Hot water is one of those things you don’t think about until it’s gone. Showers, dishes, laundry — it all depends on your water heater doing its job.
Gas models are popular because they’re typically cheaper to run than electric ones. If you’re weighing your options, our boiler vs water heater guide is worth a look.
But a common question keeps coming up: does a gas water heater use electricity? Let’s clear that up and cover everything you need to know.
A gas water heater doesn't use electricity to heat water. It uses natural gas as its primary fuel source. The only electrical components are the electronic ignition (if equipped) and a fan or blower for venting fumes.
Does a Gas Water Heater Use Electricity?
A gas heater doesn’t use electricity. This type of heater uses natural gas to heat water. The only time a gas water heater might use electricity is if it has electronic ignition.
Some models have a pilot light that must be lit manually instead.
Although a gas heater doesn’t use electricity to heat water, it might use a small amount to power a fan or blower. These components are used to vent the fumes from natural gas.
The fan or blower will only operate when the heater is turned on.
How Does a Gas Water Heater Work Without Electricity?
A gas water heater uses natural gas to heat water. The hot water then flows to your taps and fixtures when you need it.
Your gas water heater has a few essential parts. The first is the burner.
The burner is located at the bottom of the tank and uses natural gas to create heat.
The heat created by the burner goes into the water in the tank, causing it to become hot. The second part is the thermostat, which is located above the burner.
The thermostat monitors the temperature of the water in the tank and turns the burner on or off to keep the water at a set temperature.
The third part is the anode rod, which is made of metal and helps to prevent rust in the tank. The anode rod is located in the middle of the tank and sacrifices itself over time to protect the rest of the tank from rusting.
The fourth and final part is the insulation, which helps to keep heat in the tank and prevents heat loss. The insulation is located around the outside of the tank.
Now that you know how a gas water heater works, you can troubleshoot any problems that may come up with your own unit. If you’ve any questions, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician for help.
Types of Gas Water Heaters
There are two main types of gas water heaters: storage tank and tankless.
Storage tank gas water heaters have a reservoir of hot water that’s kept at a constant temperature. Tankless gas water heaters heat water on demand as it flows through the unit.
Both types are powered by natural gas or propane. Gas water heaters are more energy-efficient than electric models, and they typically have a longer lifespan.
When choosing a gas water heater, consider the size of your home, your family’s hot water needs, and the climate in your area. In cold regions, learn whether a hot water heater can freeze.
Tips for Maintaining Your Water Heater
The following tips will help you keep your gas water heater in good working order.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance tasks for your model
- Flush out sediment once a year, as buildup reduces efficiency and causes low water pressure
- Inspect the anode rod regularly, since it prevents corrosion and may need replacement — check if water heater elements are universal
- Be sure to proper clearance around the water heater for ventilation
- Check the venting system regularly to make sure it’s clear and operational — learn what causes too much pressure in your heater
- Contact a qualified professional if you’ve any concerns about your unit
Make sure you understand how your gas water heater works and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance. By taking good care of your water heater, you can extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently.
Gas vs Electric Water Heater Operating Cost
While a natural gas water heater will cost more upfront, over time it will cost less to operate than an electric water heater. A 50-gallon natural gas water heater costs an average of $400, while an electric model of the same size costs around $600.
However, natural gas is cheaper than electricity, so a natural gas water heater will save you money in the long run. You might also want to consider whether point-of-use water heaters are efficient. On top of that, a natural gas water heater is typically more energy-efficient than an electric water heater, meaning it uses less energy and costs even less to operate.
In terms of efficiency, gas models tend to be about 25% more efficient than electric. This means that for every dollar you spend on gas, you’ll get about $1.25 worth of heat.
Electric models are less expensive to operate in warmer climates where the temperature of the water isn’t as high. However, they’re not as efficient as gas models, so you’ll end up paying more in the long run.
If you’ve a small household and don’t use a lot of hot water, then an electric model may be the best choice for you. But if you’ve a larger household or use a lot of hot water, then a gas model will save you money in the long run.
How Long Does It Take to Heat a Gas Water Heater?
It takes a bit longer to heat up water with a tankless gas water heater than with a storage one. Storage gas water heaters can provide a family of four with enough hot water for their needs.
But if someone in the family takes a long shower, there may not be enough hot water left for the next person in line.
How long does it take to heat up cold water with a tankless gas water heater? It depends on how much hot water your family needs at any given time.
For example, suppose everyone in your household takes showers one after the other. In that case, you’ll need a unit that can handle a higher demand for hot water than if only one person is taking a shower while the others are doing other things around the house that don’t require hot water.
The size of the tankless unit is important too. A larger unit will be able to heat up more cold water per minute than a smaller one. See if a tankless water heater can fill a tub based on its capacity.
When you’re shopping for a new tankless gas water heater, make sure to choose one that’s the right size for your home and your family’s needs. You might also want to know what size breaker you need for the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can typically count on about 24 hours of hot water during a power outage. That said, it varies based on your tank size, the model, and how warm your home is. A well-insulated tank in a heated room will hold its temperature longer.
It comes down to fuel. Gas heaters burn natural gas, while electric ones use heating elements powered by electricity. Gas models are generally cheaper to operate day-to-day, though electric units tend to have a lower upfront cost.
Gas wins here by a decent margin. They're roughly 25% more efficient, so for every dollar you spend on gas, you're getting about $1.25 worth of heat. Electric models are less efficient overall, though they can make more sense in mild climates.
Expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 for professional installation. The final price depends on the unit size, what type you're getting, and how complicated the hookup is -- especially if you need new gas lines run.
That depends on natural gas prices where you live, but a typical 50-gallon gas water heater costs about $0.60 per day to run. That works out to roughly $18 a month -- noticeably less than most electric models.
Final Thoughts
The short answer: gas water heaters don't need electricity to heat water. Gas is the fuel doing the heavy lifting.
The only electrical components you might find are an electronic ignition or a small venting fan -- neither of which affects the actual heating process.
For most families, a gas model is the more economical choice over time. They're about 25% more efficient than electric heaters, and they recover hot water faster too. Just make sure you pick the right size for your household.
Still on the fence? A local plumber or HVAC contractor can help you figure out the best fit for your home and budget.
