Converting gas water heater with electric water heater?

Question

How much that is run roughly, gonna try to get a used one. Most of my house runs on gas. (its a pretty old house). Would it bad to convert it all to electric. What all do I need except the electric water heater? Please help, thank ya

Answer 1

If you can swing it, it would be cheaper on the utility bill if you went with the on demand hot water. It is electric and a heck of a lot more efficient than the bulky electric water heater. You get the same results of hot water except it is quicky and takes up far less space.

I got rid of the bulky hot water heater tank for this and it has reduced my electric bill on average around 70 dollars. I will not be going back to a tank.

http://www.boschhotwater.com/BoschHotWat...

Answer 2

When converting to electric, you need to know how much energy your house will require.  The existing wiring would need to be upgraded to code.  Any time you mess with wiring, you are required to bring it up to code.

Electric water heater will also cost more to operate.  I'd stay with gas, especially since it's such an old house.

I had a friend who had electrical problems just because she was running an entertainment center.  The breaker kept popping because it was originally rated for a TV and a Stereo.  Today's electronics are more efficient, so we are inclined to use more of them, thus overloading the circuits.

With such an old house, you would be better off either leaving gas where gas is used OR upgrade ALL the electrical wiring if you want to use electric water heat.

Personally, when changing my water heater, I will be installing one of those "ON DEMAND" water heater.  They cost less to run because they don't keep 40 gallons of water hot at all times, even when not in use.

Good luck with your project, whatever you decide.

:)

Answer 3

Gas will be less expensive to operate, electric will be cheaper for the initial installation. If you convert, you will need a dedicated circuit for the heater and that will require a Licensed electrician as well as a plumber!

Answer 4

Maggot you are going to run into some major expensive if you try to convert your gas water heater, to electric.  If it is old house may have only have 60 amp service.   You would need to change your main disconnect breaker and will need to know  that your existing  conductors would carry additional load. I would call Electrical contractor for free estimate.  I am going to make guess of about $2000.00 if it is in old house.

Good Luck