Converting Gas to Electric: Water Heater. What It Takes and What It Costs
Quick Answer: Converting from gas to electric water heater costs $1,200–$2,000 extra in electrical work (vs. standard electric installation of $600–$800). You’ll need a dedicated 30–50 amp breaker, new wiring (often 6–10 AWG copper), and possibly panel upgrade ($500–$1,500 if panel is full). Total project: $2,500–$4,000. It makes sense if: gas line is expensive to abandon, you’re switching to heat pump (electric-only), or your utility rates favor electricity. It doesn’t make sense if natural gas is available and cheaper.
Why Convert Gas to Electric?
Reasons homeowners consider conversion:
- Removing gas line entirely (e.g., remodeling kitchen, don’t want gas in utility room)
- Switching to heat pump water heater (electric-only technology, 50% energy savings)
- Natural gas unavailable in new construction or rural areas
- Personal preference (all-electric home, avoiding gas safety concerns)
- Utility pricing (rarely applies in Utah; gas is cheaper)
Reasons NOT to convert:
- Gas is cheaper ($300–$350/year vs. $600/year for electric)
- Gas works without electricity (backup during outages)
- Installation cost ($1,200–$2,000 electrical work)
Electrical Requirements
Panel Space & Breaker
Electric water heater demand:
- 50-gallon tank: 30–40 amp breaker
- Larger (75+ gal): 40–50 amp breaker
- Heat pump: 30–40 amp (lower draw due to efficiency)
If your panel has space: Add new 30–40 amp breaker ($100–$300 electrician labor).
If your panel is full: Upgrade needed ($1,000–$2,000 for 100–200 amp panel replacement).
Panel age consideration: Older homes (pre-1980) may have 100-amp service. Adding 40-amp heater breaker leaves minimal margin. Electrician might recommend upgrade.
Wiring & Conduit
Copper wire size (for 40-amp breaker):
- Standard: 8 AWG copper (2-wire + ground)
- Cost: $1–$2 per foot + conduit
- Distance (heater to panel): 20–50 feet typical
- Total wire/conduit: $200–$400
Conduit (protection around wire):
- Metallic or PVC conduit
- Cost: $0.50–$1.50 per foot
- Total: $150–$300
Code Compliance (Utah)
Utah Residential Code P2701:
- Water heater must be on dedicated circuit (can’t share with other loads)
- Breaker must be 120/240V, sized for heater amperage
- All connections must be in junction box, properly grounded
Inspection required: Plan for inspection appointment (typical wait: 1–2 weeks in Utah).
Installation Sequence
Step 1: Licensed electrician runs new 8 AWG wire from panel to heater location through conduit.
Step 2: Electrician installs 30–40 amp double-pole breaker in panel.
Step 3: Licensed plumber disconnects gas line (capped by gas company), removes old heater.
Step 4: Plumber installs new electric heater, makes water connections.
Step 5: Electrician makes final electrical connections (240V to heater terminal block).
Step 6: City/county inspection of electrical work.
Step 7: Utility inspection of gas line abandonment (gas company corks off line).
Timeline: 2–3 weeks total (waiting for inspections).
Cost Breakdown
Scenario: Convert 40-gallon gas to 50-gallon electric in Utah
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electric water heater (50 gal) | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Electrical work (wire, conduit, breaker) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Plumbing disconnection (gas line) | $150–$250 |
| Water heater installation (plumbing) | $400–$600 |
| Inspection fees | $75–$150 |
| Gas line abandonment (gas company) | $100–$200 |
| Total | $2,725–$3,900 |
vs. Gas to gas replacement: $1,600–$2,200 (save $1,100–$1,700 by not converting).
vs. Gas to heat pump: $2,500–$3,200 installed (slightly more than electric conversion, but 50% energy savings offset cost in 4–5 years).
When Conversion Makes Economic Sense
Scenario 1: Already Upgrading Electrical Panel
If remodeling and upgrading 100-amp to 200-amp panel for other reasons (kitchen, addition), adding water heater to new capacity is cheapest time.
Added cost for water heater: Only $300–$500 (wire + breaker) vs. $2,000 if done later.
Verdict: Convert now.
Scenario 2: Choosing Heat Pump (Electric-Only)
Heat pump water heater is 50–73% cheaper to operate. Worth the electrical upgrade.
ROI: $1,500 electrical upgrade → $2,500–$3,500 energy savings over 10 years.
Verdict: Convert to heat pump.
Scenario 3: Gas Line Removal (Renovation)
If kitchen remodel eliminates gas line entirely, removing water heater gas is one cost. Might as well go electric.
Decision: Compare gas vs. electric utility costs. If utility rebate available (heat pump), convert to electric heat pump.
Scenario 4: Gas Available, No Renovation
Cost: $1,500–$2,000 extra for electrical work.
Energy savings: $50–$100/year switching from gas to electric.
Payback: 15–40 years (not worthwhile).
Verdict: Keep gas.
Electrical Upgrades: Full Picture
Panel Upgrade (if needed)
If electrician says: “Your panel is full, need upgrade.”
What’s involved:
- Electrician upgrades main breaker from 100A to 200A
- All existing wires inspected, upgraded if necessary
- New service entry from utility meter
- Cost: $1,500–$3,000
Who pays: You (homeowner). Sometimes utility covers meter upgrade; check with local provider.
Important: This is significant work. Get second opinion if estimate seems high.
Dedicated Circuit Standard
Code requirement: Water heater circuit can’t share with dishwasher, HVAC, etc.
Why: Water heater draws full 30–40 amps when heating. Sharing circuit would trip breaker.
Cost implication: Breaker must be “double-pole” (two independent switches), sized for heater amperage.
Gas Line Disconnection
After converting to electric, gas line must be capped/abandoned:
By utility: Gas company sends technician, caps line at meter, turns off service.
Cost: $100–$200 (utility may waive for safety reasons).
Why important: An open gas line is safety hazard; code violation if property is not abandoned.
Heat Pump vs. Standard Electric Conversion
| Upgrade Path | Total Cost | Annual Energy | 10-Year Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas → Standard electric | $2,700 | $600 | $0 (no savings) | Budget owners |
| Gas → Heat pump | $2,800–$3,200 | $200–$250 | $3,500–$4,000 | Long-term owners |
Recommendation: If converting anyway, upgrade to heat pump (only $100–$200 more, but 50% energy savings justify it).
Find Local Help
Electrical conversion requires licensed electrician and plumber coordination.
- Find contractors: Browse by city
- Request: “Gas to electric water heater conversion” from both electrician + plumber
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do this conversion myself?
A: Electrical work must be licensed (illegal DIY in Utah). Plumbing can be DIY if confident, but electrician is required.
Q: Will my electric bill increase dramatically?
A: Yes, if staying with standard electric heater ($30–$50/month more). Heat pump mitigates this ($5–$10/month more).
Q: Is there a rebate for converting to electric?
A: Not for standard electric. Heat pump has $550 Rocky Mountain Power rebate + $2,000 federal credit.
Q: How long does conversion take?
A: 1–2 weeks (including inspections). Actual work = 1–2 days.
Q: What if my panel can’t be upgraded?
A: Very rare. Panel upgrades are always possible (worst case: full main service replacement). Cost rises to $2,500–$3,000, but still feasible.
Sources and Update Policy
This article covers electrical conversion requirements, panel upgrades, cost analysis, and Utah code standards as of March 2026. Information sourced from Utah Residential Code electrical standards, electrical contractor guidelines, and local Utah utility requirements. We update this article annually with current labor rates and code changes.