Gas Vs. Electric
Gas Vs. Electric | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Alcoa
Looking for the perfect balance of performance and savings for your Alcoa home? HEP’s licensed plumbers compare gas and electric systems side-by-side, showing how each style of tank water heater delivers hot showers, clean dishes, and lower utility bills. Gas models heat fast and keep pace with big families, while electric units install almost anywhere and pair beautifully with solar incentives—our team breaks down real-world operating costs so you can choose with total confidence.
From same-day replacements to preventative maintenance, we handle every step without hidden fees or high-pressure sales. Count on honest guidance, factory-trained workmanship, and 24/7 emergency support backed by a local reputation that’s been growing for decades in Blount County. Ready to upgrade or need a quick repair? Call, click, or visit our Alcoa office and feel the HEP difference today.
FAQs
What are the primary differences between gas and electric tank-style water heaters?
A gas water heater burns natural gas or propane to heat water, while an electric model uses resistance heating elements powered by your home’s electrical system. Gas units heat water faster, recover hot-water supply more quickly after large draws, and require a flue or power vent to exhaust combustion gases. Electric units heat more slowly, but they are easier to install because they need no venting and can be placed almost anywhere a 240-volt circuit is available. Both types store hot water in an insulated tank and come in similar sizes (30–80 gallons for most Alcoa households).
Which type is less expensive to operate in Alcoa, TN?
In Alcoa, electricity is supplied by the City of Alcoa Electric Department and natural gas by entities such as Atmos Energy. As of 2024, the average retail electric rate is about 11–12¢/kWh, while natural gas costs hover around $1.25–$1.50 per therm. When you convert fuel prices to cost per BTU of heat delivered to the water, gas usually costs 20–30 % less to operate than a standard electric tank. However, high-efficiency electric options like heat-pump water heaters can level the playing field. For homes without gas service, the expense of running a new gas line often outweighs the long-term fuel savings, making electric the practical choice.
How does installation differ between gas and electric models?
Gas tank heaters need three things: (1) a gas supply line sized correctly for BTU input, (2) proper combustion air, and (3) a venting path—either a vertical metal flue through the roof or a sidewall PVC vent for power-vent units. This adds time, permits, and cost. Electric tanks only require a dedicated 240-volt, 30-amp (sometimes 40-amp for larger tanks) breaker and heavy-gauge cable, so there is no venting hassle. Because of the extra venting and gas-line work, a typical gas installation in Alcoa runs $300–$600 higher than a comparable electric replacement, assuming gas is already present. If a new gas line or meter upgrade is necessary, costs rise further.
What life expectancy and maintenance should I expect?
Both gas and electric storage heaters last 8–12 years on average in the Alcoa area, though water quality, usage patterns, and maintenance make a big difference. Gas units run hotter and experience more thermal cycling, so their tanks sometimes fail sooner if anode rods are neglected. Electric models have fewer moving parts, giving them a slight edge in longevity. Regardless of type, draining a few gallons from the tank twice a year to flush sediment, testing the temperature-pressure relief valve, and inspecting or replacing the sacrificial anode every 3–5 years can add years of service.
Can I switch from gas to electric (or vice versa) without major upgrades?
Switching from gas to electric is usually straightforward: the plumber caps the gas line and installs a 240-volt circuit if one isn’t already at the heater location. Panel space or amperage limitations may require an electrical upgrade. Going from electric to gas is more involved. You’ll need: (1) a new gas line sized for the water heater’s BTU demand, (2) venting provisions per the International Fuel Gas Code, and (3) possible combustion air modifications. If natural gas isn’t at your address, the utility must extend service, which can add weeks and hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars.
Are there local rebates or incentives for water heaters in Alcoa?
Yes. Through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight program, homeowners replacing an electric resistance tank with a qualifying heat-pump water heater can receive incentives of $300–$600. The City of Alcoa also periodically offers bill credits for high-efficiency electric models. While there is no TVA rebate for standard gas tanks, federal tax credits (up to $600 through 2032) apply to high-efficiency condensing gas water heaters with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ≥ 0.95. Always check current program rules and have your contractor submit paperwork immediately after installation to guarantee eligibility.