If your water heater is kaput, you’ll want to buy a replacement unit as quickly as possible. However, considering the cost of a new water heater and how long you’ll be stuck with it, you’ll do yourself a real disservice if you don’t research your options prior to making a purchase. You might also consider buying a new water heater if your old one is nearing or past its expected life, as this can save you a lot of time and frustration later on. Either way, here are a few things to know about gas and electric water heaters so you can make the right decision for your home. Your Jacksonville water heater installation provider can answer any additional questions you have about buying a new water heater. 
Cost
Gas and electric water heaters are similar in the initial purchase price, and as long as your plumber doesn’t need to make any retrofits the installation cost for gas and electric water heaters is also similar. However, there are other factors to consider to get a picture of the lifetime ownership costs of gas and electric water heaters. For example, electricity (as a utility) typically costs more than gas, which means electric water heaters can be more expensive to operate and cost more over the long run.
Energy Efficiency
Another important factor to consider when deciding between a gas or electric water heater is energy efficiency. The efficiency of gas and electric water heaters can be compared by their energy factors (EFs), a number between zero and one that relates to how much of each energy dollar results in heater water. A higher EF indicates higher efficiency and, as a result, lower utility bills and a lower lifetime cost of ownership.
Performance
You should also consider your hot water needs and compare them to the performance you can expect from either a gas or electric water heater. For example, if you run out of hot water quickly because different family members are showering, washing dishes, or doing laundry at the same time, consider a tankless gas water heater (also known as an on-demand water heater) that provides virtually instantaneous and unlimited hot water.