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,


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    Danny Lipford

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    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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