Gas Or Electric
I am rehabbing a duplex that I plan to rent for a couple years. Currently there is gas in both kitchens. I am gutting the entire thing and am curious which I should use for the appliances in the kitchen, gas or electric? It would be the stove and hot water heater for both units.
What is the cost difference between the two if using these appliances? I know people prefer to cook with gas but is it safe in a rental? Any help greatly appreciated.
Personally, I would leave the HWH gas, as it is more cost efficiant. I would also convert to electric range if you feel it is likely that you will be renting to a family with kids. Knobs are always in the front of a gas range and on the top of an electric range. Many parents will see knobs on the front of the range as a hazard. But again it is more efficiant to to have gas cooking, and most people prefer to cook with gas.
And, if they pay their own utilities, do you really care what is more cost efficiant? You could also give your first renter the option.
Most important you did not say what type of heat you have or how old the units are from needing replaced.
From about Maryland going south, gas heat is much more expensive for home heating.
If you have gas heat and not a chance of replaceing it anytime soon, stick with gas. Gas heaters and stoves are a little more dependable and a little cheaper to operate if you aready have gas. because no elements to burn out. But with electric would allow tenants to have the gas cut off by gas company during most of the year. Gas companys charge a minium monthly charge even if you dont use much gas.
Heatpumps cheaper to replace and operate than gas and tenants like just the one electric bill which is usually cheaper so they can afford to pay rent on time. And yes electric is just a little safer.
Also if you are keeping long term and while they are doing the work it should not cost much more for them to just go ahead and wire for electric stove and water heater and this leaves your options open.
Also Lowes sells a lifetime electric water heater that covers all parts. Its about $100.00 more but worth it for long term. Nobody makes a lifetime in gas.
Also found out that my local gas company Columbia Gas, charges you to replace the main gas line from the road to the meter if it ever goes bad. Not like electric where they have the cost of getting the line to the meter. Had this confirmed with thier main office.
I would leabve the gas as it will not require a service upgrade on your electrical panel.
IF this is an older unit and you start replacing gas water heaters, stoves, dryers etc. with electric it is possible that the old fuse box or 70 amp breaker will be unable to handle the change and you will incur additional expense updating your service panel etc.
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