• Electric water heaters provide steady performance for many years.bathtub fixures image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  An electric hot water heater has many features that make it more attractive than gas water heaters. The simple design, reliability and ease of repairs make it a favorite among homeowners. In many areas, electric water heaters may be the only option since natural gas is not always readily available.
  
  

Simplicity

• An electric hot water heater has a simpler design and construction compared to a gas hot water heater. The mechanical components of an electric water heater consist of two thermostats, two heating elements, a T&P valve, anode rod and a drain valve. All of these parts are readily accessible and easy to replace.
  
  In addition to the components on an electric heater, a gas water heater must have a burner, gas control valve and an exhaust flue. All of these additional parts create more opportunities for failure and require maintenance. Because an electric water heater does not have all of the combustion-related components, there is less maintenance required.
  
  

Operating Costs

• Since electricity usually costs more than gas in most areas of the country, electric water heaters will have higher annual operating costs. Even though the initial purchase cost may be lower, the lifetime annual operating cost will exceed a gas water heater.
  
  

Location

• Electric hot water heaters have more versatility in location since they don't need outside air or an exhaust flue. Gas water heaters must be located close to outside walls and have ready access to an exhaust flue. Electric water heaters can be located almost anywhere in the house where electricity is available.
  
  

Tank Heat Losses

• The storage tanks on electric water heaters have generally better insulation than gas. Electric heaters have storage tank heat losses around 1 percent per hour, whereas gas heaters have about 2.5 percent. Over the life expectancy of a water heater, this can add up to substantial savings.
  
  

Recovery Rates

• Electric hot water heaters have lower first-hour-recovery rates than gas. Therefore, an electric water heater must have a larger storage tank to have enough hot water available for the expected household demand. This increases the initial purchase cost for an electric water heater compared to the equivalent gas water heater.
  
  

Tankless

• Tankless electric water heaters have the convenience of being located very close to the point of use. Since they don't have storage tanks and are reasonably small in size, they can be located just about anywhere in the house.