank.

Both types of electric water heaters don’t produce fumes, so there’s no need to vent.

Electric water heaters are generally easier to install. They’re a great option for smaller households or homes without natural gas lines. They can also be the better choice for homeowners looking to decrease the amount of carbon gasses their home creates.

Which Water Heater Costs More to Install?

Gas hot water heaters often cost more to install because they need a gas line and ventilation system. The average installation cost for a gas water heater in Alberta ranges from $800 for a tank gas water heater to $4,000 for a tankless gas water heater, depending on how complex your setup is. Homes without pre-existing gas infrastructure might have additional expenses.

Electric water heaters are usually cheaper to install, with costs ranging from $500 for an electric tank heater to $2,000 for an electric tankless one. They don’t need venting or gas lines, making them easier and cheaper to install. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for new homeowners.

Which Costs More to Run in Alberta: Electric or Gas?

The costs to run these water heaters in Alberta tell a different story.

Natural gas is much more economical when it comes to your monthly energy bills, with prices around $0.20 per cubic meter compared to electricity at approximately $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. Simply put, natural gas provides more heating power for less money, which can save you a couple hundred dollars a year.

Natural Gas: Approximately $0.20 per cubic meter
Electricity: Approximately $0.12 per kWh

However, electric water heaters become a lot cheaper when combined with solar panels. On top of that, electricity prices do fluctuate, so it’s important to consider long-term trends when thinking about costs.

What Is the Environmental Impact?

If you’re concerned about how your future water heater will affect the environment, here’s a breakdown from our knowledgeable plumbers in Airdrie.

All gas water heaters burn fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gasses. While modern gas heaters are very energy efficient and natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil, they still produce some carbon emissions.

Electric water heaters produce zero emissions on their own. If your electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar panels, your water heater’s environmental impact is reduced even more.

Switching to an electric water heater is an excellent step toward a more sustainable home.

Which Is More Energy Efficient?

A water heater’s energy efficiency is measured through its Energy Factor (EF) rating.

Gas hot water heaters typically range from 0.60 to 0.70, with high-efficiency models reaching 0.80 or higher.

Electric water heaters often demonstrate impressive EF ratings between 0.90 and 0.95, indicating near-perfect energy transfer.

Electric heaters are more efficient overall, particularly when energy loss through venting is considered.

Gas, Tank Water Heaters: EF ratings range from 0.60 to 0.70, with high-efficiency models reaching up to 0.80 or more.

Gas, Tankless Water Heaters: High-efficiency gas tankless units have EF ratings of 0.85 to 0.95. They minimize energy waste by heating water only as needed.

Electric, Tank Water Heaters: Electric tanks often have EF ratings between 0.90 and 0.95, with extremely high energy transfer and little waste.

Electric, Tankless Water Heaters: Electric, tankless heaters are the most efficient, with EF ratings often over 0.95. With no tank, there is zero standby heat loss, and water is only heated on-demand.

Which One Lasts Longer?

The lifespan of your future water heater will depend on the type, how much you use it, and how well you maintain it. Here are some guidelines for how long each type tends to last:

Gas, Tank Water Heaters: With regular maintenance, these heaters typically last 8–12 years. Regularly draining and flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod will help them last longer.

Electric, Tank Water Heaters: Electric tanks often last 10–15 years with fewer parts that can fail. Draining and flushing the tank regularly will help.

Gas, Tankless Water Heaters: Designed for durability, gas tankless units last 15–20 years with annual maintenance, such as descaling to prevent mineral buildup.

Electric, Tankless Water Heaters: These heaters also last 15–20 years with annual maintenance, making them a great long-term option.

Investing in annual cleaning, maintenance, and inspections will make sure your water heater lasts and runs efficiently for as long as possible, regardless of the type you go with.

Which Is Best for Your Alberta Home?

Choosing the right water heater for your home comes down to the home you live in, your household’s hot water usage, your budget, and possibly your values.

• If upfront installation cost is your biggest concern, an electric tank water heater will cost the least to install.
• If lower monthly energy bills are your priority, a gas water heater is your best choice, especially in Alberta, where natural gas is affordable and electricity is currently sky-high.
• If reducing your carbon footprint is your goal, an electric water heater will be the greenest solution.
• For smaller households that use less hot water, electric tankless models are a great choice, needing less space and only heating water when needed.
• For larger households that need a lot of hot water, tank water heaters are the way to go, with enough hot water to supply your dishwasher while your teenager takes a hot shower.

You should consider your initial budget, what your monthly utility bills will look like, whether or not your home is already outfitted with gas lines and venting, how many people live in your home, and if a lower carbon footprint is important to you.

Expert Guidance from Son-Rise Plumbing

Choosing between a gas and electric water heater is a significant decision that impacts your home’s energy efficiency, monthly bills, and environmental footprint. The right choice depends on your unique circumstances.

Still not sure? Have questions? At Son-Rise Plumbing, we’re here to guide you through the entire process of installing a new water heater.

We’re committed to helping Calgary homeowners make the best decisions for their home and family.

With nearly 40 years of hot water tank maintenance experience in Calgary, respectful and certified technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re here to put your mind at ease. We sell, service, repair, and install both tank and tankless water heaters.

Request a personalized on-site quote today or call us at 403-274-1166 to talk to one of our water heating experts.