What Is the Cheapest Way to Heat Water for Your Home

Which would be cheaper to run, an electrical or propane tankless water heater? -David

Hi David,

That would depend on the energy prices in your area. Usually natural gas is the cheapest way to heat water, followed by electricity, with propane being the most expensive.

To find out, plug in the prices you pay for electricity and propane on your utility bill in the hot water energy cost calculator in our article on Choosing a Hot Water Heater to compare the fuel prices in your area.

The calculator is designed for tank type water heaters, and tankless models are 20% to 30% more fuel efficient, but it should still give you a comparison of which type of fuel is the least expensive for heating water in your area.

While electric tankless water heaters are available, they’re usually smaller “point of use” units designed to supply hot water to a single sink or shower. Most of the tankless water heaters used to heat water for an entire home run on gas, since it would take a very large electrical line and breaker to supply enough electricity for multiple hot water users.

Also, keep in mind that gas tankless water heaters requires a larger gas line, so you will probably have to replace the gas line you have now running to your tank type water heater.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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3 Comments on “What Is the Cheapest Way to Heat Water for Your Home”

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Ben Says:
March 30th, 2010 at 7:18 pm

You also want to do your research on gas tankless water heaters (propane or natural). Most are 82% efficient. Some are 98% efficient. The 98% efficient models use PVC for their venting which is significantly cheaper than stainless steel.

Ben
WILLIE LYNN Says:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:44 pm

I am having to replace the hot water heater in my home. My home is extremely old. We have 6 people taking showers and a dishwasher that is run regularly. I am trying to keep the cost of this project under $700. Do you have any advice to be economic in my family’s water usage?
Ben Erickson Says:
March 27th, 2011 at 8:02 pm

Hi Willie,
Your options are to install a more energy efficient hot water heater, such as a heat pump, solar, or tankless, all of which are more expensive to install than standard tank type water heaters, but can save money in the long run. Check out our article on How to Choose a Hot Water Heater to compare energy cost on gas or electric models. The other option is to reduce the amount of hot water you use in your home. Tips include installing low-flow showerheads and reducing the time spent in the shower, and washing clothes on cold water. Good luck with your project!

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