Gas vs Electric Water Heater Calculator

Cost Comparison Formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} = \text{Therm} \times \text{Price}_{\text{gas}} \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{electric}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{Price}_{\text{electric}} \]

Gas Usage:

therms

Gas Price:

$ per therm

Electric Usage:

kWh

Electric Price:

$ per kWh

Gas Cost:

Electric Cost:

Cheaper Option:

Savings:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Gas vs Electric Water Heater Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the operating costs of gas versus electric water heaters based on energy usage and local utility rates.

Purpose: Helps homeowners and businesses determine which type of water heater would be more cost-effective for their needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} = \text{Therm} \times \text{Price}_{\text{gas}} \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{electric}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{Price}_{\text{electric}} \]

Where:

$ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} $ — Cost to operate gas water heater (currency)
$ \text{Therm} $ — Gas usage (therms)
$ \text{Price}_{\text{gas}} $ — Gas price per therm
$ \text{Cost}_{\text{electric}} $ — Cost to operate electric water heater (currency)
$ \text{kWh} $ — Electricity usage (kilowatt-hours)
$ \text{Price}_{\text{electric}} $ — Electricity price per kWh

Explanation: The calculator computes both costs and compares them to show which option is more economical.

3. Importance of Water Heater Cost Comparison

Details: Choosing the right water heater can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills and reduce environmental impact.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your monthly gas usage in therms, gas price (default $1.20/therm), electric usage in kWh, and electric price (default $0.15/kWh).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my gas usage in therms?
A: Check your gas bill - it typically shows monthly usage in therms. Divide annual usage by 12 for monthly average.

Q2: What's a typical gas water heater usage?
A: Average is 30-50 therms/month for a family of four, but varies by efficiency and usage patterns.

Q3: What's a typical electric water heater usage?
A: Average is 300-500 kWh/month for a family of four, but varies by efficiency and usage patterns.

Q4: Should I consider other factors besides cost?
A: Yes - also consider installation costs, equipment lifespan, and environmental impact of each option.

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: They provide estimates. Actual costs depend on water usage patterns, equipment efficiency, and local utility rates.