gas on demand vs electric on demand

[loffelkopffl]

was wondering if anyone had a gas on demand water heater and replaced with an electric on demand water heater, and if so how much electricity did it use per month vs gas per month?

[Moderator 2]

This is a good question.  I didn’t realize there were on demand electric water heaters.
Anyone? Anyone? 

[Durian Fiend]

They use a lot of power. 220 circuit rather than 110, so not a great fit for an off the grid location.

[Punatang]

was wondering if anyone had a gas on demand water heater and replaced with an electric on demand water heater, and if so how much electricity did it use per month vs gas per month?

I have had both and unfortunately it's really difficult to give you an accurate comparison on operating cost which is what I assume you are asking. The gas ones definitely require more maintenance and patience. The other poster is correct though that less work from the trades is required as you don't need 220 volts for gas.  If you buy a cheaper gas one and you are not handy, you will be paying servicemen to come do some really minor things in the relatively near future.  Good luck making the choice and enjoy that hot water!

[Obie]

They actually make 110 volt on demand heaters but 220 volt heaters are cheaper to operate.
Many of the lower priced ones don't provide enough hot water to operate a shower.

In the long run gas is much cheaper to operate than electric.
I have a gas unit that is 9 years old however it is a rather expensive plumber install and it didn't come from Amazon.
Homeowners really shouldn't be running their own gas.

I flush it annually with vinegar to remove the chemicals in my well water that my filters miss.

[HiloJulie]

To me, it depends on the volume of hot water you need on an average day. 

I'm assuming you are on grid. 

If it's more than say 30-40 gallons a day, a gas one would be far more economical.

If you are off grid, and have the capacity, well then, go for it!

[Obie]

You need to figure your usage by GPM. A showerhead is federally mandated not to use more than 2.5 GPM.
You need a water heater that supplies 3.0 GPM to minimally meet that demand.

I have a Rinnai V65 that is rated at 6.5 GPM that supplies enough hot water to prevent freezing your butt off or getting scalded if someone uses water in another part of the house.

[loffelkopffl]

Thanks for the responses, I have an Aquastar gas water heater that I've been using for 26 years, it uses about $50 propane per month. If an electric one used $60 per month it would still be worth it not having to go get the propane.

[Obie]

A new gas unit is far more efficient and would save a lot of money. It does require 110V for the igniter.

My Rinnai was new in 2016 and sharing the gas with a 2 burner cooktop it uses $28.00 every 3 months.

[My 2 cents]

Obie neglected to tell you that he's a raw-fooder and he only showers once a month.

Kidding. On-demand gas is very efficient and durable. My first one was a bottom of the line Paloma and it lasted 30 years before needing any service.