Our techs replace 200+ water heaters across the GTA every year. The most common question we get during the in-home estimate is whether to stick with gas or switch to electric. The honest answer depends on three factors specific to your home: your existing gas line, your annual hot water use, and whether you want to qualify for federal heat-pump-water-heater rebates. Here is the straight comparison.
Quick Verdict
For most GTA homeowners with an existing gas line, gas tankless wins on lifetime cost. For homeowners without natural gas service, or those replacing oil heat, an electric heat-pump water heater wins on rebate eligibility and long-term operating cost. Standard electric tank heaters are the cheapest install but the most expensive to run.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Gas tank | Gas tankless | Electric tank | Heat pump water heater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install cost | $1,400 to $2,200 | $2,400 to $3,800 | $900 to $1,600 | $3,500 to $5,500 |
| Annual operating cost | $280 to $360 | $220 to $300 | $520 to $680 | $140 to $220 |
| Lifespan | 8 to 12 years | 20+ years | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Recovery rate | Limited by tank size | Endless hot water | Slow recovery | Slow recovery |
| Venting required | Yes (flue) | Yes (direct vent) | No | Indoor air or vent |
| Rebate eligible | Some Enbridge rebates | Up to $1,000 Enbridge | No | Up to $1,000 federal |
Gas Water Heaters: When They Win
Gas heats water about 3 times faster than electric per dollar spent. If your home already has a gas line running to the existing water heater, sticking with gas is usually the cheapest 10-year ownership path. Gas tankless units in particular are a long-game winner: 20+ year lifespan, endless hot water, and Enbridge rebates of up to $1,000 on qualifying high-efficiency models.
- Family of 4 with high hot water use (showers, dishwasher, laundry running simultaneously)
- Existing gas service to the home
- Plan to stay in the home 10+ years
- Want endless hot water (tankless only)
Electric Water Heaters: When They Win
Standard electric tank heaters are the cheapest unit to install ($900 to $1,600) and require no venting, so they fit in spots where gas would not. The catch is operating cost: at current Toronto Hydro time-of-use rates, an electric tank costs roughly twice as much per year as gas tank.
Heat-pump water heaters (HPWH) flip the equation. They use the same inverter technology as cold-climate heat pumps to extract heat from indoor air and transfer it to the water tank. Operating cost runs $140 to $220 per year, which is lower than any gas unit. They qualify for up to $1,000 in federal Greener Homes rebates.
- No gas line at the property (or extending it is expensive)
- Converting from oil heat (HPWH stacks with Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program)
- Small home or vacation property with low hot water demand
- Already replacing the furnace with a heat pump and want a matching electric stack
Tankless or Tank? Pick by Use Case
Tankless wins on flow but requires gas service and proper sizing. A 199,000 BTU tankless unit handles 2 simultaneous showers and a dishwasher in a typical Mississauga family home. Tank wins on simplicity and lower upfront cost.
See pricing for both tank and tankless water heater installation in your GTA city.
View Water Heater PricingHow EcoFrost Decides For Your Home
Our techs ask 5 questions during the free in-home estimate:
- Does your home have a gas line at the existing water heater location?
- How many people live in the house and how much hot water do you use daily?
- Do you plan to stay 10+ years or 3 to 5 years?
- Are you already replacing the furnace with a heat pump?
- Does your home have space for a heat-pump water heater (needs about 750 cubic feet of indoor air)?
Most Mississauga and Toronto homeowners with existing gas service end up with a gas tankless install. Most Brampton and Hamilton homeowners converting from oil heat end up with a heat-pump water heater plus a heat pump furnace replacement.
Book a free in-home water heater assessment. We will tell you which option wins for your specific home.
Book Free Assessment?Frequently Asked Questions
Is gas or electric cheaper to operate in Ontario?
Can I switch from a gas water heater to an electric one?
How long does a water heater installation take in the GTA?
What rebates are available for water heaters in Ontario 2026?
Should I get a heat-pump water heater in Toronto?
EcoFrost Heating & Cooling
Toronto's Trusted HVAC Experts Since 2015
Our certified HVAC technicians have served 5,000+ Toronto-area homes. We write about heating, cooling, and air quality from real field experience not marketing copy. Learn about us →
