Best Hot Water System for Replacing Gas With Electric

Replacing gas hot water with electric hot water can be a good option if you want to move away from natural gas or LPG, use solar power, reduce reliance on gas bottles, or simplify your home’s energy setup. The right replacement depends on your existing gas system, electrical capacity, household size, available space and whether you are comparing standard electric storage or a heat pump. At Hot Water Outlet, you can compare supply-only hot water systems online, including electric hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems and compatible valves, pipework and fittings.

Quick Answer

For many homes replacing gas hot water with electric, the best option is usually either a heat pump hot water system or a correctly sized electric hot water system.

A heat pump may suit homes with suitable outdoor space, airflow, drainage, noise placement and electrical capacity. It is often worth comparing if you already have solar power or want a more efficient electric option.

A standard electric storage system may suit if you want a simple tank-style replacement and the electrical supply can support it.

An instant electric hot water system may suit some small point-of-use applications, but it is not always suitable for whole-home hot water because it can require significant electrical capacity.

Replacing gas with electric is not always a direct swap. A licensed plumber, gas fitter and electrician may be required to disconnect or make safe the gas system, install the electric system, provide a suitable circuit and complete compliance work.

Best Electric Options for Replacing Gas Hot Water

Why Replace Gas Hot Water With Electric?

Homeowners may consider replacing gas hot water with electric for several reasons:

• Moving toward an all-electric home

• Using rooftop solar power

• Reducing LPG bottle changes

• Removing gas appliances over time

• Avoiding future gas connection costs

• Replacing an old gas storage tank

• Replacing an old instant gas unit

• Reducing gas infrastructure in the home

• Renovating or redesigning services

• Preparing for future electrification

The best choice depends on whether the home is replacing natural gas, LPG, gas storage, instant gas or gas-boosted solar hot water.

Key Buyer Checks Before Ordering Online

Before buying a supply-only electric replacement for a gas hot water system, check:

• Existing gas system type

• Natural gas or LPG

• Current hot water capacity or flow rate

• Number of people in the home

• Number of bathrooms

• Whether showers may run at the same time

• Whether the home has solar power

• Electrical supply capacity

• Switchboard capacity

• Whether a new circuit is needed

• Outdoor space for a heat pump

• Airflow and drainage for a heat pump

• Noise placement

• Tank location

• Pipework changes

• Gas isolation or removal requirements

• Required valves and fittings

• Access for delivery and future servicing

Supply-only pricing usually does not include installation, plumbing labour, electrical work, gas fitting, old unit removal, disposal, gas disconnection, gas capping, valves, fittings, pipework changes, drainage work, switchboard upgrades, electrical circuit upgrades, compliance upgrades, concrete bases, platforms or delivery beyond what is shown at checkout.

Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical work must be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople.

Heat Pump Hot Water for Replacing Gas

Heat pump hot water systems are one of the most common options to compare when replacing gas with electric.

A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water. It does not need natural gas or LPG. This can make it a practical option for homes moving away from gas, especially where solar power is available.

Brands commonly compared include iStore hot water systems, Stiebel Eltron hot water systems, Envirosun hot water systems and Emerald Energy.

Heat Pumps May Suit When

• You want to remove gas hot water

• The home has solar power

• There is suitable outdoor airflow

• Condensate drainage can be managed

• Noise placement is acceptable

• The electrical supply is suitable

• The household has regular hot water demand

• The tank size suits the number of people

• You want an efficient electric storage-style option

Heat Pumps May Not Suit When

• There is no suitable outdoor location

• The system would be too close to bedrooms or neighbours

• Airflow is restricted

• Drainage is difficult

• Electrical supply is not suitable

• Access for delivery is poor

• The household has very high peak demand without enough storage or recovery

Heat pump rebates, STCs and incentives can change and depend on the product, installer, property, purchase type and program rules. Do not assume a rebate applies without checking current eligibility.

Electric Storage for Replacing Gas

Electric hot water systems may suit homes replacing gas where a simple storage tank is preferred.

Electric storage systems are familiar, available in many sizes and do not require natural gas or LPG. They may suit homes where product simplicity and straightforward replacement are priorities.

Brands commonly compared include Rheem hot water systems, Dux hot water systems, Vulcan hot water systems and Stiebel Eltron hot water systems.

Electric Storage May Suit When

• You want a simple electric tank

• There is no suitable gas replacement planned

• The electrical supply can support the system

• There is enough space for a storage tank

• Noise needs to be minimal

• Lower upfront product cost is a priority

• The home has low to moderate hot water demand

Electric Storage Buyer Checks

Check:

• Tank capacity

• Element size

• Recovery rate

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Switchboard capacity

• Indoor or outdoor rating

• Tank dimensions

• Connection locations

• Drainage and relief valve discharge

• Tempering valve requirements

• Safe tray requirements if installed indoors

Electric storage may be simpler than a heat pump, but it can use more electricity depending on tariff, timer setup, household demand and solar usage.

Instant Electric for Replacing Gas

Instant electric hot water systems can look appealing because they are compact and do not store hot water. However, they are not always suitable as a whole-home replacement for gas hot water.

Instant electric units can require high electrical capacity to supply showers and high-flow fixtures. Many homes cannot simply replace an instant gas unit with instant electric without major electrical checks.

Instant Electric May Suit

• Hand basins

• Kitchenettes

• Small studios

• Single outlet applications

• Low-flow point-of-use hot water

• Detached offices or small secondary spaces

Instant Electric May Not Suit

• Whole-home hot water

• Multiple bathrooms

• Back-to-back showers

• Large families

• Homes with limited electrical capacity

• High-flow shower use

• Sites where switchboard upgrades are not practical

Before buying instant electric, confirm the required electrical supply with a licensed electrician.

Replacing Gas Storage With Electric

Gas storage systems have a tank and use gas to heat stored water. Replacing gas storage with electric storage or heat pump hot water may be practical, but the new system needs to be sized correctly.

Key Checks

Check:

• Existing gas storage tank size

• Number of people in the home

• Number of bathrooms

• Current hot water complaints

• Existing tank location

• Space for the new electric or heat pump unit

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Drainage

• Gas disconnection or capping requirements

• Whether the old gas flue or ventilation setup needs changes

A gas storage tank and electric storage tank may not recover at the same rate. Do not assume the same litre size will always perform the same way.

Replacing Instant Gas With Electric

Instant gas systems heat water as it is used. Replacing instant gas with electric usually means changing from continuous flow to storage, unless using an instant electric unit for a very limited application.

For most whole-home replacements, buyers usually compare:

• Heat pump hot water systems

• Electric hot water systems

Key Checks

Check:

• Current instant gas flow rate

• Number of bathrooms

• Whether showers run at the same time

• Available space for a tank

• Electrical supply

• Drainage

• Pipework changes

• Gas isolation

• Whether controller wiring needs removal or isolation

• Whether the new tank location changes hot water wait times

If you are used to continuous flow gas, choosing the right electric tank size matters. An undersized electric system may run out during peak use.

Replacing LPG Hot Water With Electric

Replacing LPG hot water with electric can be attractive if you want to reduce reliance on gas bottles.

This may suit homes where:

• LPG bottle delivery is inconvenient

• LPG running costs are a concern

• The home has solar power

• The site has suitable outdoor space for a heat pump

• The electrical supply can support the new system

• The old LPG setup needs replacement anyway

LPG to Electric Buyer Checks

Check:

• Whether the existing system is LPG storage or LPG instant gas

• Whether LPG bottles serve other appliances

• Whether the LPG regulator needs removal or alteration

• Whether gas lines need to be capped or isolated

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Heat pump location if applicable

• Access for delivery and replacement

• Required plumbing changes

If LPG is still used for cooking or other appliances, the gas system may not be removed completely. A licensed gas fitter should confirm what needs to happen.

Replacing Natural Gas Hot Water With Electric

Replacing natural gas hot water with electric may be part of an all-electric home upgrade.

This may suit homes where:

• Gas hot water is the last major gas appliance

• Solar power is installed

• The home is moving toward electric cooking or heating

• The existing gas hot water system is old

• The owner wants to reduce gas reliance

• The site suits a heat pump or electric storage tank

Natural Gas to Electric Buyer Checks

Check:

• Whether other appliances still use gas

• Whether the gas meter is staying

• Whether the gas hot water line needs capping

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Switchboard capacity

• New system location

• Drainage

• Pipework changes

• Compliance requirements

Removing gas hot water does not automatically remove all gas costs if other gas appliances remain connected.

Heat Pump vs Electric Storage When Replacing Gas

The two main electric replacement options are heat pump and electric storage.

A heat pump may be the better long-term option where the site suits. Electric storage may be better where simplicity, lower product cost or limited space is more important.

What Size Electric System Do You Need After Gas?

Sizing depends on household demand, not just the old gas model.

If replacing instant gas, pay close attention to peak use. Gas continuous flow does not store hot water, while electric and heat pump systems usually rely on stored hot water.

Homes With Solar Power

Homes with solar power often compare heat pump or electric storage when replacing gas.

A heat pump may be worth comparing because it uses electricity and may be timed to run during solar production where the setup allows. Electric storage may also be used with timers or tariff arrangements, depending on the electrical setup.

Check:

• Solar system size

• Daytime solar production

• Hot water usage pattern

• Timer options

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Backup heating requirements

• Tank size

• Household size

• Whether the system can run during solar production

Solar power does not automatically make every electric hot water option suitable. The system still needs to match the household and electrical setup.

Electrical Work When Replacing Gas With Electric

Replacing gas hot water with electric may require electrical work that was not needed for the old gas system.

Depending on the system, this may include:

• New hot water circuit

• Isolator

• Switchboard capacity check

• Circuit protection

• Timer or control setup

• Heat pump electrical connection

• Electric storage circuit

• Instant electric high-load circuit

• Compliance testing

A licensed electrician should confirm the electrical requirements before ordering.

Plumbing and Gas Work When Removing Gas Hot Water

Even though the new system is electric, gas and plumbing work may still be needed.

This may include:

• Disconnecting the old gas hot water unit

• Capping or isolating gas pipework

• Removing or making safe controller wiring

• Changing water pipework to suit the new unit

• Installing valves and fittings

• Running relief valve drainage

• Managing heat pump condensate

• Installing a tempering valve if required

• Removing the old unit

• Updating compliance documentation where required

A licensed plumber and gas fitter should complete this work.

Valves and Fittings for Gas to Electric Replacement

Changing from gas to electric may require different valves and fittings.

Depending on the system and site, you may need compatible valves, pipework and fittings, such as:

• Tempering valve

• Pressure limiting valve

• Duo valve

• Expansion control valve

• Isolation valve

• Non-return valve

• Relief valve drain materials

• Connection fittings

• Pipework materials

• Gas capping materials by a licensed gas fitter

• Heat pump condensate drainage materials

The correct parts depend on the system type, water pressure, temperature setting, location and local compliance requirements.

Common Mistakes When Replacing Gas With Electric

Assuming It Is a Direct Swap

Gas and electric systems have different services. Changing from gas to electric can require electrical circuits, plumbing changes, gas isolation and drainage work.

Choosing the Same Size as the Old Gas Unit

Gas storage, instant gas, electric storage and heat pumps do not all perform the same way. Size the new system based on household demand.

Buying Instant Electric Without Checking Power

Instant electric can require significant electrical capacity. It should not be assumed suitable for replacing instant gas.

Choosing a Heat Pump Without Checking Airflow

Heat pumps need suitable outdoor airflow, drainage and noise placement.

Ignoring Switchboard Capacity

Electric storage, heat pumps and instant electric units all need suitable electrical supply. Some homes may need upgrades.

Forgetting About Gas Disconnection

The old gas appliance needs to be safely disconnected, removed or isolated by a licensed gas fitter.

Forgetting Drainage

Storage systems and heat pumps need safe drainage. Heat pumps also produce condensate.

Comparing Supply-Only Price to Installed Cost

Supply-only pricing does not include installation, electrical work, gas fitting, pipework changes, valves, removal or compliance upgrades.

Assuming Rebates Always Apply

Rebates, STCs and incentives can change and depend on product, installer, property, purchase type and program rules.

Best Brands for Replacing Gas With Electric

The best brand depends on whether you choose heat pump, electric storage or instant electric.

iStore

iStore hot water systems are commonly compared in the heat pump category, especially for homes replacing gas or standard electric storage with efficient electric hot water.

Stiebel Eltron

Stiebel Eltron hot water systems may suit buyers comparing heat pump, electric and instant electric options.

Envirosun

Envirosun hot water systems are commonly compared for heat pump replacements where the site conditions suit.

Emerald Energy

Emerald Energy is often compared by buyers looking at heat pump value options.

Rheem

Rheem hot water systems are commonly compared across electric storage and heat pump categories, as well as gas systems where buyers are comparing existing and replacement options.

Dux

Dux hot water systems are often compared for practical electric storage replacements.

Vulcan

Vulcan hot water systems are often considered for budget-conscious electric storage replacements.

Buyer Checklist Before Ordering Online

Before ordering a supply-only electric replacement for gas hot water, confirm:

• Existing system type

• Natural gas or LPG

• Whether other appliances still use gas

• Current tank size or instant gas flow rate

• Number of people in the home

• Number of bathrooms

• Whether showers may run at the same time

• Whether the home has solar power

• Whether you prefer heat pump or electric storage

• Electrical circuit requirements

• Switchboard capacity

• Outdoor airflow for heat pump

• Noise placement

• Drainage and condensate requirements

• New system location

• Pipework changes

• Gas isolation or capping requirements

• Valve and fitting requirements

• Delivery and access requirements

• Licensed plumbing, electrical and gas fitting requirements

Supply-Only vs Installed Cost

Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Supply-only pricing is useful for comparing product costs, but it is not the same as total installed cost.

The final installed cost may depend on:

• Licensed plumbing labour

• Licensed electrical work

• Licensed gas fitting

• Old gas unit removal

• Gas pipe capping or isolation

• New electrical circuit

• Switchboard upgrades

• Valve replacement

• Pipework changes

• Drainage work

• Heat pump condensate drainage

• Old unit disposal

• Compliance upgrades

• Concrete bases or platforms

• Delivery access

Where appropriate, Hot Water Outlet may help organise quotes from reputable installers.

FAQ: Best Hot Water System for Replacing Gas With Electric

What is the best electric replacement for gas hot water?

The best electric replacement is usually either a heat pump hot water system or a correctly sized electric storage system. Heat pumps may suit energy-conscious homes with suitable outdoor space, while electric storage may suit buyers wanting a simpler tank-style option.

Can I replace instant gas with electric hot water?

Yes, but it is usually not a direct swap. Many homes replace instant gas with electric storage or heat pump hot water. Instant electric may suit only some applications because it can require significant electrical capacity.

Can I replace LPG hot water with a heat pump?

Yes, a heat pump may suit homes replacing LPG hot water if there is suitable airflow, drainage, noise placement and electrical supply. Gas disconnection or isolation should be handled by a licensed gas fitter.

Is heat pump better than electric storage when replacing gas?

A heat pump may offer better energy efficiency where the site suits, but it usually needs outdoor airflow, drainage and noise consideration. Electric storage may be simpler and cheaper upfront, depending on the system.

Do I need an electrician to replace gas hot water with electric?

Yes, electrical work is usually required when changing from gas to electric hot water. A licensed electrician should confirm circuit and switchboard requirements.

Do I need a gas fitter if I am removing gas hot water?

Yes. The old gas appliance and gas pipework must be disconnected, capped or isolated safely by a licensed gas fitter.

Can solar power run an electric hot water system?

Solar power may help support electric hot water use depending on system size, timer setup, household usage and electrical configuration. Heat pumps and electric storage systems are both commonly compared for solar homes.

What size electric hot water system do I need after gas?

Sizing depends on the number of people, bathrooms, showers, baths and peak usage. Do not choose only by matching the old gas system because electric storage, heat pumps and gas systems recover differently.

Does supply-only pricing include gas disconnection or electrical work?

No. Supply-only pricing generally does not include installation, gas disconnection, electrical work, plumbing labour, valves, fittings, pipework changes, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades.

Can Hot Water Outlet install the system?

Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical work must be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. Where appropriate, Hot Water Outlet may help organise quotes from reputable installers.

Final Thoughts

Replacing gas hot water with electric can be a smart move if the new system suits the home. A heat pump hot water system may suit homes with solar power and suitable outdoor space, while an electric hot water system may suit buyers wanting a simple storage replacement.

The key is checking the full conversion, not just the product price. Gas disconnection, electrical circuits, switchboard capacity, drainage, pipework, valves and compliance all need to be considered.

Browse hot water systems, compare heat pump hot water systems, electric hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems and compatible valves, pipework and fittings online at Hot Water Outlet.