How much does it cost to heat water by gas?

Author: Elliot Swift  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

It is generally accepted that it costs about 1¢ to 2¢ to heat a gallon of water. The exact amount will depend on the efficiency of your water heater, whether you use gas or electric and exactly what your electric or gas costs are.

Is it cheaper to heat water with gas?

Not even remotely close in cost. Gas water heaters are about 3-4x cheaper to run than electric.

Does heating water use a lot of gas?

Your water heater can be responsible for up to 15% of your monthly gas bill, which means you are paying a pretty penny every month for hot water.

Are gas water heaters expensive to run?

How Much Does it Cost Per Hour to Run a Water Heater? Electric water heaters are more expensive to operate than gas heaters due to higher electricity rates. A 50-gallon electric heater costs $2.69/hour, while a 50-gallon gas heater costs only $1.18/hour.

How much to heat water with gas?

Using gas to heat your hot water for the year will average between £200 and £400.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heater. Cost to operate.

What is the cheapest way to heat water?

It's generally much cheaper to heat water using your central heating system, rather than using electricity with an immersion. The exception might be during the summer, when you have your central heating turned off, or if you have an old inefficient boiler.

Is gas hot water worth it?

Gas hot water systems are more energy efficient as they heat water faster and don't need to run as often as the electric models. Typically a continuously burning pilot flame ignites the main burner when needed.

What is the downside of a gas water heater?

Downsides of Gas Water Heaters

While your energy bills will likely be lower with a gas water heater, gas models cost more upfront and they're more costly in terms of maintenance and installation.

How much is a gas bill for a hot water heater?

So, if you have a gas hot water heater, it's likely using around 2,000-5,000 BTUs per hour. As you can see, the cost of operating a gas hot water heater can vary depending on its size and how often it's used. But, on average, you can expect to pay around $12-$18 per month to keep your gas hot water heater running.

How long does a 50 gallon gas water heater last?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Why is my gas bill so high when I don't use it?

Consistently high bills, or high bills in the summer when heating costs drop for most households, can often be attributed to high gas supply rates, older, inefficient appliances, a need to better maintain or service your gas appliances, window and door drafts, heat loss through the attic or chimney, or opportunities to ...

How much does a gas water heater cost per month?

Gas water heaters are generally less expensive to operate than electric water heaters. Based on national averages, electric water heaters cost $42 a month. Gas water heaters average $30. Of course, your water usage habits and water heater setting also affect monthly energy costs.

What uses the most gas in a home?

What Uses The Most Gas in a House? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the majority of natural gas used in homes is for space heating, which includes both air and water. But whether homes use natural gas or not depends on the type of water heater and central heating system it has.

Is hot water included in a gas bill?

The heating of the water, however, depends on your home's hot water heater, which is powered by electricity or gas. As a result, the cost of hot water will be included in your electricity bill or gas bill.

Are gas hot water heaters being phased out?

Under the new ruling issued by outgoing President Joe Biden, new non-condensing, natural gas-fired water heaters would be prohibited for sale starting in 2029 due to concerns about carbon-dioxide emissions, according to the New York Post.

Is it worth switching from gas to heat pump?

Save Money. Energy-efficient appliances not only support the environment, but they also support your bottom line. Because a heat pump transfers heat rather than generates energy, you can expect to pay less on operating costs—especially if you're paying high prices for gas and oil in your region.

How much gas does a 10 minute shower use?

Following our calculations based on a 10-minute shower, you can expect to spend 73p per electric shower and 40p per gas shower. Overall, it's cheaper to run a gas shower. However, fear not, as there are plenty of ways to cut costs on your energy bills irrespective of what kind of shower you use.

What is an average gas bill?

According to the figures, the average cost of natural gas in the U.S. is a little over $100 per month. Gas is used to heat your home, warm your water, and often powers your stove or oven. Although $100 is the average monthly cost, the amount you pay can vary depending on the time of year.

Why are gas water heaters so expensive?

When it comes to buying a water heater, installation charges can be a huge factor in the cost. Newer models require specialized tools and training to install, and the associated labor costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of the water heater higher than you expected.

Why do people not like tankless water heaters?

Additional Installation Costs

Tankless water heaters are much more complex than traditional hot water tanks. As a result, they require professional installation. If you're switching from a hot water tank to a tankless unit, you will likely need your gas lines rerouted, as well as a larger gas supply line.

Should I replace electric water heater with gas?

Gas water heaters are typically more expensive to install than electric ones, use more energy, and tend to last shorter periods. Electric water heaters are cheaper to install but use less energy and last longer. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Is it cheaper to leave gas hot water on all the time?

It's better to leave the hot water heater on all the time, rather than turning it on and off. This is a very common energy saving myth. But in fact, you really don't need to be heating your water all the time.

Why are gas water heaters so inefficient?

Tank gas heaters consume a lot of energy while on-and they spend a lot of time on! A gas-powered, tank-style water heater has two modes: on and off. There is no in-between.

Who makes the best gas hot water heater?

Top Water Heater Brands in 2024
  1. A.O. Smith: Advancement and Efficiency. ...
  2. Rheem: Versatile and Reliable. ...
  3. Bradford White: American-Made Quality. ...
  4. Bosch: Compact and Efficient. ...
  5. EcoSmart: Vitality Sparing and Eco-Friendly.

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