BUYING GUIDE
Gas vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Compare household demand, available utilities, installation requirements and local energy costs before choosing a gas or electric tankless water heater.
Hot-water demand
List the fixtures that may run at the same time, then compare that total with the model’s output at your required temperature rise.
Available energy
Start with the utility your home can support: natural gas, propane, or sufficient 240V electrical capacity.
Installation scope
Gas planning may involve fuel supply, combustion air and venting; electric planning centers on panel, circuit, breaker and wire capacity.
Local operating cost
Energy prices vary by location. Compare your actual gas, propane and electricity rates instead of relying on a national rule of thumb.
AT A GLANCE
Gas and electric tankless systems compared
Both heat water on demand. The practical difference is how each model creates enough heat for the flow and temperature rise your home requires.
| Planning factor | Gas tankless | Electric tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Natural gas or propane | 240V electricity |
| Current NOVIEEX range | 4.3–5.3 GPM models | 13, 18 and 27 kW models |
| Installation focus | Fuel supply, location rating, combustion air and model-specific venting | Panel capacity, voltage, amperage, breaker and wire requirements |
| Capacity check | Match rated GPM to simultaneous fixtures and temperature rise | Match kW output to flow demand and required temperature rise |
| Operating-cost check | Compare local gas or propane rates | Compare local electricity rates |
| Typical fit | Homes with suitable fuel access and higher simultaneous demand | Homes with sufficient electrical capacity and compatible demand |
INSTALLATION PLANNING
The installation conditions are different
A gas model must match its specified fuel type and installation-location rating. Indoor gas models may require a model-approved vent system, while outdoor models need appropriate weather exposure, clearances and freeze planning.
An electric model does not use combustion venting, but that does not make it plug-and-play. Confirm voltage, amperage, breaker configuration, wire size, grounding and available service capacity before purchase.
HOUSEHOLD FIT
Start with the home, not the fuel label
Higher simultaneous demand
A properly sized gas model may be a practical fit when several fixtures can run together and the home already has compatible fuel and installation conditions.
All-electric or compact setup
An electric model may fit when the electrical service can support the required kW and the expected flow and temperature rise stay within the model’s performance range.
Cold-climate planning
Colder incoming water increases temperature rise. Recheck the performance chart for either fuel type rather than choosing by headline GPM alone.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is gas always better than electric?+
No. The better fit depends on simultaneous demand, incoming-water temperature, available utilities, installation conditions and local energy rates.
Does electric mean easier installation?+
Electric units avoid combustion venting, but whole-home models may require significant 240V service, dedicated breakers and appropriately sized wiring.
Why can’t I compare headline GPM alone?+
Available flow changes with the required temperature rise. A model produces less flow when it must raise colder incoming water to the same outlet temperature.
Can I convert a gas unit between propane and natural gas?+
Do not assume fuel conversion is allowed. Select the exact factory fuel configuration and follow the product manual.
Who should confirm the final model?+
A qualified plumber, electrician or gas professional should verify utilities, site conditions, required capacity and local installation requirements.
NEXT STEP
Compare the current NOVIEEX models
Review each model’s energy source, rated output, installation location and electrical or fuel requirements before deciding.